Calgary has so many big nature walks throughout the city. Check out these urban wilds walks, including a brand new walk from Lori’s new guidebook, coming in March!
\n \nLegacy Environmental Reserve, SE
\nThis wild ravine walkabout is a new addition to Lori’s third edition of Calgary’s Best Walks. Begin on the paved pathway and soak up big views of the Legacy Environmental Reserve, the 300-acre wilderness that follows West Creek. The walk soon follows a forested path and descends to the creek. Dogs love the big open nature of these ravines, and both kids and dogs alike will have fun following treed trails that dip and climb.
\nMeander along the creek before climbing back to the top of the escarpment to explore the slopes. This is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch and to watch the sky for ravens soaring overhead. Ravens are mountain and northern-forest birds, so it is unique for them to nest in the parkland and prairies. Members of the corvid family, scientists continue to be astounded by just how clever these avian Einsteins are. Cliffs are their favorite nesting spots and, just north of Legacy in the west end of Fish Creek Park, there are the perfect corvid cliff condos. Ravens have full-blown cognitive skills even before reaching full maturity. Problem-solving crows perform similarly to children under seven years of age. They plan, have great memories, and use tools. They also hold grudges, so don’t tick them off as they will tell their friends what you look like, and you will be dive-bombed for years!
\nWalk the slopes, do some hill training, have a picnic, or simply descend to the creek and enjoy the calm. Climb out of the valley to enjoy the dips and climbs on the return route or stick to the paved path for an easy stroll.
\nStarting Point: Near All Saints High School, Legacy Village Way, SE
\nGoogle Map with walk: Go to Instagram @lorifitfrog bio for the Google Map link.
\nNose Hill Park, NW
\nAt 11 square km, Nose Hill Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Canada. It is also Calgary’s highest point, so be prepared for spectacular views all year long. Depending on where you are on the hill, you’ll see the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and the foothills, the prairies stretching out to the east, the compact downtown core rising prominently in the south, and flights arriving and departing from the airport.
\nOn the 14 Street side, near John Laurie Boulevard, is the Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel. Travel further north along 14 Street to 64 Avenue to climb to the glacial erratic, or continue to the Berkley Gate trailhead to take the stairs to the plateau before dipping and climbing into aspen-filled coulees. Wildlife is abundant on the hill and I often see coyotes, groups of mule deer, and the occasional waddling porcupines at dusk. Dogs love the extensive off-leash areas, and birders should be excited to hear that over 170 bird species have been seen on Nose Hill (bring your binoculars)!
\nDale Hodges Park, NW
\nA birder's paradise, Dale Hodges Park is tucked in between the community of Silver Springs and the Bow River, and borders Bowmont Natural Environment Park. Walk the trails and boardwalks past polishing marshes, wet meadows, and the Nautilus Pond, and learn about the storm water treatment process as it flows to the Bow River. This process is estimated to reduce sediment in stormwater by 50%, helping to protect our river system. Calgary is home to over 200 bird species, some migrating and some residents, and many can be seen along the Bow River and in the wetlands. Slow the pace in Dale Hodges Park to see mallards, cedar waxwings, yellow and red-winged blackbirds, and maybe the migratory northern saw-whet owl that might be at eye level in the dense thickets of shrubs. One of the smallest owls in North America, they are about the size of a robin. Continue past the Nautilus Pond and onto the rollercoaster grassland pathways in Bowmont Park.
\nStarting-Point: Park at the official parking area on 52 Street (one-way) just off Home Road.
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Lori is the author of the new 3rd edition of Calgary’s Best Walks: 95 urban jaunts, nature strolls and tasty pit stops (March 2025). Lori is also the author of 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 book launch 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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