Begin your walk on the paved path overlooking the Irrigation Canal along 26 Street. You can then choose to drop down to the canal pathway or stay high and connect to the neighborhoods of Southview, Dover, and Forest Lawn.
For the canal pathway, walk north along 26 Street past the Journey to Freedom Park, a monument to honor the Vietnamese Boat People who lost their lives escaping Vietnam after it fell to the communists in 1975.
Continue down to the canal pathway and imagine the canal water flowing to Chestermere Lake, then funneling north and south providing irrigation to over 96,000 acres on 400 farms.
Climb back to Dover and enter Valley View Park where a playground stop might be in order. Walk through the park and explore Dover’s unique neighborhood design, where front yards flow into shared tree-canopied green space and the back lanes serve as the streets.
Make your way northeast to International Avenue at 47 Street. From this point, you can walk east and add a visit to Elliston Park, a small park that is a birding hotspot where 175 species of birds have been seen. Rolling hills surround Elliston’s lake, and trees and shrubs have been planted on hillsides. Circumnavigate the lake and take some detours along the many dirt paths for those who like to explore.
The Elliston Park add-on allows a hit of nature before indulging in something tasty along 17 Avenue, also known as International Avenue.
Walk west along International Avenue into Forest Lawn. At one time a town on its own, Forest Lawn was built by working-class newcomers from its first development in the early 1900s to the present day. Its first families were from Eastern Canada and Eastern Europe. Get an idea of what Forest Lawn was like in the early 1900s when you walk past the mural “Life in the Village of Forest Lawn” at 31 Street along 17 Avenue. While walking 17 Avenue, be sure to check out some of the 45 pieces of art that are scattered along and beside 17 Avenue. They include seven one-of-a-kind individual pieces, 14 murals, 20 bus shelter pieces, and five vintage signs from the ‘50s to the ‘70s.
International Avenue is one of Calgary’s most culturally diverse food and shopping areas, and you can basically “travel the world” without leaving the 35-block stretch. One minute you’re in India or Pakistan, the next you’re tasting flavors from Ethiopia, the Mediterranean, Jamaica, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Italy, Vietnam, or Germany.
If you love Vietnamese food, Pho Da Bau is a must for steaming bowls of pho made with rich, savory bone broth. Craving authentic Salvadoran and Mexican food? Head to El Padrino and try the pupusas. For classic diner comfort, Tim’s Cafe has those old-school vibes down perfectly. Forest Lawn Bakery is famous for pastries, so pick up some sweet and savory treats for your picnic. Supreme Dosa dishes up South Indian and Sri Lankan favorites, and they sell their dosa batter in ready-to-go bags. Brar Fine Indian Cuisine also features the flavors of India.
For great deals on groceries and picnic supplies, stop by Green Cedars Food Mart and pick up all things Mediterranean. The Hong Kong Supermarket is my favorite go-to spot for seasonal boxes of Ataulfo mangoes and giant bundles of Thai basil. And if you have cyclists in the family, drop into Bathtub Bikes, a used bike shop run by Adam, who’s passionate about vintage rides and making cycling affordable for everyone. You’ll find parts, frames and fully rebuilt bikes at prices that make upgrading or fixing up a breeze.
There are many more interesting and tasty destinations along the avenue so plan to slow things down, wander and explore the little shops and eateries. Grab some picnic supplies and walk to the escarpment to soak up big views while enjoying your snacks. Slow strolls, good food, global flavors, and fun finds – it’s all part of the charm along this colorful stretch of the city.
Start:
Transit: Anywhere on International Avenue via the MAX purple bus
Parking: 26 Street & 22 Avenue, SE, or Elliston Park at 17 Avenue & 60 Street SE.
Facilities: Elliston Park has seasonal bathrooms open mid-May to mid-October.
Plan your walk on Google Maps: https://tinyurl.com/mu8uv4ck
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.
See our related articles:
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2026 Calgary’s Child
