The best walks and hikes around Calgary

Calgary and its surrounding areas offer a vast network of hiking opportunities. Our guide features over 130 hiking routes, ranging from easy urban strolls to challenging mountain treks. You'll find options suitable for all skill levels, with 90 easy routes, 39 moderate, and 3 difficult trails.

The terrain around Calgary is incredibly diverse. Within the city, you'll find extensive paved pathways like the Bow River Pathway loop and dirt trails through urban parks such as Fish Creek Provincial Park. Just outside the city, the landscape quickly transitions to the rugged, mountainous terrain of the Canadian Rockies, featuring alpine lakes, dense forests, and significant elevation gains in areas like Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park.

Absolutely! Calgary offers many easy and family-friendly options. The Bow River Pathway loop is an excellent choice for a gentle stroll with continuous river views. Within the city, Fish Creek Provincial Park and Nose Hill Park provide numerous easy trails. For a slightly longer but still accessible option, the South Glenmore Park loop is popular. Further afield, Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park offers a family-friendly trail with boardwalks and waterfalls.

Yes, several trails near Calgary feature beautiful waterfalls. Within the city, Bowmont Park offers rugged terrain and a hidden waterfall along the Bow River. For a more prominent experience, Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park is famous for its multiple waterfalls and cliffside metal bridges. Grotto Canyon near Exshaw is also popular, especially in winter when its frozen waterfalls create a unique spectacle.

Hiking around Calgary offers access to numerous landmarks and stunning viewpoints. Within the city, you can walk across the iconic Peace Bridge or explore the historic Stephen Avenue Walk. Nose Hill Park provides panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the city skyline. Outside Calgary, trails like Ha Ling Peak offer breathtaking vistas of the Bow Valley, while Barrier Lake Lookout provides a stunning view of the fluorescent lake below.

Many trails around Calgary are dog-friendly, especially within the city's extensive pathway system and urban parks like Fish Creek Provincial Park. However, regulations can vary, particularly in provincial and national parks like Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park, where dogs are often required to be on a leash and certain areas may have restrictions to protect wildlife. Always check specific park or trail regulations before heading out with your furry friend.

The best time for hiking around Calgary largely depends on the type of experience you're seeking. Summer (June to September) is ideal for mountain trails in Kananaskis and Banff, offering warm weather and clear paths. Spring and Fall provide pleasant temperatures for urban and foothill hikes, with fewer crowds and beautiful foliage. Winter offers unique opportunities for snowshoeing or walking on frozen trails, such as Grotto Canyon, but requires appropriate gear and caution.

Yes, circular routes are very popular around Calgary. A prime example is the Glenmore Reservoir loop, a moderate 14.7 km trail offering peaceful water views. The Bow River Pathway loop and South Glenmore Park loop are also excellent circular options within the city, providing accessible and scenic walks.

Calgary serves as a gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies, offering world-class hiking within a short drive. Kananaskis Country boasts trails like Grassi Lakes, Ha Ling Peak, and Moose Mountain, known for jagged mountains and alpine lakes. Banff National Park, a world-renowned destination, features iconic trails such as Johnston Canyon, Sulphur Mountain, and the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, providing breathtaking mountain and lake vistas. Remember that a Kananaskis Conservation Pass or a National Park Pass is required for vehicles in these areas.

Many urban trails within Calgary, such as those along the Bow River Pathway, are easily accessible by public transport and have nearby parking. For trails in Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park, car access is generally preferred, though some areas might have limited public transport options from nearby towns like Canmore or Banff. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for vehicles entering Kananaskis Country, and a National Park Pass is needed for entry into Banff National Park. It's always advisable to check specific trailheads for parking availability and any permit requirements before your trip.

The hiking experiences around Calgary are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's incredible diversity, from the extensive and well-maintained urban pathways offering continuous river views to the awe-inspiring mountain landscapes of the nearby Rockies. The accessibility of both city green spaces and challenging alpine treks, catering to all fitness levels, is frequently highlighted as a major draw.