We are very fortunate in Calgary to have so many beautiful options for a nature walk on a paved pathway. You can even take a day trip to Kananaskis, Canmore, or Banff, where you’ll find paved trails and accessible picnic sites.
\nBelow are ten of my favorite choices for a wheelchair-accessible nature walk or picnic around Calgary:
\n \nThis beautiful, new park has a flat, paved pathway that connects to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, where you can continue through the Narrows following the Bow River. Scenery highlights include the Bearspaw Reservoir, native grasslands, and herds of cattle once you enter the ranch.
\nTo reach the park, take the Highway 1A heading towards Cochrane and turn south on Woodland Road. Follow the road down to the river, where you’ll find a large parking lot.
\nThere are over 50km of paved trails in Fish Creek Provincial Park. Walk along scenic Fish Creek, crossing many bridges, starting from one of several trailheads across south Calgary.
\nBow Valley Ranch is a popular starting point, where you can start with brunch at the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant and follow with a short walk. Visit the Ranche website for information on their fall events and to make a reservation.
\nThese two parks can be visited in a 4km loop along the paved regional Bow River pathway. You’ll find many picnic sites, a large lagoon, and a playground in Bowness Park. Across the river, you’ll find an interesting circuit of peaceful paved pathways weaving their way around Baker Park.
\nStart at Riverfront Park off Griffin Road. From the park, head east on the paved pathway with the Bow Riveras your focal point for scenery. Alternatively, start at Mitford Park on the west side of Highway 22 and follow the paved Glen Boles Trail heading further west. This pathway traverses high above the river with stunning views.
\nForgetmenot Pond is located at the end of Highway 66 in the Elbow Valley beyond Bragg Creek. There are lots of picnic areas with fire pits accessible via a mix of paved and gravel trails. The pond itself is crystal clear and a popular spot for a short stroll.
\nThis is a fabulous day use area near Kananaskis Village off Highway 40. There are several picnic areas (some with fire pits), and there's a beautiful, paved pathway that circles the ponds with accessible fishing areas as well.
\nThis paved trail starts at Kananaskis Village, descends to the Kananaskis River, connects to the Kananaskis Country Golf Course and the Mt. Kidd RV Park, ending at the Wedge Pond Day-Use Area.
\nThe entire traverse is approximately 20km return trip, so with a wheelchair I recommend starting at the Kovach Pond Day-Use Area below the village, walking towards the golf course and back through a large, pretty meadow. The trail is completely flat from Kovach Pond to Mt. Kidd RV Park and high on scenery.
\nThere is a paved bike trail (also great for an accessible walk) that connects most of the campgrounds in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. The trail is 12km in length (one way) and has a few short hills. I like to start at the Boulton Creek Trading Post, walking towards the Elkwood Campground and back.
\nThis paved trail connects downtown Canmore to the Three Sisters neighborhood, offering stunning mountain views along the Bow River.
\nStart at the Canmore Public Boat Launch parking lot off Rundle Drive. Head south on the paved pathway, where you’ll soon reach the West Canmore Playground. Continuing, you’ll come to a beautiful meadow with an old mine site. This is a good turn-around spot with a wheelchair.
\nIf you can’t find parking at the small boat launch, start from Millenium Park on the east side of the river. From Millenium, a short walk heading north will bring you to the bridge to get you over to the west side.
\nThis paved trail starts from the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in the Town of Banff. It climbs very gradually up to a picnic area along the Bow River in a 7.4km one-way distance. Turn around anytime because the trail is very scenic along the river the entire time.
\nAlternatively, the riverside trails in Banff are also paved. I like to start from the Banff Recreation Grounds, where you’ll find free parking. From there, you can do a nice loop around the town over a couple of bridges.
\nIf visiting Kananaskis, don’t forget to purchase your Kananaskis Conservation Pass before you get on the road. You must pay and register your license plate if you want to stop at any of the parking lots or day-use areas.
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Tanya is a freelance writer and mom to a spunky boy. She loves hiking, camping, skiing, and all things mountain-related. She is the author of the blog Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies, rockiesfamilyadventures.com. You can find her on Instagram @MountainMomYYC.
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