Lace up those walking shoes! Winter walkabouts in Calgary host awe-inspiring river valleys, an extensive trail network through urban wilds, character communities, serenading birdsong, and those trademark big Alberta skies. Let’s walk!
Google Map link: https://tinyurl.com/2mrkjeb8
Ogden, Lynnwood Ridge, Beaverdam Flats, and Carburn Park, SE
This trek through historic Ogden and along the Bow River is perfect for all ages, pups, and people, with its historic homes, hidden stairways, water features, birds, wildlife, and mix of single-track trails and paved pathways. Begin your walk in Ogden at George Moss Park, or at Carburn or Sue Higgins Park if you’d like a walk that is mostly parks and river valley.
Follow the paved Bow River Pathway from Sue Higgins Off-Leash Park through Carburn Park, under Glenmore Trail, and up the escarpment to Lynnwood, to views of the Rocky Mountains and the downtown core. Soon you’ll enter Beaverdam Flats Park, where you can stick to the main path or venture off-trail into shrub-lined trails that follow the river. Take the hidden path near the train tracks up to Lynnwood Ridge, where you’ll walk behind homes with stunning views. Chat with the homeowners along the ridge if you want to learn about the former Imperial Oil Refinery and the decades of environmental remediation in their community.
Now, you can explore the neighborhoods of Lynnwood and Millican Ogden, one of Calgary’s oldest communities. Named after the former Vice President of the Canadian Pacific Railway, it is arguable that Calgary would not exist had it not been for the CPR, the Ogden Locomotive Shops, and the founding of the town of Ogden. Make your way to Rick’s Grocery on 62 Avenue for a slushie, ice cream, or candy masterpiece, or hold off for a hot drink at Brian’s Café. Be sure to detour down 18A Street to see the many vintage homes dating back to 1910.
Start: Carburn Park, 67 Riverview Drive SE or Sue Higgins Park, end of Southland Drive SE.
Facilities: Bathrooms at Sue Higgins, Carburn Park, George Moss Park, and at Brian’s Café.
Walk distance: 2 to 12km.
Destinations: When safe, skating on the Carburn Park lake. Birdlife is abundant on these walks along the Bow River. Plan a tasty pit stop at Rick’s Grocery or Brian’s Café in Ogden, or at the Italian Centre Cafe in Willow Park.
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Ramsay, and RiverWalk
Ramsay is home to old-fashioned corner stores, historic homes, and buildings from the early 1900s – some renovated and fantastic, some handyman delights. Ramsay is not polished and perfect, and that is what makes walking here so enjoyable. Red, bright yellow, violet blue, chartreuse, forest green, and turquoise: these are just some of the house colors you will see on this trek.
Start at Pearce Estate Park along the Bow River Pathway and pass by Harvie Passage en route to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. This wildlife reserve was designated a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary in 1929. Walk the paved and shale paths that follow the Bow River while keeping a keen eye out for rare birds. More than 270 species of birds have been seen here, 53 of which nest on-site while the rest are migratory. There are also 21 species of mammals and 347 species of plants have been recorded at the sanctuary. Even if you aren’t a birder, the sanctuary is a great place to unwind.
Travel Ramsay side streets to the top of Scotsman’s Hill. The high point offers a bird’s-eye view of Stampede Park and is the best place to watch the Stampede fireworks. Look beyond the hardworking core to the Rocky Mountain peaks before descending the staircase to RiverWalk. Continue north along the Bow River and stop at the historic Simmons Building, the home of a diverse group of eateries and cafes. Walk through East Village to the Central Library or National Music Centre, or connect to St. Patrick’s Island, at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. The park has 1.6km of pathways, a sledding hill, playground, picnic spots, wetlands, and forests.
Start: Pearce Estate Park, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary or begin anywhere in Ramsay.
LRT Start: Bridgeland Station.
Walk distance: 1 to 12km.
Destinations: Stop by Apprentice Café for house-made ice cream and focaccia sandwiches. Detour along 9 Avenue to visit the free Esker Gallery of Contemporary Art and to grab picnic supplies, snacks, and drinks at a variety of independent shops and cafes.
Lori is the author of Calgary’s Best Walks: 95 urban jaunts, nature strolls and tasty pit stops and the author of Calgary’s Best Bike Rides: 50 urban cycle tours and pathway pedals. She is the owner of Fit Frog Adventures where she leads year-round urban walks and hikes. Connect with her, see upcoming events and guided walks on Instagram @lorifitfrog and at fitfrog.ca.
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