Explore These Five Lively Calgary Neighbourhoods on Foot

Put on your walking shoes and discover Calgary's eclectic neighbourhoods. You'll see inspiring architecture, lots of greenspaces and winding pathways. Along the way there will be plenty of chances to relax and sip on a coffee or a craft beer—or indulge in some ice cream.

Here are five walks around the city to get you started.

Walk 1: Calgary downtown, Sunnyside, Crescent Heights, Bridgeland, East Village River Walk

This seven to 11-km (4.3-mi to 6.8-mi) walk begins at the Calgary Central Library, an architectural masterpiece with a swooping, glazed exterior. Walk back in time through the surrounding neighbourhood, which is where Calgary began.

Stop for a photo op inside the 12-m (30-ft) tall head-shaped public art of Wonderland at the Bow Tower. Then make your way along the Bow River Pathway to the stunning Peace Bridge, which crosses the Bow River. The bright red bridge with a contemporary design pays homage to the Canadian flag and is another excellent spot for photos.

You'll then be in artsy Sunnyside, where many residents like to paint their garages like works of art. Be sure to stop at the  Vendome Café for coffee or a bite to eat. Make your way towards Crescent Heights for epic views of the Canadian Rockies, the Bow River and towering downtown skyscrapers. Grab picnic supplies at the  Bridgeland Market and head to St. Patrick's Island. Or grab lunch to go from Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and sit along the River Walk – a perfect spot for people watching and soaking up the river views.

Walk 2: Stanley Park and Elbow River Pathways

Stanley Park is the starting point for this 7.5-km (4.7-mi) Elbow River walkabout. The riverside views are ever-changing. You might see some beavers or groups of rafters and the gorgeous homes in the neighbourhood of Britannia.

Take a detour to Britannia Plaza for a scoop of the addictively delicious  Village Ice Cream or coffee at  Monogram Café. Back on the escarpment path, watch for soaring bald eagles before you descend and then climb to River Park, where the ultimate river-valley-downtown view is your reward. Detour to  Bell’s Bookstore Café to pick up a snack, and then navigate Elbow Park’s architecturally diverse streets. Finish your walk at the pretty Rideau Gardens.

Walk 3: Roxboro, Mission, Mount Royal, 17 Avenue

Calgary’s urban vibe is loud and clear on this 7.5-km (4.7-mi) walk that begins in Roxboro. A pathway leads to the Elbow River Pathway and into the vibrant and walkable streets of the Beltline. Follow the 13 Avenue Heritage Greenway to Central Memorial Park where food trucks await.

Looking for a patio and some good food? Grab a pint at the  Ship and Anchor, a Calgary mainstay perfect for people-watching. Or, get your caffeine fix at  Analog Coffee. Finish with an indulgent scoop of  Made By Marcus ice cream. A climb past the impressive homes and gardens of the Mount Royal neighbourhood leads to 4 Street S.W., with lots of local shops and cafés and restaurants. Yann Haute Patisserie, located in a cheery yellow house, is a must-visit for melt-in-your-mouth pastries and freshly baked breads. Finish with an indulgent scoop of Made By Marcus ice cream.

A climb past the impressive homes and gardens of the Mount Royal neighbourhood leads to 4 Street SW, with lots of local shops and cafés and restaurants. Yann Haute Patisserie, located in a cheery yellow house, is a must-visit for melt-in-your-mouth pastries and freshly baked breads.

Walk 4: East Village to Inglewood Loop

Walk 1 covered part of East Village, but now it’s time to head in the opposite direction to explore historic Inglewood on this 4.3-km (2.7-mi) loop.

But first, coffee. Grab a drink and a snack at Phil & Sebastianin the Simmons Building to fuel your exploration. Then set off along the east portion of the River Walk. You’ll pass The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, plenty of Canada Geese and locals floating along the Bow River as you make your way to Inglewood. The path winds past the historic Deane House restaurant — a fantastic stop if you’re feeling hungry.

Continue on to 9 Avenue, main street Inglewood, and wander past local shops before turning right onto 10 Street SE. This street curves around to pass The Livery Shop and Inglewood’s signature red barn as well as the National Hotel — now home of The Nash restaurant. Turn right again onto 11 Street SE and make your way to Cold Garden and Ol’ Beautiful, two neighbourhood craft breweries. Head north on 12 Street SE back to 9 Avenue SE, where you can spend as much time as you’d like exploring the local boutiques that give Inglewood its eclectic character. When you’re ready to loop back, follow 12 Street SE towards the Zoo Bridge and follow the river to Confluence Plaza at St. Patrick’s Island. Take your time strolling through this oasis in the city until you cross St. George’s Bridge. Get an unbeatable view of the city as you make your way back to East Village and the Art Walk. Ol’ Beautiful, two neighbourhood craft breweries.

Head north on 12 Street SE back to 9 Avenue SE, where you can spend as much time as you’d like exploring the local boutiques that give Inglewood its eclectic character. When you’re ready to loop back, follow 12 Street SE towards the Zoo Bridge and follow the river to Confluence Plaza at St. Patrick’s Island. Take your time strolling through this oasis in the city until you cross St. George’s Bridge. Get an unbeatable view of the city as you make your way back to East Village and the Art Walk.

Walk 5: Eau Claire and Kensington

The northwest end of downtown Calgary is a great starting point for this 2.3-km (1.4-mi) loop. Begin your exploration at Alforno Café & Bakerybefore moving on to the lush greenspace of Eau Claire Park. Follow 2 Avenue SW to reach the park and eventually, the Bow River Pathway. Stop at Poppy Plaza for a quick photo op before crossing Memorial Drive to 10 Street NW.

Turn onto Kensington Road NW and taking your time exploring this village in the city. Crave Cupcakes, Higher Ground Café, Pages bookstore, Kensington Puband Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskeyare among the many local favourites.

Double back to return to 10 Street NW and continue north to 2 Avenue NW. Check out containR, an installation as well as pop-up arts and culture hub, along with Vendome Café.

Hang a right onto 9 Street NW to make your way back to the Bow River Pathway. Cross the Peace Bridge and soak in the scenery, and maybe catch a busking performance, before arriving back at Eau Claire Park.