Route description
Starting point in the middle of the park area
Once at your staring point in the Edworthy Park, follow the Bow River Pathway ahead. You will be crossing the Bow River shortly after, then stay on the right. You will be riding through the area of Point Mckay, continuing to ride alongside the riverbank. After a few miles you will leave behind the beautiful green nature and the first segment of your tour will be over. You will continue cycling in-between the Bow River and the parallel street Parkdale Boulevard.
Beside the Bow River
Follow this part of the route for several kilometers before crossing the river by the Crowchild Trail once again. Keep left on the Crowchild Trail by the Bow River Parkway and you'll be seeing the first signs of the city of Calgary and soon be crossing the Mewata Bridge. Continuing alongside the river you will wind up in the city center of Calgary. You will then reach and drive through the Eau Claire Park.
Picturesque Saint Patrick's Island
Behind the park you should see a fork within the river by the riverbank. From the riverbank you should see a bifurcation of the river on your left. Stay on Bow River Pathway along the right river junction, where you will cycle through parts of the Lok Park. Shortly after the second river furcation you have the opportunity to traverse an arid and through that get on the famous St. Patrick's Island. Once on the island keep right at first. St. Patrick's is a little island right by the skyline of Calgary and known for a fantastic view of the city. On this tiny island in the middle of the city you traverse the Centenary Park until you get to the intersection with Zoo Road. Ride over the Baines Bridge, from where you will get to the other side of the river bank.
Return on the other side of the Bow River
Once you are on the other side of the river bank you keep going left. On this side of the river you will return to your starting point at Edworthy Park. Follow the Bow River Pathway on the other side. Try and orientate yourself to the parallel street Memorial Drive and you will not lose your way. Back at the intersection of Parkdale Boulevard, follow the same way you took earlier back to Edworthy Park.
Where to eat
Since your bike tour leads you directly into the city center of Calgary, there are enough possibilities for you to eat and drink something.
Interesting facts
- With an overall length of 22 km the bike trail is among the 3 longest bike Trails in Canada available on TouriSpo.
- This easy bike trail is perfect for the whole family.
- There are places to buy beverages and food along the track. However it’s always recommended to bring enough water and food along with you.
Highlights of the tour
Even though the paths of the tour run mostly through urban areas, they impress with an amazing view of the nature of Alberta, Canada. You are constantly alongside the charming riverside and you will drive through smaller and bigger alluring park-grounds. So even though you are close to the city, the tour does not loose its natural and provincial
You should definitely take the opportunity and visit St. Patrick's Island with its wide range of possibilities. This point on the route is the perfect spot for a longer intermediate stop, because the island offers many picnic places. If you want to discover the entire island, plan a little more time. Even thought the island does not seem too big, it is real spacious.
Calgary itself is a highlight on the tour. The biggest city in Alberta offers many opportunities for a rest-stop like grabbing a bite to eat in the city center. You will have lots to see in the city center you'll pass on this biking trip.
Variations
You can drive the circular route around the Bow River in the opposite direction as well and visit St. Patrick's Island on your way back.
Getting here
By car
If you want to get to the starting point at Edworthy Park you should first drive in the direction of Calgary. The Queen Elizabeth II Highway, or short the QE2, will get you close to the city from the south or north. When approaching Calgary from further away in Canada, take the Trans-Canada-Highway, which starts on the west-coast reaching all the way into eastern parts of Canada. From the US border it is about a two and a half hour drive to Calgary. From Alberta's capital Edmonton you will be on the road for about three hours to get to the city center of Calgary.
With public transportation
There is a bus station of Greyhound Intercity Bus Services in the west of the city, a company that operates to Calgary from many cities in North America. There are also Red Arrow buses from Edmonton and Red Deer to Calgary.
It is also possible to get to there by train. The train-rides offer you an absolute stunning view on the landscapes around Calgary. By the way: A train ride through Canada's mountain region is also a highlight worth your time!
With the airplane
The Calgary International Airport is located in the north of Calgary about 20 minutes away from downtown.
Once in the biggest city of Alberta, drive alongside the Bow River. Coming from the east you first follow the Memorial Drive until you get onto Parkdale Boulevard. Follow the road and pass through Point Mckay. After that you have the opportunity to traverse the river. On the other side you will find Edworthy Park.
