Rinks are great, and outdoor ponds are classic Canadiana, but skating down an ice trail? That’s one-of-a-kind fun.
In Calgary, it’s easy to do with two ice trails located in Bowness and North Glenmore Park. One is over 1.5 km long, and it cascades through trees and alongside the Bow River, making for a very scenic skate.
For beginning to advanced skaters, it’s a great way to find your edge and glide your way through one of the city’s most picturesque green spaces. If you’d prefer not to skate, you can even rent an ice bike to slide your way down the trail.
With no hockey pucks or sticks allowed, it’s just classic, outdoor winter fun on a long, winding ice track. Get ready to hit your stride!
What to expect
Calgary is no stranger to ice trails, and we have more than one here in the inner city. Bowness Park is home to a 1.6 km track that runs adjacent to the Bow River, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
At North Glenmore Park, you can skate down more than 730 metres of connected track. The trail is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
At both locations, the city requests that users yield to maintenance vehicles and staff who maintain the ice.
A bicycle on skates
Picture a bicycle, except the front wheel has been replaced with skates. That’s the concept of an ice bike, a recreational activity that was revealed to the public at Bowness Park in recent years.
If strapping on the skates sounds intimidating, you can opt to rent an ice bike for $20/hour. No balancing is necessary as the bike’s wide base keeps you upright, and all you have to do is pedal and steer. Ice bikes are single speed, so it’s a great option for those who feel jittery on the ice, youth and families.
Glide your way down the trail and take in the views of Calgary’s green spaces. Things definitely look a little different with a fresh blanket of snow.
Bowness Park Ice Trail
When: Open seasonally in winter
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Bowness Park — 8900 48th Ave. NW, Calgary
Tickets: Free
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Em Medland-Marchen
Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, and walks along the Bow River.
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