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There are a wealth of running options accessible right from downtown Calgary. There are numerous parks, the Riverwalk, and the Bow and Elbow River pathways — all connected by numerous bridges. We’ve put together a few suggested loop options. For more, consult our Bow River and Elbow River routes.
Downtown Parks 10k. We’ve put together this route combining several parks in the downtown area, mainly west of Centre St. It’s neatly all on multi-use trails. From Centre St., head north across the bridge and take the path for 4 km, connecting Rotary Park, Sunnyside Park, the hill to McHugh Bluff, and Riley Park. Then head south on the path paralleling 9a St. NW toward the Bow River. Take the Bow River Pathway for 1 km through Poppy Plaza, cross the 14th St. NW bridge to the south bank of the river, and then run on the river path east for 3 km, passing through Eau Clair Park and then doing a loop around Prince’s Island Park.
Downtown East 10k Loop. This route explores the parks and river paths east of Centre St. It’s up to 10k but can be shortened. From Centre St., head east on the Riverwalk path for 1.2 km. Take the George C. King pedestrian bridge across the Bow River, do a 1.3 loop around St. Patrick’s Island Park, and continue on the bridge to the north side of the river. Head east along the Bow River Pathway for 1 km, turning left at 12th St., and head into Tom Campbell’s Hill Natural Park. Enjoy a ~70m climb, with great skyline views as the reward! For the final section, take the Bow River Pathway west for 3 km to the Bow River Pathway Bridge at Memorial Dr., passing through Mount Pleasant and Sunnyside Bank Park. Cross through Prince’s Island Park back to Centre St.
Prince’s Island Park/Eau Claire Park 5k. A fun lunchtime loop! From Eau Claire Market, do a loop around Prince’s Island Park, then take the Bow River Pathway along the north side of the Bow River to the bridge that crosses back over the river to Eau Claire Park, returning east.
Additional Options: Additional paths in the parks, and many km on the Bow River Pathway & Elbow River Pathway.
- Depends on route chosen
- Generally Flat
- Centre St. or Eau Claire Market are two good start points
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You should make Bow River separate
Yes, we will do this!
Is it safe to run this route at night and is it well lit ?
Yes, most of it is well lit. Issue at night could be ice and snow depending on the season. Some of the paths
are cleared but it can very.