Western Headworks Canal to Chestermere

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3-5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
66.7 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
89 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Be the first to add a review!
Directions to Trailhead
Western Headworks Canal to Chestermere

Discover a pretty biking trail surrounding Chestermere Lake in Calgary, Alberta. This path weaves in and out of quiet streets and peaceful neighbourhoods for a relaxing ride.

Download the 10Adventures App

View Western Headworks Canal to Chestermere on Map

View Map

Join our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for Western Headworks Canal to Chestermere

The Out to Chestermere biking route follows a good bike pathway until Chestermere Lake, where you can bike around the lake on quiet streets.

Start at Carburn Park, from the free parking lot and head north along the Bow River Pathway.

Go under Glenmore Trail, then continue along the Bow River Pathway as you climb the hill into the community of Lynnwood, with picturesque views overlooking downtown and the surrounding mountains.

Then glide back downhill, into Beaver Dam Flats and Refinery Park, both very pretty spots to stop and explore on foot or snap a few photos.

Continue along until you come to a T-junction, where normally you’d go left on a bridge over Deerfoot Trail to the other side of the Bow River. But instead, veer right and you’ll be on a path that continues on Ogden Rd. SE.

Then take a right and loop up to a bridge over Ogden Rd. SE and proceed over the train tracks. On the other side of the tracks, go right and down to the pathway, on the west side of the Western Headworks Canal.

From here, continue to follow the bike path along the canal, crossing back over the water and under the Glenmore Trail. Follow the bike path as it runs parallel to 98 Ave. SE, crossing over 52 St. SE.

Eventually, you’ll cycle beside the lush and verdant Heatherglen Golf Course, still following the path running alongside the canal up towards Rainbow Falls.

The early part of this ride is through east Calgary’s industrial heartland, which is interesting, but not overly beautiful. Once you reach the countryside, it’s very pretty.

Before you know it, you’ve reach W Chestermere Dr., turn left here. A spin around Chestermere Lake is worth the effort and you can always take a snack or coffee break in town. Stop by Anniversary Park, which is home to a public beach where you can take a dip, or enjoy the picnic area on the east side of the lake.

After a swim and relaxing in the sun, hop back on two wheels to continue around the entirety of Chestermere Lake and into the neighbourhoods of East Chestermere and Kinniburgh. Once you’ve arrived back on the path at the starting point of the Chestermere Lake circuit, re-trace your route back to the parking lot.

Insider Hints for Western Headworks Canal to Chestermere

  • On the Out to Chestermere biking trail, be sure to pack a swimsuit to enjoy the public beach at Anniversary Park

Getting to the Western Headworks Canal to Chestermere Trailhead

From Deerfoot Trail take Glenmore Trail East. Go south on the 18 Street East exit and continue on 18 St SE and go right on Rivervalley Dr SE and left on Riverview Landing SE into Carburn Park parking lot.

Route Information

  • When to do

    March-November

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Western Headworks Canal to Chestermere Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Western Headworks Canal to Chestermere Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter