Canada

Calgary, Alberta

See Also Our Guides for Canmore, and Banff/Jasper National Parks

Calgary is a fast-growing city situated at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the south of Alberta. It’s home to the second-highest number of corporate headquarters in Canada, with the oil and energy industries a major growth engine. Legendary Banff and Jasper National Parks are a couple of hours away by car. Running in Calgary is a treat — the city has among the the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway networks in North America.

The best places to run in Calgary center around its extensive river paths and parks. The signature runs in the downtown area are the Bow River & Elbow River Pathways. Just north of downtown are the hilly trails of Nose Hill Park — one of the most significant examples of the grassland ecosystem left on the Canadian prairies. Near the airport, there’s nice prairie terrain in Confluence Park. In northwest Calgary, we’ve put together a nice route combining Bowness Park, Bowmont Park, & Twelve Mile Coulee. Just south of downtown, we love running loops around Glenmore Reservoir, and the 80 km of trails at Fish Creek Provincial Park.  For destination runs, head to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park with its 3200 acres of ranch land, and Bragg Creek Provincial Park in the foothills of the Rockies. See also our running guides for the Canmore/Banff/Lake Louise area.

Notes: Calgary Transit provides public transportation services throughout the city with buses and a light rail (LRT). A car is needed to reach some of the wonderful running areas outside the city. Runners should also be aware that Calgary winters can be frigid. This interactive map shows which trails have been cleared of snow.

Editor's Picks

Some of our favorite runs in Calgary, Alberta

Glenmore Reservoir

One of Calgary’s classic runs, passing Glenmore Sailing Club, the Calgary Canoe and Rowing Club, the Weaselhead... more...

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  • Iconic Routes
  • Weather & Climate
  • Where To Stay
  • Stores & Group Runs
  • Events

Calgary is one of Canada’s sunniest cities with just over 332 days of sun. Winters are cold but tolerable, with average highs close to freezing. Winter nights are cold and the days are short. “Chinook winds” can warm things up dramatically, even in winter. Summers are warm and sunny but not overly hot, with long days due to the northern latitude. Evenings are cool and even in July you might need an extra layer for that early morning run. The city receives an average of 16.5 in (418.8 mm) of precipitation annually. There is snow in the winter, but not nearly as much as Montreal or some of the snowier U.S. cities since the climate is fairly dry. But you will have to be prepared for snowy and icy surfaces for running in winter. With the sun and cool temperatures, Calgary’s climate make for great running weather.

Most hotels are located in downtown Calgary. This is a business-oriented zone with a neat historic pedestrian mall and great access to the light rail (LRT). Directly to the north of downtown on the shores of the Bow River, is Eau Claire. A mix of shopping, restaurants, hotels, a large public plaza and urban parkland make Eau Claire one of Calgary’s most popular areas. Downtown and most of the hotels downtown provide good easy access to the Bow and Elbow Rivers Pathways, as well as the Marda Loop routes.

Gord’s Running Store Crescent Heights. Locally owned running store.

Calgary Frontrunners Meets Saturdays 9am at YMCA Eau Claire.

The Running Room Various Locations. Group runs are hosted from all Running Room locations on Wednesday evenings (contact your local Running Room for further details) and Sundays at 8:30am.

MEC Calgary Sports Store

The Tech Shop Alberta’s original running and walking store, dating to 1975. Locations downtown and Calgary north.

Strides Running Store Marda Loop and Fish Creek Locations. Free group runs offered Wednesday evening and Saturday morning (see website for details).

Community

Calgary Road Runners Club Visitors are welcome to join group runs. Get in touch with the facilitators, to confirm timing and routes on specific dates.

There are lots of great running events in Calgary!
Events Calendars #1. Events Calendar #2

Some of the major events are:

Calgary Marathon May. Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K.

Stampede Road Race July. Half Marathon, 10K and 5K.

Last Chance Half November.

St. Patrick’s Day Road Race March. 5K and 10K. Supports the Calgary Roadrunners and the Canadian Diabetes Association.