Top Hiking Trails in Calgary: Local’s Guide to Scenic Treks
If you’re like me and think a good day starts with lacing up your hiking boots and ends with sore legs and a satisfied soul, then Calgary might just be your happy place. Nestled right where the prairies kiss the mountains, Calgary offers a buffet of trails for every kind of hiker—from the Sunday stroller to the full-send summit chaser. I’ve been exploring this region for years, and let me tell you—this city and its surroundings are a hiker’s playground.
Let’s get into it: here are my favorite hiking trails in and around Calgary, complete with personal tips, honest takes, and a few insider secrets you won’t find on a brochure.
Urban Escapes: Trails Within the City
Nose Hill Park – For Big Sky Views Without Leaving Town
- Distance: Up to 11 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Why I love it: It’s like stepping into Alberta’s wild prairie right in the middle of the city.
Nose Hill is one of the largest urban parks in North America, and let me tell you—it’s a beast. Not because it’s difficult, but because it’s so vast. You’ll find rolling hills, deer trotting by, and sweeping views of the Calgary skyline. Pro tip: go at sunset, and the whole place glows golden.
I once spent an entire afternoon here just wandering off-path (don’t tell the trail police). Bring water—it gets dry and hot, especially in July.
Fish Creek Provincial Park – For Nature Lovers Who Don’t Want to Drive
- Distance: Over 80 km of trails
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best for: Picnics, river walks, and easygoing hikes
This place is a gem. I bring visiting friends here who want a casual nature stroll that still feels “very Canadian.” There are bridges, riverbanks, and even a man-made lake if you fancy a dip. It’s also a hotspot for birdwatching. Last spring, I spotted a great horned owl—and yes, I did brag about it for weeks.
Glenmore Reservoir Trail – Lakeside Serenity With Bonus Skyline Views
- Distance: 15 km loop
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Tip: Perfect for a morning walk with a coffee in hand
This one’s underrated. You’re looping around the Glenmore Reservoir with calm waters on one side and glimpses of Calgary’s skyline on the other. It’s paved in many parts, so it’s stroller and rollerblade friendly (for those who want to hike on wheels, I guess?).
Bow River Pathway – The Artery of Outdoor Calgary
- Distance: 48 km (you don’t need to do it all!)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why it rocks: Connects parks, bridges, and downtown
I probably hike a section of this trail every week—it’s that versatile. You can start near the Peace Bridge, walk along the water, grab a snack in Kensington, and keep going toward Edworthy Park or the Zoo. It’s city hiking at its best.
Mountain Magic: Day Hikes Just Outside Calgary
Alright, let’s say you’ve got a car, a full water bottle, and a little more energy to burn. Time to hit the real trails, just a short drive away.
Grassi Lakes (Canmore) – For Gorgeous Instagram Shots With Minimal Effort
- Distance: 4 km round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Drive from Calgary: ~1 hour
Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s worth it. I bring out-of-town visitors here because it’s short but spectacular. Think crystal-clear turquoise lakes nestled in the mountains. There’s an easier path and a more scenic one (take the scenic—you’ll thank me later).
Ha Ling Peak – For That Classic Rocky Mountain Summit Pic
- Distance: 7.8 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Elevation Gain: 800+ meters
Okay, this one’s a leg burner. It’s not technical, but it’s steep. You’ll grunt, sweat, and wonder why you thought this was a fun idea—until you reach the top. The views of Canmore and the Bow Valley are epic. Bring snacks, layers, and a friend who can take your victory photo.
Tunnel Mountain (Banff) – The Gateway Summit Hike
- Distance: 4.8 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why I love it: Quick summit hike with big payoff
Despite being one of Banff’s easiest summit hikes, Tunnel Mountain feels like a real accomplishment. The trail switchbacks gently to the top, giving you killer views of the Bow River and the Banff townsite. I’ve done this one at sunrise and sunset—both are magical.
Grotto Canyon – Hike Through a Rocky Slot Wonderland
- Distance: 4.2 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Bonus: Ancient Indigenous pictographs
Walking through this narrow canyon feels like stepping into another world. In winter, it turns into an ice walk (bring spikes!). The pictographs are a beautiful touch of history—please don’t touch them. Bring kids or friends who love a bit of geology and mystery.
Hidden Gems: The Lesser-Known Beauties
Prairie Mountain
- Distance: 7.6 km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Pro tip: Go early. It gets busy—and sweaty.
This is the go-to workout trail for locals. I treat it like a gym with a view. You’ll gain over 700 meters, and your quads will remember every single one. But once you hit the summit? You’ll see Elbow Valley stretched out below and maybe even spot Moose Mountain in the distance.
Fullerton Loop
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Vibe: Peaceful forest trail with fewer crowds
If you want a quiet trail where you can hear the birds and your own thoughts, Fullerton Loop is your buddy. It’s got nice elevation, soft forest paths, and solid valley views. Great for spring and fall when the higher elevation trails are snowed in.
Seasonal Hiking in Calgary
- Spring: Bring waterproof boots—there’s mud and melting snow.
- Summer: Early starts beat the heat and the crowds. Wildflowers are out in full force.
- Fall: Golden larches and crunchy leaves. A personal favorite.
- Winter: Switch to snowshoes or spikes—Fish Creek and Nose Hill become winter wonderlands.
Final Thoughts
Calgary is more than just a gateway to the Rockies—it’s a hiker’s city through and through. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful solo walk in a city park or a thigh-burning summit scramble, it’s all right here (or just a short drive away). I’ve spent years hiking these trails, and I still find new things to love about each one. So pack your water, tighten those laces, and hit the trail—you won’t regret it.
See you out there. And if you pass a hiker with a goofy grin and a bag of trail mix stuffed in every pocket… that’s probably me.
