If you’re looking for a city bursting with opportunities to stay active, whether it’s running, walking, biking, or even swimming, Calgary is the place for you. Located in the heart of Alberta, Canada, Calgary is an underrated gem for outdoor exploration, especially by bike. With over 1,000 km of multi use pathways, the city has one of the largest urban bike path networks in all of North America. These paths do not disappoint. They wind through some of Calgary’s most scenic spots, from peaceful riversides and lush parks to buzzing neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. Exploring Calgary on two wheels is more than just exercise. It is a way to immerse yourself in the city’s nature, lifestyle, and culture all at once.
As you ride or even stroll along the pathways, you will notice how deeply active living is woven into daily life here. Locals embrace every opportunity to get outside, whether they are biking, running, skating, rollerblading, or even practicing unique training routines for winter sports. The beauty of Calgary’s pathway system is that it welcomes everyone, from solo travelers to couples and families, making it easy to join in. It is a safe, accessible, and fun way to see the city from a fresh perspective. Before you head west to the Canadian Rockies, consider giving Calgary a day or two on a bike. You will be surprised at just how much adventure this city holds.
Where to Rent Bikes in Calgary
Because biking is such a popular activity in Calgary, there are plenty of bike rental shops to choose from, but my top recommendation is Bow Cycle. This shop is not only one of the largest and most reliable bike stores in Alberta, but it also has multiple locations around the city, which makes your ride even more stress free. If anything were to happen during your adventure, you know you will be covered and can get assistance along the way.
We rented our bikes in advance through their website, which was super straightforward and convenient. The online system allowed us to select the exact style of bike we wanted, choose the right size, and even reserve helmets ahead of time. On the day of our ride, we picked them up from the Bowness location, which is right near the Bow River. This is the perfect place to start a biking adventure because you can hop right on the pathway and head straight into some of Calgary’s most scenic routes.
When we arrived that morning, the process could not have been easier. The staff greeted us right away and had our bikes ready to go. They adjusted everything for comfort, making sure seat height and handlebars fit perfectly so we felt relaxed and safe before heading out. They even provided us with a small repair kit, just in case, and walked us through the best biking paths in the city. What stood out most was how helpful and knowledgeable they were—they not only gave us route recommendations but also suggested great spots for lunch and fun places to stop along the way.
Another big bonus was knowing that Bow Cycle has another location further along the pathway. The staff told us that if we had any issues, we could stop there, mention our rental, and they would help us out. Thankfully we didn’t need that safety net, but it was reassuring to know the support was there if something came up.
Overall, Bow Cycle made the rental process seamless from start to finish. Between the easy online booking, the friendly and attentive staff, and the convenient location right next to the river, it set the perfect tone for our day of biking through Calgary.
Calgary’s Pathway System Around the City
One of the best parts about biking in Calgary is the city’s incredible pathway system. Starting right from Bowness, where we picked up our bikes, you can follow the paved trail that runs along the Bow River all the way into the heart of downtown. The paths are well maintained and clearly marked, with separate sections for bikers, walkers, and runners, so everyone has space to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. For the most part, the route is flat and easy, making it accessible for all levels of riders. Along the way, you’ll find a series of bridges that connect both sides of the river, giving you the chance to switch things up and explore different perspectives of the city.
The scenery makes the ride even better. You’ll be pedaling beside the clear, flowing river with tall trees and green spaces surrounding you. Calgary is filled with riverside parks, and one of the highlights is Prince’s Island Park. This beautifully kept park is right downtown, but it feels like an oasis. It’s a great spot to pause, stretch your legs, or even bring a picnic and take in the views.
What makes this pathway system so special is the balance between nature and city life. At any point, you can veer off the river path to explore a neighborhood, stop at a local café, or head into the downtown core. There are well-marked bike lanes throughout the city, making it safe and easy to continue your adventure without worrying about traffic. The pathways are completely vehicle free, so whether you are riding solo, with friends, or as a family, it feels safe and stress free. Along the way, you will pass families out for a stroll, other cyclists enjoying the day, and plenty of scenic spots where you can pull over, put down your bike, and simply enjoy the view.
Calgary’s pathway system is not just practical, t’s a way to experience the city at a slower pace, with the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye. It connects the natural beauty of the Bow River with the vibrant energy of the city, making it the perfect way to explore Calgary.
Highlights Along the Ride
We started our biking adventure around 10:30 in the morning and finished close to 4:00 in the afternoon. Even though we covered more than 25 kilometers, the ride felt surprisingly easy thanks to the flat terrain and how well the paths are laid out. The distance slips by when you’re surrounded by such beautiful scenery, and we made plenty of stops along the way to explore, take photos, and grab food. That is the beauty of biking Calgary’s pathway system, it is not just about the ride itself but about the experiences you have along the way.
Prince’s Island Park
One of the must-stop spots is Prince’s Island Park. Located right in the heart of downtown, this park feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. It is beautifully maintained with flower gardens, picnic areas, and wide open lawns, all surrounded by the river. It is the perfect place to take a break, stretch your legs, or sit down and watch the city come alive around you.
Downtown and the Stampede Grounds
Another highlight is biking through the downtown core and over to the Stampede Grounds. The Calgary Stampede is one of the city’s most famous events, drawing visitors from all over the world every July. Even when the event is not happening, the area is worth exploring. It is a massive open space with a mix of parkland and cultural landmarks, sitting just beyond the cluster of downtown skyscrapers and the riverside paths you have been riding. It gives you a different feel of Calgary’s identity—one that blends its modern city vibe with its deep Western heritage.
Breweries and Food Stops
Of course, no day of biking is complete without a good food or drink break. Calgary has a thriving craft beer scene, and the pathways make it easy to reach plenty of local breweries. Many of them have patios where you can park your bike, grab a cold local brew, and refuel with some delicious food. We ended up finding one in the downtown area just off the main pathway, but there are several options scattered along the river and throughout the city. Stopping at a brewery adds a fun social element to the ride and gives you a taste of Calgary’s growing food and drink culture.
With stops like these, biking in Calgary is about so much more than just the ride. It becomes a full day of exploring parks, landmarks, and local hangouts, all at your own pace.
Tips for Biking in Calgary
Before you head out on your biking adventure in Calgary, there are a few things to keep in mind that will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Bring a Bike Lock
If you are renting a bike, make sure to request a lock. Several locals mentioned that bike theft can happen in certain areas of the city. If you plan to stop at a park, café, or brewery along the way, it is best to lock your bike securely and, if possible, keep it in sight.
Best Time of Year
The ideal months for biking in Calgary are May through September. During this time, the weather is warmer and generally dry, and the long summer days give you plenty of daylight hours to explore. Spring and fall can also be nice, but the temperatures drop quickly, so summer is definitely the sweet spot.
Dress in Layers
Calgary weather is known for changing quickly. Even in the middle of summer, clouds can roll in and bring a chill, only to clear minutes later with warm sunshine. Bringing a light jacket or an extra layer will keep you comfortable no matter what the day brings.
Navigation and Ease
The beauty of Calgary’s pathway system is that it is incredibly straightforward. The trails are well marked, and bike lanes in the downtown core make it easy to get around without worrying about traffic. It is safe, accessible, and beginner friendly.
The Best Way to Explore
If you enjoy biking and want to get a real feel for the city, this is hands down the best way to do it. You will cover far more ground than you could on foot, while still moving at a pace that allows you to soak in the scenery, stop for photos, and discover new corners of the city. Biking Calgary is not only active and fun but also one of the most memorable ways to experience this underrated destination.
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