After a long work day, we could all use a little fresh air. Of course, because it is pretty chilly out there, we wouldn’t recommend straying too far from home, so instead, why not explore your city? From hidden tree-covered gems to stunning skyline views, here are 10 beautiful places to take a winter walk in and around Calgary!
Nose Hill Park
Nose Hill is a vision in the winter. From this gigantic park, you can see the mountains, downtown Calgary and the Bow River Valley. Talk about variety! This particular park also has an off-leash dog area and several paths each with plenty of room to physically distance yourself and enjoy the view, which we love.
Where: 5620 14 St. NW, Calgary
Griffith Woods
Get that ‘in the middle of nowhere’ feeling – without ever even leaving the city! Griffiths Woods has a ton of trails winding in and around the forest surrounding the Elbow River near the community of Discovery Ridge. Take a stroll in the peace and quiet or work up a sweat and stretch those legs – Here you can choose your own adventure!
Where: Entrances along Discovery Ridge Blvd SW, Calgary
Confederation Park
No matter what time of year it is, Confederation Park is a go-to. In the summer, have a picnic or go for a bike ride and in the winter bring your toboggans and your cross-country skis, or just grab a coffee and take a leisurely stroll. We love versatility!
Where: 905 30 Ave. NW, Calgary
Glenbow Ranch
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From a frozen Bow River, snow-covered trees, and sheets of white as far as the eye can see – we would absolutely consider this earthy spot a literal winter wonderland. Choose from one of many trails and keep an eye out for moose deer and other four-legged forest-dwelling friends hiding in and around the shrubbery.
Where: 255001 Glenbow Rd, Cochrane, AB
Bowmont Park
Looking to catch a few in-city surprises? Between the bushes and trees of Bowmont, you’ll find magical snowy fields and a couple of quaint but pretty waterfalls. The best part though? There are several huge off-leash areas where you can dog watch and we don’t know about you, but that’s half the reason we’re ever willing to leave the house in the first place.
Where: 85 St. NW, Calgary
Fish Creek Park
This may or may not surprise some of you, but with 11 hiking, running, walking, and snowshoeing trails, Fish Creek is actually one of the largest urban parks in Canada. See animals, trees, and a frozen Bow River and take in some fresh air all within city limits!
Where: SE/SW Calgary
Spray River
Only minutes away from the Banff Fairmont Hotel, you’ll find the trailhead for Spray River. Walk along the river, catch a glimpse of Mount Rundle and turn back without having barely broken a sweat. This one is a good one to check out if you prefer to walk with a coffee in your hand.
Where: Directions here
Edworthy Park
With beautiful meadows, trees, and paths Edworthy is one of the most magical parks in Calgary. Follow the Douglas Fir Trail to the Lowery Gardens and feel inspired enough to floor your friend’s Instagram feeds, let your pooch run free in one of their many off-leash areas, or just sit on a bench and it all in – this one is worth checking out.
Where: 5050 Spruce Dr. SW, Calgary
West Bragg Creek
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West Bragg Creek is another one that is a bit outside of the city limits but the way that we see it, the farther from the inner city, the safer! Here, take a stroll, a jog, or challenge yourself on the steeper pathways just remember to wear proper footwear!
Where: 5050 Spruce Dr. SW, Calgary
Baker Park
Whether you’re looking to take a quick walk on a weekday or spend an entire day wandering the great outdoors, Baker Park is kind of a fail-safe location. Grab a hot choco, bundle up and wander through archways and amphitheatres, down pathways and hillside staircases. It’s actually pretty magical.
Where: 9333 Scenic Bow Rd. NW, Calgary
There you have it! The best places for a winter walk in and around Calgary. Not bad hey? We honestly believe that we have the most beautiful backyard in Canada.
