Edworthy Park Loop

Route Description for Edworthy Park Loop

Edworthy Park is a great place to relax in the outdoors while in the city of Calgary. This park holds a lot of history, however it can be busy. You may be overwhelmed at the day use area, as this is where most visitors stop to set up for picnics and activities. Moving beyond the main area onto the trails will bring a sense of solitude.

The Edworthy Park Loop Trail is a great choice for families. The easy trail is impeccably maintained and signed. You’ll have no problem finding your way on this simple route, and no matter what ability your group is at, you will surely enjoy the trek. The park itself was once home to indigenous groups and populated by bison. This was a location rich with cultural practice and lush with natural resources long before European settlers arrived. The land later became a brick quarry and then became Edworthy Park.

From the south parking lot and day use area, find the trail signs at the southwest end of the parking area. Begin your trail in a clockwise direction hiking southbound beyond many other trail junctions. There are endless multi-use trails here that intersect, but you will be able to follow the Edworthy Park Loop on the clear signage throughout.

After 1km, the trail begins to create a U-turn through the park heading north, paralleling Sarcee Trail SW. You will re-enter the central area of the park where more trails begin to intersect with your loop. At the intersection of trails (right before the train tracks) turn right and continue to follow the trail back to the car park. If you want to extend your hike, you can go down to the Bow River, but please note that you can only cross the train tracks at the controlled crossing near the Edworthy Park South Parking Lot.

This short trip is more exciting than it seems. It features rolling terrain, opportunities to extend the distance, and great river views. Plan a picnic and enjoy the day use area after completing the loop!

Trail Highlights

Edworthy Park

Edworthy is an amazing year-round destination in the southwest corner of Calgary. It was inhabited by indigenous people early on before it became a quarry and later a park. It was also once Cochrane Ranch that was purchased by Thomas Edworthy who turned the area into a popular garden market supplying fresh produce to railway workers. He discovered a source of sandstone in the park, which led the park to become a brick quarry until it was purchased by the city in 1962. It has many stunning lookouts and public amenities on both the south and north sides of the Bow River.

Insider Hints for Edworthy Park Loop

• Pack a picnic to enjoy at the day use area after your hike. You can set up at the picnic tables near the public washrooms and take advantage of the amenities the park has to offer. There are picnic sites scattered through the park by the river.
• Cross the Harry Boothman Bridge to the north side of the park and enjoy a treat at Angel’s Cappuccino and Ice Cream.
• Use the Bow River Pathway to access the park from either the north or south sides of the river. Bike to the park and lock your bikes before hiking the trail for a full day of multi-sport adventure.
• Bug spray is recommended in the summer months, especially at dusk.