Ever wonder what secrets your neighborhood holds? From panoramic mountain views to cozy cafes, these urban walks unveil Calgary's most charming corners. Whether you're craving a scenic stroll along the Elbow River or a taste of the city's best muffins, these routes promise adventure, community, and a few delicious detours.
\n \nSandy Beach, Britannia, Stanley Park, Elbow River Pathway, Marda Loop, SW
\nConnecting 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 short-cut community pathways and stairways tucked in between houses.
\nStart at Sandy Beach Park and walk along the Elbow River pathway to the Sandy Beach bridge. Cross the river and take one of the two paths up Britannia Slopes to an off-leash area with big mountain views. Keep watch for bald eagles at eye level as they soar along the river valley. Continue north along the escarpment before taking the stairs down to the fenced Riverdale Avenue.
\nWalk east to connect to the Elbow River Pathway and Stanley Park before choosing to climb to Parkhill to soak up big Rocky Mountain views or to follow the paved pathway along the river. From the top of the escarpment in Parkhill follow grass and dirt paths along the edge before taking a paved path down to Rideau Road. Continue to the pedestrian bridge and a gorgeous private garden. Cross the Elbow River and navigate the neighborhood of Elbow Park to Christ Church and a hidden stairway that gets you closer to Bell’s Cafe and the best (and biggest!) freshly made muffins in Calgary.
\nOr, continue along 34 Avenue to so many tasty stops like Le Comptoir by Francois or Aroma Café around the corner on 33 Avenue. Continue to River Park and make your way to the escarpment edge to enjoy views of the Elbow River below. Take the treed stairway back down to Sandy Beach Park or continue to the paved pathway at the far south end of the park.
\nStarting Point: Via transit – Stanley Park (4011 1A Street SW, close to the 39 Avenue LRT station), or by car, the Sandy Beach Park official parking lot (4500 14 A Street SW)
\nTasty pit spots: Marda Loop: Bell’s Cafe, Le Comptoir by Francois, Aroma Café, Village Ice Cream; in Altadore: Neighbour Coffee
\nFacilities: Permanent bathrooms at Sandy Beach (May-October); Temporary bathrooms at Sandy Beach year-round
\nBridgeland, Nose Creek Pathway, St Patrick’s Island and Ramsay, NE/SE
\nEclectic, sometimes gritty, neighborhoods make for the best urban hikes. Ramsay and Bridgeland are home to old-fashioned corner stores, historic homes and buildings from the early 1900s – some renovated and fantastic, some handyman delights. These neighborhoods reflect the personalities of those who live here and that is what makes walking here so enjoyable.
\nStart your walk with big views of the Rockies and Calgary’s downtown core atop Tom Campbell’s Hill, an off-leash park. The hill’s name originates from a large sign that stood for many years advertising Tom Campbell’s Hats. Soak up the views and pat a few pooches before continuing to the Bow River Pathway below. Follow the Bow River Pathway east, past the Canadian Wilds enclosure at the Calgary Zoo, which is visible from the main pathway. As you pass by, keep an eye out for the moose and grizzly bears that live in the enclosure.
\nThe pathway turns north and becomes the quieter Nose Creek Pathway. At the science centre (TELUS Spark), follow the paved pathway west, up the slope into Renfrew. A pathway along the edge of the escarpment offers a bird’s-eye view of the leafy streets of Bridgeland. From the escarpment trail above Bridgeland, it is hard to see the streets and houses for all the trees. Researchers call this a “biophilic community” or “green streets,” where nature is integrated into the community from the ground up. Urban forests that canopy streets and include pocket-sized green spaces are the norm in Calgary’s older neighborhoods and this makes for wonderful walks.
\nContinue west to the landmark, copper-domed, Ukrainian Catholic Church. The church marks the set of stairs that you’ll climb to the next viewpoint. Decide what kind of tasty treat you feel like as there are many options along First Avenue and Edmonton Trail. Grab a freshly roasted coffee or a picnic supper and soak up the sights in this wonderful inner-city neighborhood.
\nFor the combo Inglewood-Bridgeland walk, walk south from Tom Campbell’s Hill to cross the river to Inglewood or for an Inglewood-only walk, start at Pearce Estate Park and follow the Bow River Pathway to 15 Street. As you continue along 8 Avenue en route to 11 Street, you’ll notice that Inglewood is eclectic with its old-fashioned corner stores and historic homes. You’ll pass by folk art, little libraries, and blossoming apple and pears trees in the spring. Continue to stunning views atop Scotsman’s Hill before descending to Stampede Park and the Elbow River Pathway. Continue north past Fort Calgary at the Confluence and plan to soak up the energy of the RiverWalk with a picnic lunch or cafe stop at the Sidewalk Citizen in the Simmons Building. The sourdough bread and baguettes at Sidewalk Citizen are the best!
\nStarting Point: Bridgeland LRT, Tom Campbell’s Hill parking lot at Child Avenue and Centre Avenue NE, or Pearce Estate Park
\nTasty pit stops: Inglewood & East Village: Cafe Gravity, Good News Coffee patio, Apprentice Cafe (ice cream, lunch, coffee!), Maisie Eatery (SAM Centre), Cold Garden and ‘Ol Beautiful, Sidewalk Citizen and Phil & Sebastian Coffee at the Simmons Building on the RiverWalk; Bridgeland: Bridgeland Market for picnic supplies; BONO Coffee, Phil & Sebastian Coffee, Village Ice Cream, Made by Marcus, Luke's Drug Mart
\n\n
Lori is the author of the NEW 3rd edition of Calgary’s Best Walks: 95 urban jaunts, nature strolls and tasty pit stops (Spring 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, FREE WALKS and to get signed copies of her books on Instagram @lorifitfrog and at fitfrog.ca and at bookstores and cool shops throughout Calgary.
\n\n
See our related articles:
\n
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2025 Calgary’s Child
