Best Bike Trails in Calgary: Where to Go Biking Near the City

Cyclists in Calgary are in luck. Calgary has some of the best bike paths in North America. With over 1,000 kilometres of pathways and trails, this city is a cyclist's dream.

Living in Calgary means endless biking possibilities, whether you're a casual weekend rider or a serious cyclist. The city sits close to amazing mountain trails, making it even better for bike lovers.

Come explore the best places to ride in and around Calgary. Grab your helmet and go!

Tips for Cycling in Calgary

• Calgary has over 1,000 km of bike trails, making it one of the best cycling cities in North America.
• The Rotary/Mattamy Greenway loops the entire city, connecting 55 communities and over 20 parks.
• Riverside and urban park trails like Bow River Pathway, Elbow River Pathway, and Fish Creek Park offer scenic and accessible rides.
• Beginner-friendly and kid-safe paths include Bowness Park and the Western Headworks Canal Pathway.
• Mountain biking options nearby include Nose Hill Park, 12 Mile Coulee, and the epic Highwood Pass.

Calgary's Amazing Loop: The Rotary/Mattamy Greenway

Ever wanted to bike around an entire city? In Calgary, you actually can!

The Rotary/Mattamy Greenway is a 138-kilometre pathway that loops around the entire city. It's like a giant circle connecting 55 communities where about one-third of Calgary’s population (400,000 people) resides!

This massive trail connects with other pathways, too, so you can easily branch off to explore different parts of the city at your own pace. The best part? The loop is mostly flat and paved, making it comfy for casual rides or longer adventures.

Some of the most popular access points are near Coventry Hills, the northernmost point of the trail, and Royal Oak in northwest Calgary. What makes this trail special:

• Connects to more than 20 parks and natural areas
• Links to over 1,000 kilometres of other pathways
• Offers great views of the city skyline
• Perfect for short rides or an epic full-day journey

Want to tackle the whole loop? Most cyclists need about 8–10 hours, but you can easily break it into smaller sections for more manageable rides.

Ride Along the Rivers: Bow and Elbow River Pathways

The rivers running through Calgary create incredible natural biking routes. These are some of the best trails in Calgary, whether to walk, jog, bike, or skate—and for good reason!

Bow River Pathway: The Classic Calgary Ride

The Bow River Pathway stretches 13 kilometres through the heart of Calgary. With just 155 feet of elevation gain, it's an easy ride for almost anyone.

This path follows the beautiful Bow River, giving you amazing views of both nature and the city. You'll pass through downtown, ride under bridges, and spot plenty of wildlife along the way.

Start at Edworthy Park in West Calgary and ride east toward Fort Calgary for a mostly downhill cruise. Or do it the other way for a bit more of a workout!

Elbow River Pathway: A Peaceful Urban Escape

The Elbow River Pathway might be less famous than its Bow River cousin, but it's just as nice for a ride.

This paved path starts at The Confluence Historic Site in Calgary’s Downtown East Village and follows the Elbow River all the way to Glenmore Reservoir in the south. It's quieter than the Bow pathway, making it perfect for a more peaceful ride.

Even better, the route takes you through some of Calgary's prettiest neighbourhoods, from Elbow Park to Altadore. You'll see beautiful homes, cross charming bridges, and enjoy lots of shady sections on hot summer days.

Escape the City Without Leaving Town: Fish Creek Provincial Park

Need a nature fix without driving out of the city? Fish Creek Provincial Park is your answer.

One of Calgary’s best parks, this MASSIVE urban space spans nearly 13.5 square kilometres and has over 100 kilometres of trails. About 65 kilometres are paved, making it perfect for casual cycling.

The park feels worlds away from city life, even though it's right in Calgary's south end. You'll ride through:

• Dense forests with tall trees
• Open grasslands filled with wildflowers
• Creek valleys where deer often graze
• Wide meadows perfect for a picnic stop

Fish Creek Provincial Park is great for kids since you can choose trails based on your skill level and how far you want to go. The main paved pathway is flat and easy, while some side trails offer more challenge if you're looking for it.

The Western Headworks Canal Pathway: Perfect for Beginners

Just getting started with cycling? The Western Headworks Canal Pathway is your best bet.

This paved trail follows an irrigation canal that begins in Calgary’s Radisson Heights neighbourhood. Because it follows a water channel, there are almost no major hills to worry about. This one’s ideal if you're:

• Just learning to ride
• Getting back on a bike after years away
• Riding with young kids
• Looking for an easy, stress-free cruise

The path runs about 24 kilometres from the Bow River to Chestermere Lake. Certain parts aren’t as scenic as some other trails, but the eastern sections get quite pretty as you approach Chestermere.

Bonus: It's usually less crowded than the river pathways, especially on weekends.

Prairie Views at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Want something different from Calgary's river valleys? Head to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, just a short drive northwest of the city near Cochrane.

This park offers nearly 40 kilometres of both paved and shale pathways. The trails wind through beautiful prairie landscapes that look totally different from the city parks.

What makes Glenbow Ranch special?

• Rolling hills with amazing views of the Bow River Valley
• Colourful wildflowers in spring and summer
• Tons of birds and wildlife to spot while you ride
• Historical sites from early ranching days

The trails here have more hills than most Calgary pathways, so be ready for a bit more exercise! The climbs are worth it, though—the views from the top of the hills are unbeatable.

While it’s around 25 km from downtown Calgary, the park and its trails are located less than 10 km from many northwest communities, including Rocky Ridge and Arbour Lake. 

Glenbow Ranch is part of the Trans-Canada Trail in Alberta, connecting to a much larger network of pathways across the country.

Family Fun at Bowness Park

Looking for company on your ride? Bowness Park is the perfect spot for kid-friendly biking adventures.

This beautiful park in Northwest Calgary features a 4.3-kilometre, mostly paved trail that loops around a lagoon. The path is wide, flat, and separated from cars, making it a stress-free choice for little riders.

After biking, Bowness Park has tons of other activities:

• Picnic areas with BBQ pits
• One of Calgary’s best spray parks in summer and an ice rink in winter
• Boat rentals
• A tea house for snacks and refreshments

The path connects to the larger Bow River pathway system, too, so you can extend your ride if the kids are feeling adventurous. Just don’t forget to pack some snacks!

Mountain Biking Close to the City

Ready to challenge yourself? You don't have to drive all the way to the Rockies for exciting mountain biking.

Nose Hill Park: Urban Mountain Biking

Nose Hill Park in North Calgary has tons of unpaved trails that are just right for mountain biking. As one of the largest urban parks in North America, it offers plenty of space to explore.

The park sits on a large hill (hence the name), so there will be some good climbs and descents. The natural terrain trails wind through grasslands, offering amazing views of the city and mountains.

12 Mile Coulee

This hidden gem in northwest Calgary’s Tuscany neighbourhood offers some surprisingly technical mountain biking trails. The single-track paths wind through a beautiful ravine with trees, creeks, and small wooden bridges.

It's not huge, but the trail network packs a lot of fun into a small area. You'll find drops, berms, and other natural features that make for a thrilling ride.

The Ultimate Mountain Experience: Highwood Pass

When you're ready for the big leagues, head west from Calgary to Highwood Pass. This 76-kilometre out-and-back trail isn't for beginners, but it offers some of the best mountain views you'll ever see from a bike.

Highwood Pass, one of the best Rocky Mountain road trips from Calgary, is the highest paved road in Canada at 2,206 meters. That means serious climbing, but also incredible Alpine scenery that most people never get a chance to experience.

The route follows Highway 40 through Kananaskis Country. It's best ridden in early summer, when the road is closed to cars but cleared of snow—cyclists have the entire road to themselves!

Plan Your Perfect Calgary Bike Adventure

With so many amazing bike trails in Calgary, how do you even begin to pick just one? Here's a quick guide based on what you're looking for in an ideal ride:

Best for Beginners

• Western Headworks Canal Pathway
• Bowness Park Loop
• Fish Creek Park's main paved pathways

Best for Kids

• Bowness Park
• Carburn Park
• South Glenmore Park

Best for Scenic City Views

• Bow River Pathway downtown section
• Scotsman's Hill pathways
• Nose Hill Park ridges

Best for Nature and Wildlife

• Fish Creek Provincial Park
• Weaselhead Flats
• Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Best for a Workout

• Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park (hills!)
• Nose Hill Park loops
• The full Rotary/Mattamy Greenway (if you're ambitious!)

Quick Tips for Biking in Calgary

Before you head out on Calgary's bike trails, keep these things in mind:

• Most pathways are shared with walkers. Ring your bell before passing.
• Winters can be tough for biking, but the city clears many major pathways of snow.
• Calgary's weather changes quickly. Bring layers, even on sunny days.
• Public washrooms are available along most major pathways during the summer.
• Many trails connect to great coffee shops and restaurants for mid-ride breaks.
• Remember your sunscreen—Calgary is one of the sunniest cities in Canada!

Calgary: A Cycling Paradise

Calgary has one of North America's best urban pathway systems, and it continues to improve year after year.

From kid-friendly rides to strenuous mountain treks, Calgary's bike trails genuinely have it all. The best part? Most of these amazing pathways are completely free to use and accessible right from the city.

So pump up those tires, strap on your helmet, and discover Calgary in the best way possible—on two wheels!

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