The best city hikes and walks around Calgary

Set on the slopes of Signal Hill, Battalion Park is home to one of Calgary’s most distinctive viewpoints. The hillside is marked by four large stone numerals, made up of 16,000 whitewashed rocks arranged to honour the battalions that trained here during the First World War. Trails and staircases climb to lookouts above the city and the Tsuut’ina Nation, making it a simple outing for anyone interested in great views and local history.

Circling the entire city, the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway links neighbourhoods, wetlands, parks, and open prairie into one long, easy to follow loop. The paved pathway rolls through more than a dozen green spaces, passing fitness parks, off‑leash areas, and quiet stretches of grassland as it connects over 50 communities throughout Calgary.

Nose Creek is a prairie stream that flows south through Calgary, forming a narrow corridor of riparian habitat within the city. It passes through grasslands, wetlands, and urban parkland before joining the Bow River, with sections that have been restored to support native vegetation. Despite its urban setting, the creek provides habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife along much of its course.

Nose Creek Park preserves a beautiful stretch of the upper creek valley in northwest Calgary. Its unpaved, informal trails wind alongside the creek, weaving through grasslands and wetland areas. Unlike the more developed parks downstream, this space offers a more natural experience. The setting is open and minimally developed, with native vegetation and plenty of wildlife that reflect the typical prairie environment of Calgary.

Nose Creek Pathway is a multi-use paved trail that runs alongside Nose Creek, forming part of Calgary’s extensive pathway network. It winds gradually through open parkland and under road crossings, with a mostly gentle grade that makes it ideal for walking and cycling. The route follows the creek closely in sections, with consistent views of the water, surrounding grasslands, and pockets of urban wildlife along the way.

The Elbow River Pathway is a well-maintained urban trail that connects parks, neighbourhoods, and bridges along the river’s edge. Ideal for walking, cycling, or jogging, it offers constant views of the water and green spaces like Stanley Park and ENMAX Park. Benches and picnic areas appear frequently, making it easy to pause and take in the scenery.

Named after the Scottish settlers who once climbed this ridge to watch early Stampede events, Scotsman’s Hill remains one of Calgary’s most famous viewpoints. From here, you can see the Stampede Grounds, the Saddledome, and the downtown skyline framed by the Elbow River valley. The short climb leads to a panoramic lookout that’s especially striking at sunrise or during the Calgary Stampede, when fireworks light up the city below.

The Elbow River Traverse is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge spanning the Elbow River, just upstream from its confluence with the Bow River. Opened by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, it connects the East Village to Inglewood, creating a seamless link between two neighborhoods. The bridge’s sleek, minimalist design offers wide views of both rivers and the downtown skyline — a perfect spot to pause and take in Calgary’s riverfront landscape.