There are so many wonderful walks and rides in the inner city along the river pathways and neighborhoods. I have created a few routes that interconnect so you can do exactly what suits your interests and the distance you’d like to travel.
Check out the Google route map with route options and destination details. Google route map.
A walk through Bridgeland & Inglewood
Tom Campbell’s Hill off-leash park is the big kick off on these walks through Bridgeland and Inglewood. Soak up the Rockies, Bow River, and the downtown views as the kids and your pups burn off some energy. The longer Bridgeland walk continues north along the pathway, overlooking the Science Centre. Navigate the neighborhood to the most scenic trail in Bridgeland that skirts the escarpment; it’s all views, stunning gardens, and slopeside running. Continue to cut through paths, stairways, and green space trails before looping back to the big open of Murdoch Park and the playground at the Bridgeland Community Centre. There are many tasty cafes and restaurants nearby, or swing by Bridgeland Market to grab some bread, cheese, and dips for a picnic in the park. Walk the paved pathway through Murdoch Park, where the crabapple trees line the pathway, before making your way back to Tom Campbell’s Hill for a finish with a big view.
For the combo Inglewood-Bridgeland walk, walk south from Tom Campbell’s Hill to cross the river to Inglewood; Or, for Inglewood-only walk, start at Pearce Estate Park and follow the Bow River into Inglewood. You’ll pass by folk art, little libraries, and blossoming apple and pear trees before deciding which route to take. Walk along 11 Street, past craft breweries with patios, before climbing to Scotsman’s Hill for award-winning views of the city. Take the stairs down towards Stampede Park and walk the Elbow River pathway north to the fantastic, inclusive playground on MacDonald Avenue. Post-play, continue to the west side of the Elbow River and follow the pathway to Fort Calgary and the East Village, where another playground and more tasty options await. Sit outside and soak up the energy of all the people enjoying the RiverWalk.
Starting Point: Bridgeland LRT, Tom Campbell’s Hill Parking lot at Child Avenue and Centre Avenue NE, or Pearce Estate Park
Facilities: Bathrooms at Pearce Estate Park
A ride along the Bow River & the Inglewood Pump Track
A bike ride along the Bow River & the Inglewood Pump Track begins at Pearce Estate Park or the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Cycle north and then west along the Bow River Pathway. The first detour is to the Inglewood Pump Track at 17 Avenue, where both kids and parents can practice their cycling skills on the beginner and intermediate tracks built for racing. Next stop is Harvey Passage, a natural water park and whitewater kayak course. This is a refreshing break on a hot summer’s day and also great entertainment when kayakers are playing in the waves.
Follow the Bow River Pathway to 15 Street if you need something tasty to start your ride. Good News Café, a little house turned into a cafe, serves up unbeatable lattes and ever-changing flavors of soft serve sundaes. Cycle west on the pathway beneath towering poplars into the community of Inglewood, where gardens and folk art add visual interest. Cycle along the East Village RiverWalk to Prince’s Island Park and take a walk along the wetland trails on the east end of the island, stop by the island playground, or throw rocks in the Bow River. Cross the Peace Bridge and continue along the north side of the Bow to St. Patrick’s Island, where you can stop at Trout Beach for a picnic. This natural water park is a favorite with kids. Keep on pedalling to the playground and then loop through Inglewood, where you might want to detour for burgers or ice cream, a craft beer (for the grownups!), or some strolling and shopping along 9 Avenue before cycling back to your starting point.
Parking Start: Pearce Estate Park or Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
LRT Start: Bridgeland Station
Facilities: Bathrooms at Pearce Estate Park, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, and St. Patrick’s Island
Detours, Destinations & Suggestions for both routes
Inglewood: Sidewalk Citizen on RiverWalk for lunch, burgers at the Inglewood Drive In, craft beer on the patio at ‘Ole Beautiful or Cold Garden, ice cream at Good News Café or Apprentice Café.
Bridgeland: Ice cream from Village Ice Cream, Lukes Drug Mart, and Made by Marcus. Grab picnic supplies at Bridgeland Market, Lina’s on 9 Avenue SE, or indulge in lunch stops along 9 Avenue and 11 Street in Inglewood and 1 Avenue in Bridgeland.
Lori is the author of Calgary’s Best Bike Rides: 50 urban cycle tours and pathway pedals, and the best-selling guidebook Calgary’s Best Walks: 45 urban jaunts and nature strolls. She is the owner of Fit Frog Adventures where she leads walks, hikes, and snowshoe days. Connect with her, see upcoming events, and get signed copies of her books on Instagram @lorifitfrog and at www.fitfrog.ca and at bookstores and cool shops throughout Calgary.
See our related articles:
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
