Sandy Beach Park, Glenmore Dam Wilds, & Altadore, SW
Connecting neighborhoods on foot is my favorite way to get to know a city. This route travels across pedestrian bridges, along regional pathways, and then detours on shortcut community pathways and stairways tucked in between houses to tasty destinations in Marda Loop and Altadore.
From Sandy Beach Park, an earthy stairway leads into the trees and exits into the River Park off-leash area, where enthusiastic pups and breathtaking views of the Elbow River Valley and the downtown core are your reward. Chinook arches are a spectacular and very welcome sight from the River Park escarpment. The warm winds that blow in from the West Coast, over the Rocky Mountains, melt Calgarians’ frosty faces.
From River Park, choose one of two route options, both with lots of off-leashing for family pups that may be joining you. The wilder walk heads south to the Glenmore Dam trails that skirt the Elbow River. It’s the perfect spot to skip some rocks or, on a very cold winter day, watch the steam rise from the river – a frigid yet beautiful sight. A set of stairs leads to stunning views from the top of the dam. Loop into Altadore along paved pathways and sidewalks to some hidden pathway connectors before making a pit stop for something hot to drink.
The more urban trek criss-crosses the Elbow River on a series of bridges and climbs the Britannia Slopes to stunning Elbow River Valley views. A hidden connector path leads downhill to Riverdale and then into Elbow Park. One of Calgary’s oldest communities, Elbow Park, was an upper-middle-class suburb of Calgary shortly before the First World War. It is hard to believe that in 1909, Elbow Park was considered a suburb, but it now sits in the heart of the inner city. A hidden staircase behind Christ Church takes you off the sidewalk and along wilderness pathways.
Both walks take you close to many cafes. Navigate the side streets to one of the tasty spots in Marda Loop for a hot drink and delicious treat or lunch. My favorite is Le Comptoir by Francois. I love to sit by the fireplace on the cozy, enclosed outdoor patio that also has heat lamps and the most delicious pastries, quiches, and cakes.
Starting point: Sandy Beach Parking lot. At the intersection of 14A Street and 50 Avenue SW, follow 50 Avenue east past River Park and the Emily Follensbee Centre, down the hill to the Sandy Beach parking lot.
Tasty pitstop: Le Comptoir by Francois, Neighbour Coffee, Bell’s Café, Aroma Cafe
Sue Higgins, Carburn, and Beaver Dam Flats Parks, SE
Families looking for an afternoon stroll to relax or to allow the kids to burn off some energy will enjoy a visit to Carburn Park. Begin your walk at the Sue Higgins off-leash park before crossing the Bow River and continuing to Carburn Park, or kickstart the walk from the Carburn official parking lot. The Sue Higgins Park start is closest to the Italian Centre – the tasty post-walk pitstop that you won’t want to miss.
This trek is perfect for all ages with its water features, abundance of birds, wildlife, and a mix of gravel and paved pathways. And when the trees are full, this expansive suburban green space becomes a refreshing nature getaway. Look up! Balsam poplars provide perches for great horned owls. Pelicans, double-breasted cormorants, and bald eagles all frequent this area, and many deer call the park home. Shrubs like saskatoon, chokecherry, American silverberry, and Canada buffaloberry add texture to the landscape.
Follow the paved Bow River Pathway or the quieter gravel paths through Carburn Park, under Glenmore Trail, and up the escarpment to Lynnwood, where you can find views of the Rocky Mountains, the downtown core, and industrial Calgary. The southeast of many cities tends to be where industry thrives, and Calgary is no different. Continue walking north along the escarpment before descending along a narrow pathway through prairie grasses to the water’s edge. Cross the bridge and take a side trip into Beaver Dam Flats Park. Walk along the river trail, then climb the escarpment toward the big prairie sky. Head south and retrace your steps all the way back to your starting point or, if you’re just hitting your stride, keep on trekking along the Bow River Pathway all the way to Fish Creek Park.
Starting point: Sue Higgins Park at Deerfoot Trail and Southland Drive SE or Carburn Park official parking lot at 67 Riverview Drive SE.
Tasty pitstop: The Italian Centre Cafe, corner of Fairmont Drive and Southland Drive
Lori is the author of Calgary’s Best Walks: 45 urban jaunts and nature strolls and Calgary’s Best Bike Rides: 50 urban cycle tours and pathway pedals. She is the owner of Fit Frog Adventures where she leads year-round urban walks, hikes, and snowshoe days. Lori presents about all things walks and biking. Connect with her, see upcoming events, and get signed copies of her books on Instagram @lorifitfrog and at fitfrog.ca and at bookstores and cool shops throughout Calgary.
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