7 of the best urban hikes right in Calgary to check out this summer

Being in the city doesn’t mean you have to go to the mountains for a good hike. Calgary is full of urban hikes waiting to be explored.

From scenic walks that offer amazing views to spots to catch some fresh air right in the city, here are seven of the best urban hikes in Calgary to check out this summer.

Nose Hill Park

Nose Hill Park is one of the biggest urban parks in Canada, with wide open prairies, rolling hills, and amazing views of both the city and the Rockies. It’s a great spot to get some steps in without leaving Calgary.

Some of the most popular routes include the Blakiston Trail, which offers some of the best views, and the Brisebois Trail, which offers a quiet stroll.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Provincial Park offers one of the most extensive trail networks in Calgary, with routes that range from east riverside strolls to longer forested hikes.

The Marshall Springs Trail is a quiet, wooded route that feels removed from the city, and the Bebo Grove Loop is another favourite that offers easy access to the river. 

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary 

If you’re looking to spot some wildlife without leaving the city, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary offers a quiet escape just minutes from downtown Calgary.

The main Nature Trail Loop will take you through wetlands, forested areas, and boardwalk sections, making it one of the best spots in the city to see birds and other wildlife up close. It’s an easy flat route, perfect for everyone. You can also try out its forest bathing trail,  designed to support well-being.

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Reader Rock Garden

While it’s more of a climb than a hike, Reader Rock Garden offers winding pathways, gardens, and scenic skyline views. The main garden trail network weaves through paths and flower-lined walkways, making it ideal for a quick walk close to downtown. 

Carburn Park

Carburn Park offers a quiet but hike-worthy route through southeast Calgary, with wetlands, forested sections, and longer routes along the Bow River.

The main trail through the park provides a nice stroll, but you can extend your route using the Bow River Pathway, turning it into a longer hike that links multiple sections of green space and riverbank terrain. 

Edworthy Park

Edworthy Park offers one of the more diverse landscapes in Calgary for a hike with forested sections, river views, and a mix of elevation throughout the area.

While the popular Douglas Fir Trail is currently under construction, you can still enjoy the Lawrey Gardens Trail, which offers a steady incline through wooded terrain and connects to viewpoints above the river valley. 

Griffith Woods Park

With 93 hectares to explore, Griffith Woods Park offers a quiet spot in Calgary with forest trails, river access and a calm natural setting along the Elbow River.

The Griffith Woods loop trails wind through trees and well-maintained paths that make it easy to spend an entire afternoon surrounded by the city’s nature.