Discover Calgary’s Extensive Pathway Network

When exploring a city by foot feels too daunting, and sitting in a car feels too removed, there’s only one option: rent a bike. Nowhere in North America is more suited to bikers than Calgary. This Canadian city in the province of Alberta boasts North America’s largest urban pathway and bikeway network, featuring over 600 miles of trails. These pathways crisscross the city, connecting downtown Calgary to river deltas, and the Bow River to the trendy Kensington neighborhood.

Where to Rent a Bike in Calgary

To experience the city from the saddle, you’ll first need a trusty steed. Calgary offers numerous bike rental options. You can pick up a bike from Joe’s Garage, conveniently located off the Bow River Pathway, or Bow Cycle. Once you have your bike, you’re ready to conquer Calgary’s bike-friendly trails where you’ll see plenty of runners and walkers but no motorized vehicles, except for powered wheelchairs.

Popular Bike Routes to Explore

Below are a few local routes worth mentioning:

Rotary/Mattamy Greenway

The Rotary/Mattamy Greenway is likely the most impressive route on this list. The over 90-mile pathway encircles the city, passing through over a dozen parks. You can take on the full route, split it over a few days, or bike out and take transit home. The options are endless.

Bow River Pathway

To get the lay of the land, pedal along the Bow River. Here, you’ll get views of the skyline and pass through sites like the Peace Bridge, Edworthy Park, and the Kensington neighborhood. The latter is best known for its food, street art, shopping, and hip spots like Aggüdo, a coffee shop frequented by Mad Men star Jon Hamm while filming Fargo.

Nose Hill Park

When you need to escape the city and get lost in nature, head to Nose Hill Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. Though technically an ‘urban’ park, the quiet preserve north of downtown Calgary will make you feel like you’re miles out of the city.

Glenmore Reservoir

The Glenmore Reservoir is around 30 minutes south of downtown Calgary by bike and is well worth the journey into the southwestern part of the city. A 10-mile bike path loops around the reservoir, which is one of Calgary’s largest bodies of water, and passes through Weaselhead Flats—a delta that will make you feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere, not in the heart of Calgary.