Bike, Bites and Brews: A Fun Way to Explore Calgary

Calgary is known for its long, sun-soaked summer days – 16 hours of daylight in June and July. Those endless days are the perfect time to discover the city on two wheels. With more than 1,000 km (621 mi) of bike paths and trails, you could ride into the sunset all summer long.

Bike at your own pace while dropping into some of Calgary’s top cafés, restaurants and craft breweries. There are plenty of places to take a break along the meandering Bow River, which you’ll cross several times on this day ride. The shoreline is perfect for a picnic or to watch the fly fishers and rafters float by.

If you need to rent a bike, including e-bikes, head to  Bow Cycle in Bowness or at its East Village location, close to downtown.

Here’s a cycling itinerary that takes you from Calgary’s northwest in beautiful Bowness Park to the city’s southeast in Inglewood, always on the city’s “best neighbourhood” lists. You can do the 19 km (11 mi) route from west to east or opt for a shorter route. Either way, you’ll get to experience the city in a fun way, sampling food and drink as well as the city’s urban green spaces.

Paddle or pedal at Bowness Park

This gem of an  urban park, covering 74 acres, is historic and beautiful. Stands of towering fir trees line the biking and walking paths. There’s a lagoon for lazily paddling away a summer morning, picnicking and a restaurant.

Start your morning with a coffee and breakfast on the patio at  Seasons of Bowness Park overlooking the lagoon.

You’ll be ready to start exploring the pathways through the park. Want to take it slow and spend a leisurely day at the park? The easy loop is about 4 km (2.5 mi). If you’re game to go further, keep riding east.

Viewpoint from Bowmont Park

Rolling along the Bow River Pathway, stop at  Bowmont Park on the north bank of the Bow River for stunning views of the river and Nose Hill Park. Lock up your bike at the bottom of the short trail and head up to the lookout. It’s a great way to get a lay of the land in the city’s northwest quadrant.

Must-do photo op at the Peace Bridge

The Peace Bridge just may be the most photographed spot in all of Calgary. The striking, red 130-metre (427-ft) pedestrian and cycle-friendly span sees nearly 6,000 people a day. It’s also known as the “Finger Trap Bridge” for its webbed construction, which makes a spectacular backdrop for photos. The connector between Memorial Drive and the neighbourhoods of Hillhurst/Sunnyside is a perfect spot for taking a break and doing a little people watching.

An island in the city: River Café / Prince’s Island Park

Crossing the Peace bridge, you’re now on the edge of downtown Calgary. You’ll be rolling along the wide pedestrian and cycling designated River Walk Pathway towards another one of the city’s beautiful urban parks –  Prince’s Island. This is a hub for all kinds of activities and in the summer, it comes alive with buskers, plays and festivals. At the centre of the park is River Café, a charming restaurant serving delicious local and seasonal food. Call ahead to reserve a spot on the riverfront patio or order a fancy take-away picnic lunch ahead of time.

Take away or eat in at Simmons Building, East Village

At the centre of one of Calgary’s most vibrant downtown neighbourhoods sits the historic Simmons Building. Unmistakable for its red brick exterior, the building houses three cafés and eateries. Grab a coffee at the headquarters of the local roastery, Phil and Sebastian, or get a sweet baked treat at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery, which also has a full lunch menu and takeaway fresh baked breads. Or stop by Charbar, not just known for its excellent Argentine-focused menu, but also for its lively rooftop patio overlooking the Bow River.

Patio time at Gravity Espresso and Winebar

This chill  café in Inglewood satisfies everything from a craving for a tasty baked treat to a specialty coffee or tea, or a glass of wine. The sun-drenched patio is the perfect place for a little break. If you time it right, you might catch some local live music at the café.

Sip a craft brew at Ol’ Beautiful / Cold Garden

You’ve made it to the southeast side of the city. It’s time to reward yourself with a chill beer or cider at one of the two side-by-side breweries,  Ol’ Beautiful and  Cold Garden. Both have bustling patios perfect on a summer day. You can order take-out food to be delivered at Cold Garden or Ol’ Beautiful has a Mexican-forward menu.