It may come as a surprise to those who aren’t avid cycling enthusiasts, but with nearly 800 kilometres of pathways, Calgary has the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America. That’s a lot of ground to cover! Summer is a great time to get outdoors with the family, get active and explore some of the best paths our beautiful city has to offer - but where do you start?
Here are a couple of ideas for bike loops suitable for families. Grab your wheels and helmet, and let’s get going!
Beginner loop
This loop is suitable for a leisurely journey.
Carburn Park (3-kilometre loop). Carburn Park is nestled along the east bank of the Bow River, south of Glenmore Trail. The park is a pretty natural area that boasts man-made ponds with a pathway around the perimeter of one of the ponds. With no hills or dips, the path is a great place to practice cycling.
Visitors can enjoy the playground located on the west side of the park and should keep their eyes peeled for the park’s abundant wildlife. Fishing, canoes, dinghies and paddle boats are allowed in the ponds, and dogs can join the fun as long as they’re on-leash. In the summer, there is often an ice-cream truck in the parking lot. Toilets are located at the park entrance off the parking lot.
Intermediate pathway loop
Check these out if you can cope with hills and longer distance.
Shannon Terrace to Voitier’s Flats (11-kilometre loop). Enter the west end of Fish Creek Provincial Park at Shannon Terrace (37 Street SW) and follow the path east to Voitier’s Flats and back. The ride features some open areas but is mostly covered with towering trees overhead. There are many chances to spot wildlife - make sure to watch out for deer while you ride! This journey offers plenty of opportunities for the budding photographer of the family to snap some pics. Fire pits, water and washrooms are located at both Shannon Terrace and Voitier’s Flats near the parking lots, so you can make a pit stop at either end.
Pathway safety improvements
Parks continues to repair and reconnect Calgary’s pathways affected by last year’s flood. At the height of the flood, 93 kilometres of pathways were closed; today, only 18 kilometres remain closed.
Remember to check out the Pathway closures page at www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Pathways/Pathway-closures.aspx for the latest updates on sections closed for maintenance or construction when planning your route!
Pathways that go through Fish Creek Park are maintained by the Province, so check their site too, www.albertaparks.ca/fish-creek.aspx.
Remember these helpful tips to ensure a safe trip:
Pay attention to and respect all signage.
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on Calgary’s pathways is 20 kilometres per hour.
Remain on the right-hand side of a pathway, unless passing.
Before passing someone, make sure they hear you by signalling with your bell or a friendly “on your left.”
Yield to the person on your right at an uncontrolled intersection.
Travel with care and attention.
Share the pathways.
Learn more about what The City of Calgary Parks has to offer at www.calgary.ca/parks and check out the camps and programs at www.calgary.ca/parksguide. Like them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/cityofcalgaryparks, and follow them on Twitter @CalgaryParks to keep up-to-date with all the great stuff they’ve got going on in the great outdoors.
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