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5 Bike Routes in Calgary for the Ultimate Canadian Cycling Trip
It’s no secret that Canada offers amazing outdoor activities, from sledding to hiking and canoeing. Throughout my residency here, however, one particular activity I’ve added to my lifestyle (and grown to love) is cycling!
A huge reason for this is that one of my favourite cities to visit, Calgary, is home to amazing bike routes. These trails allow me to stay fit riding my bike through exhilarating pathways and offer stunning views and excellent vibes.
If these trails speak to you as they do to me, continue reading and join me as I gush over my favourite bike routes to conquer here in Calgary. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, there’s something for you here!
Nose Hill Loop
Media credit: berrywang_09
Address: 6465 14 St NW.
Length: 7.6 kilometres
Difficulty Level: Moderately challenging
Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour and 50 minutes
The Nose Hill Loop is a great choice if you’re tired of easy pathways but aren’t quite ready yet for the toughest trails. It’s considered moderately challenging because it spans 7.6 kilometres, which will take around two hours to complete.
Its loop consists of paved and gravel pathways, so your maneuvering skills will be slightly challenged. The best thing about this trail is its wide area, which gives you plenty of space to move and natural landscapes to admire.
The most challenging parts of this trail are its many hills, but hey, that’s part of the fun! Plus, it’s in these hills where you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the city and maybe even some wildlife!
Pro tip:
Consider cycling here from September to March to get a chance to witness the beautiful Northern Lights during your night ride!
Glenmore Reservoir Loop
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Address: 7305 Crowchild Trl SW
Length: 14.5 kilometres
Difficulty Level: Moderately challenging
Estimated Time to Complete: 3 hours and 30 minutes
The Glenmore Reservoir Loop is a moderately challenging trail, but avid cyclists consider it a fun route. A huge reason for this is the beautiful views of the water and the vast greenery surrounding it, filled with towering trees.
Beginners can also enjoy this trail, as it is mostly flat, with steep turns and drops scattered along the way. There are also sections throughout the pathway that separate joggers from cyclists, which is where it gets exciting because you can start to build speed.
Your main enemy struggle here would be endurance, since it would take around three and a half hours to complete the loop. This is also why we recommend taking multiple stops along the way and smelling the flowers from time to time (literally and figuratively).
Pro tip:
If you are in the city during summer, you can also try canoeing at the Glenmore Reservoir! It offers a far more relaxing experience than cycling, and it’s a great way to be alone with your thoughts while surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.
Bow River Pathway
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Address: 3P5, Bow River Pathway
Length: 3.5 kilometres
Difficulty Level: Easy
Estimated Time to Complete: 44 minutes
Bow River Pathway is the perfect trail for beginners, as it mainly consists of flat pathways and takes less than an hour to complete. Throughout your ride, you’ll get to admire the calm river and enjoy the brisk wind blowing on your face.
The only thing you’ll worry about on this trail is the other people you need to avoid, since it’s a popular jogging and dog-walking spot in the neighbourhood. Don’t worry; the trail is wide enough to help you move around visitors—just don’t ride at crazy speeds!
Aside from the flat and paved pathways alongside the river, you’ll ride your bike through bridges to cross to the other side and make the loop. It’s also on these bridges where you’ll get a chance to snap a pic of the skyline.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving here, set your navigation app to Sunalta – Lot #454, the closest parking lot to the pathway. On the other hand, you can also take the train and depart at the Sunalta Station if you plan to commute.
Fish Creek East Loop
Media credit: onaden28
Address: 153 Ave SE
Length: 10.1 kilometres
Difficulty Level: Moderately challenging
Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hours and 27 minutes
If you want to escape all the city noise without embarking on a road trip, then the Fish Creek East Loop should be on your radar! This loop covers 10.1 kilometres, which will take around two and a half hours to complete, giving you the zen you need.
Even though the trail is considered moderately challenging, it’s pretty relaxing to ride through, thanks to its vast area and the crisp air from the water. You’ll also be granted first-class seats to the serene Bow River!
However, I speak for all avid cyclists when I say that the best thing about Fish Creek, in general, is its plentiful pathways. There are also bridges that you can cross while riding your bike to take in spectacular views!
Pro tip:
Be sure to stop by the Fish Creek Mountain Bike Skills Park! This is a great place to let loose on your bike and ride through numerous manmade hills if the Fish Creek East Loop left you craving for more action.
Confederation Park Trail
Media credit: calgaryschild
Address: 905 30 Ave NW
Length: 3.2 kilometres
Difficulty Level: Easy
Estimated Time to Complete: 43 minutes
Getting your kids to join you on your rides can be tough. Fortunately, pathways like the Confederation Park Trail can help your young ones, or any beginner, get their footing in this thrilling activity.
It’s located in the heart of Calgary, so you won’t have trouble reaching it. Don’t be fooled, however, as you’ll feel like you’re somewhere remote, thanks to the towering trees thriving in the park.
Lastly, it’s considered a beginner-friendly trail because most of its pathways are well-maintained and paved.
Pro tip:
You can also bring your tennis rackets on your trip and hit the public court before or after your ride!
