The Best Walking Routes in Calgary and Edmonton 

It’s summer and the walking is easy

Grab your comfiest walking shoes and hit the sidewalks and pathways of Calgary and Edmonton. Both cities have incredible river valleys, an extensive trail network through urban wilds, serenading birdsong and those trademark Alberta skies. But there’s much more. Corner cafés, public art, character neighbourhoods, stunning architecture and farmers’ markets that add to the local flavour.

Bonus: Summer means long, glorious days when the sun doesn’t set until after 10 p.m. Let’s start walking.

Calgary

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

This seven- to 11-km (4.3- 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 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 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 Ave SW

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. A climb past the impressive homes and gardens of the Mount Royal neighbourhood leads to 4 Street SW, with lots of local shops, 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.

Edmonton

Walk 1: Buena Vista Park, Parkview, River Valley

Grab your picnic supplies at Café Blackbird while en route to Buena Vista Park – your launch point for this 6.5-km (4-mi) or 13-km (8-mi) walk. Enthusiastic tail-wagging welcomes you as you enter the forested trails that lead to the stunning neighbourhood of Parkview. Backdropped by ravine wilds and offering views of the North Saskatchewan River, this is a lovely community. You’ll get expansive views as you continue along the escarpment to MacKenzie Ravine. Cue the chorus of birds and indulge in some forest-bathing heading to a boardwalk and a scenic stroll along the river.

Detour to the footbridge for a longer walk along east-side trails or finish up your walkabout and head off to your next urban trek.

Walk 2: Riverdale, Dawson Park, Kinnaird Park, Highlands Trail 

Tucked into Riverdale, Little Brick Café, with its secret garden patio and delish food, is your starting point for this 6.5-km (4-mi) or 9.5-km (6-mi) walk. One of Edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods, Riverdale is alive with the personalities of the residents. Thanks to the rich flood-plain soil, large, bountiful vegetable gardens thrive.

River trails lead to Cromdale and expansive river valley views. Travel the side streets to Rat Creek Ravine and a shaded trail to Kinnaird Park. The Highlands Hiking Trail takes you east along the river to an impressive set of stairs to Ada Boulevard and unobstructed views of the mighty North Saskatchewan River.

Back along the river valley trail, watch for the hoodoo-looking bentonite outcrops. For geology buffs, this 70 to 80 million-year-old ash bed is part of the Upper Cretaceous sandstones of the Edmonton Formation. Pat a dog, keep the pace and you’ll be back at the café soon, ready for a cold drink.

Walk 3: Strathcona and Mill Creek Ravine 

Consider this a “Best of all things Edmonton” walkabout. From birdlife to nightlife, this 6-km (3.7-mi) walk is full of surprises. Start with a free swim at the Mill Creek Outdoor Pool before entering the natural oasis that is Mill Creek Ravine.

Cool and calm soon merges with colourful and eclectic on the streets of Old Strathcona. Varied housing styles dating from the 1940s lines the streets in this character community.

Soon you enter the theatre district, where the International Fringe Festival takes centre stage in late August.

On Saturdays, join the locals at the lively Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market before walking the upbeat Whyte Avenue – a street with cafés, boutiques and decadent treats like Made by Marcus ice cream.