The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Ralph Klein Park

The Bow River flows east through Calgary and forms part of the eastern boundary of Fish Creek Provincial Park. In this area, paved pathways and multi-use trails follow its banks, offering scenic access to water views, wildlife, and connections to Calgary’s greater pathway system. The river and adjacent parklands are popular for walking, cycling, fishing and enjoying open-air river scenery within the city’s natural green corridor.

Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of Canada’s largest urban provincial parks, spanning a long natural valley within Calgary and preserving forest, wetlands, and grassland. The park features more than 100 kilometres of connected paved and unpaved pathways and trails that wind through diverse ecosystems along Fish Creek and its tributaries. Visitors can hike, bike, picnic, watch wildlife and access the Bow River at several points as part of an extensive recreational network.

The Bow River Pathway is a well-maintained multi-use trail that goes through Calgary, connecting parks, bridges, and viewpoints along the way. It follows the Bow River and offers constant water views with the city skyline or the Rockies in the background. Early mornings and evenings are ideal for a quieter ride or walk.

The Bow River runs through the heart of Calgary, offering some of the city’s best trails for walking and hiking. The paths follow the river’s edge for long stretches, with views of forested banks, bridges, and open water. It’s a steady, scenic route that feels natural yet stays close to the city, making it a great choice for an easy hike or a longer day on the trail.

Carburn Park is one of Calgary’s best riverside areas for an easy urban hike. The trails wind through cottonwood forest and around two ponds, with frequent views of the Bow River along the way. The terrain is flat and well-marked, making it ideal for a relaxed walk or a quick break in nature. You’ll often see ducks, geese, and beavers, and the mix of trees, meadows, and calm water gives the park a peaceful feel just minutes from the city.

Carburn Park Pond is the highlight of the trails here, with calm, mirror-like water surrounded by trees and open sky. As you hike the loop around it, you’ll pass easy gravel paths and plenty of wildlife—ducks, geese, and the occasional beaver working near the shoreline. It’s not a long hike, but the pond’s peaceful setting makes it a great stop to linger, especially when the light hits the water in the early morning or evening.

The Bow River runs clear and fast through Calgary, cutting a wide path between forested banks and city parkland. Known for its turquoise colour and strong current, it’s one of Alberta’s most recognizable rivers. Trails line much of its length within the city, offering easy access for hiking or cycling with frequent views of the skyline, bridges, and nearby wildlife along the water’s edge.

Gives you a way to connect from the pathway on the creek valley floor to the one on the higher bank. If you want a better view of the creek valley from above, this is a place you can make that connection. Good for cycling and walking across.