Calgary's vibrant inner-city neighbourhoods are calling all walkers. Lori Beattie, the acclaimed author behind the updated guide Calgary's Best Walks, has traversed every path herself, and now shares the details for walks number 40 and 41. This route promises a spectacular journey through the storied streets of Kensington, Sunnyside, and Crescent Heights.
A Trail of Urban Discovery and Spectacular Vistas
The adventure begins in the bustling Kensington village, where a pre-hike coffee is a perfect start. From there, walkers are guided to the poignant Poppy Plaza war memorial before heading east along the scenic Bow River Pathway. The path leads to one of Calgary's most recognizable landmarks: the Peace Bridge. This tubular, bright red pedestrian and cyclist bridge, designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is both a functional piece of city infrastructure and a public art installation. It was built to accommodate over 6,000 users daily, a testament to Calgary's commitment to active living.
After crossing the bridge, the walk continues onto the natural oasis of Prince’s Island. Explorers can wander the wetlands trails at the island's east end. In the winter months, the frozen pond here is cleared and maintained, transforming into a popular public skating rink.
Climbing to Calgary's Best Views and Holiday Magic
The journey then leads north across the Bow River and up the challenging but rewarding McHugh Bluff escarpment. Named for early homesteader and entrepreneur Felix McHugh, the bluff offers breathtaking panoramic views. On a clear day, the vista stretches from the downtown core all the way to the distant mountains. With each step up the hillside, the downtown skyscrapers rise dramatically into view.
This area becomes particularly enchanting in December. The houses along Crescent Road are famous for their elaborate colourful Christmas light displays, making it a perfect destination for a festive evening stroll. The pathway also leads to the popular Crescent Heights stairs, a fitness hotspot where dedicated Calgarians get their workout. A fun fact for the ambitious: climbing these stairs 140 times is said to be the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest!
Art, Alleys, and a Return to Kensington
The walk continues along hillside trails, winding through a grove of willows, ashes, balsam poplar, and white spruce. This section is a designated off-leash area, so encounters with friendly, furry companions are likely. The route then loops back through the charming community of Sunnyside, known for its character homes and unique folk art.
For a truly unique experience, the walk encourages a tour of the back alleys. Here, you'll find an incredible outdoor art gallery featuring more than 30 garage door murals. These vibrant paintings depict everything from neighbourhood dogs and the solar system to pandas, owls, and colourful gardens, transforming mundane alleyways into a captivating creative space.
The final leg of the journey is a leisurely stroll along 10th Street and Kensington Road. This area is lined with independent shops, bakeries, pubs, cafés, and tea shops, offering plenty of opportunities to refuel. The walk concludes by meandering through any of the pleasant Hillhurst side streets back to the starting point at Riley Park, completing an inner-city trek filled with nature, culture, and stunning urban landscapes.
