Tour de South Calgary

Route Description for Tour de South Calgary

The Tour de South Calgary biking trail is the name given to this great ride by 10Adventures founder, Richard. This is his favourite ride, and it is a spectacular bike ride, taking in the best of Calgary: The Elbow River, Bow River, Downtown, Glenmore Reservoir and Fish Creek Park! Wow.

We suggest starting at Fish Creek Park at Bow Valley Ranche, but you can start this route anywhere, just find the nearest parking lot to your home.

Head east out of Bow Valley Ranche, following the bike path along the beautiful Bow River.

Continue until you reach the Sue Higgins Pedestrian Bridge. From here, cross over the bridge and into Douglas Bank Park, saving you the tough climb on the Diamond Cove Hill.

From here, take the Bow River Pathway trail, continuing to follow along the Bow River, past the Eaglequest Golf Driving Range.

Peddle under the Ivor Strong Bridge, until you reach a Y-junction. Take the Bow River Pathway trail to your left, sticking close to the Bow River.

Ride into and through Carburn Park, stopping to admire the two glistening ponds that are home to ducks and geese.

Push forward along the Bow River Pathway, under the Graves Bridge, where the trail follows a U-shape dip in the path. Continue peddling up the hill into Lynnwood (see other route later on that follows into Lynnwood – North Calgary Loop), until you reach the next Y-junction. This time, follow the Bow River pathway to the right into Beaver Dam Flats and further into Refinery Park.

Cycle onwards, underneath the Calf Robe Bridge and at the T-junction where the trail ends, go left over a bridge and down the other side. Loop back onto the Bow River Pathway following once again alongside the Bow River on your right and the rail yards on your left, up towards the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.

Follow the path as it goes beside the Inglewood Wildlands, a peaceful waterfront preserve and further past the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary—a great spot for birding and observing wildlife.

Continue along the Bow River Pathway into the Pearce Estate Park. Feel free to explore the wetland park’s trails by foot or by bike (though this will add km). Follow alongside the Bow River as the trail bends into Inglewood River Promenade Park, until you come back towards the historical houses at Inglewood following New St SE. and then back onto the Bow River Pathway to cross a bridge over the Elbow River, heading towards 9 Ave SE and back over the Elbow River once more.

Go south here onto the pretty Elbow River Pathway and follow the trail along the Elbow River. Soon the path goes into ENMAX Park, where you can look across the river at the Calgary Stampede grounds and the Saddledome Arena.

Follow the path as it curves around and goes under some low bridges. You’ll eventually end up in Lindsay Park, which is a very scenic part of the ride right along the Elbow River.

Continue just until you reach Erlton Park, then turn onto 25 Ave SW, crossing the bridge over the Elbow River. Once on the other side, if you need a snack, 17th Avenue and 4th Street are both nearby with plenty of options.

Take a left at 2 St SW, then at the next T-junction head right along 26th Ave SW. From there continue to 4 St SW, where you go left. Cross over the Elbow River again, and then go right onto Rideau Road.

Enjoy the mansions as you ride down Rideau Road, and at the end you come onto a bike pathway that has very pretty views and takes you to Stanley Park.

Follow the Elbow River Pathway, and after you go under Elbow Drive, come out on the other side and ride along Riverdale Avenue, another street with impressive mansions.

At the end of Riverdale, you again come to a paved bike path. Follow this, soon crossing a bridge over the Elbow River and at the Y-junction, head right continuing into Sandy Beach Park, a great area for a picnic.

You’ll begin to ride away from the river, and soon come to a big hill that will get you puffing. Climb the hill and at the top follow the Elbow River Pathway as it heads south, high above the Elbow River.

Continue heading south as the path goes over the Glenmore dam,.

Cross over Glenmore Trail on a bridge and then cycle up the hill that leads to the rear of the Rockyview Hospital.

Follow the path south, as it comes out onto a road, turn right onto Eagle Ridge Dr SW and cycle through the community of Eagle Ridge. Then, look for another right onto a bike path which continues into Heritage Park Historical Village where the Railway Café a great stop for snacks or coffee.

From there, follow the southern edge of the Glenmore Reservoir, along the Glenmore Pathway into Forgetmennot Park. Enjoy the lower route, which is narrower and has better views, before taking the path that leads south on the western edge of Calgary and running parallel to Oakmount Dr SW. This path leads all the way back to Fish Creek Park at Shannon Terrace.

Once inside Fish Creek Park, head east following along Fish Creek and up towards Bebo Grove. There are a few paths to follow, but don’t get too focused on which one you choose. As long as you continue to head east, you’ll reach your car.

Insider Hints for Tour de South Calgary

• On the Tour de South Calgary biking trail, you’ll pass through Sandy Beach. This is a great swimming spot, so you may want to pack a swimsuit for a refreshing mid-ride dip.