Cycling in and around Calgary is enjoyable for so many reasons – big nature, awe-inspiring vistas, peaceful river pedals, fresh air, the physical challenge, and so many destinations to discover along the way. Here are a few of my favorite fall rides to celebrate the change of seasons.
Bow River Loop: Shouldice Park to St. Patrick’s Island Park, NW-SW
The Bow River Pathway loop is one of the most varied and beautiful bike rides in Calgary. The riverside pathway passes beneath towering poplars past public art, and has easy access to neighborhoods that host ice cream shops, playgrounds, pubs, and people-populated walking and shopping streets. Cycle along the north or south side of the Bow River to the RiverWalk and St. Patrick’s Island, where you can stop at Trout Beach for a picnic. Keep on pedalling to the playground and then loop through Inglewood, where you might want to detour for burgers, ice cream, or a craft beer before looping back on the opposite side of the river.
Start: Shouldice Park or Edworthy Park, north or south;
LRT Start: Sunnyside or Bridgeland Stations
Fish Creek Provincial Park: Shannon Terrace to Mallard Point and Douglasdale Escarpment, SW-SE
Vast and peaceful, the wilds of Fish Creek Provincial Park stretch 19km from east to west. Begin your ride in the forested west end and follow mostly flat paved pathways east, or get off the beaten (paved) path and explore shale pathways and single-track mountain bike trails. Listen for the birdlife in wetlands and among the riparian forests and slow the pace to catch a glimpse of one or two of the 200 bird species that have been found in the park. You may also see other wildlife: deer, coyotes, snakes, frogs, beavers, and black bears all call the park home or enjoy the occasional visit. Continue east to Bow Valley Ranche and plan a stop at Annie’s Café to recharge before continuing to Mallard Point. Loop back in the park or cross the Bow River, and climb to the Douglasdale escarpment pathway for stunning views of the river valley, the Rockies, and a distant downtown Calgary.
Start: Official Fish Creek parking lot at Shannon Terrace;
LRT Start: Fish Creek Station
West Nose Creek- Edgemont Ravines- Nose Hill Park, NW
As you descend into West Nose Creek Park along the paved pathway, imagine that this valley was forged by runoff in the last glaciation. Bike past willows and shrubs before passing by Split Rock, a 2m-high glacial erratic that was once a part of Mount Edith Cavell in Jasper National Park. Follow a mix of Hidden Valley side streets, pathways, and tunnel underpasses before entering the wilds of Edgemont Park Ravines. The bird chatter is loud and clear as you close in on the cattail-lined wetlands, where red-winged blackbirds thrive. Climb past wetlands and descend into the manicured ravine park before climbing once again to Nose Hill Park, where a nature intensive paved pathway descends to a tunnel under 14th Street and continues to the Nose Creek Pathway.
Start: West Nose Creek, Beddington Trail, NW
Lori Beattie is the author of Calgary’s Best Bike Rides and the best-selling guidebook Calgary’s Best Walks. She is the owner of Fit Frog Adventures where she leads walks, hikes, and snowshoe days. Connect with her, see upcoming events, and get signed copies of her books on Instagram @lorifitfrog and at fitfrog.ca and at bookstores and cool shops throughout Calgary.
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