Looking for an easy family adventure that combines fresh air, playground fun, and a well-earned scoop of ice cream? These two Calgary routes deliver all three. Whether you're walking with little ones, riding bikes with older kids or simply looking for a fun way to explore the city, you'll discover beautiful pathways, neighborhood parks, local ice cream shops, and plenty of reasons to stop and play along the way.
Sandy Beach to Ramsay walk or ride
Start: Erlton LRT or Sandy Beach Park, 4500 14A Street SW
Facilities: Bathrooms at Sandy Beach Park, Stanley Park, Sport Centre in Lindsay Park and at the East Village
Distance & Difficulty:
Ice Cream Shops:
Beginning and ending with a playground, and with many more playgrounds and ice cream stops along both routes, these are both kids’ and adults’ favorite walks or rides. The Sandy Beach route has varying distances depending on which bridge you take and works well as a walk or a ride. Begin your outing on the Elbow River Pathway and travel past picnic areas, playgrounds, and, in the summer, alongside rafters launching their boats and swimmers playing in the shallow Elbow River. The route connects to Riverdale Avenue, where riders enjoy a picturesque pedal or stroll past stunning riverside homes before dropping back onto the paved pathway under Elbow Drive.
The entire length of the Elbow River Pathway is a wonderful mix of nature, neighborhoods and parks, like Stanley Park, where another playground stop or swim at the outdoor pool is in order. Continue through Rideau and along quiet side streets into Roxboro before connecting to Erlton and Lindsay Park, past Stampede Park and up Scotsman’s Hill. This high point is the perfect spot to see the Rockies on the horizon and to get a bird’s-eye view of Stampede Park and the up-and-coming Entertainment District. Continue downhill for some house-made ice cream at Apprentice Café (their affogato is fantastic!) and a wonderful playground with downtown views. Continue to East Village for another playground stop or lunch at the Simmons Building along RiverWalk. Loop back from here along the Elbow River Pathway and if you have waited until the end for your cold treat, climb through the Saskatoon berry slopes to Britannia Plaza where ice cream awaits!
Bridgeland – the ice cream capital of Calgary walks
Start: Bridgeland LRT or Murdoch Park, Bridgeland
Facilities: Bathrooms at Bridgeland Community Centre in Murdoch Park and at the Science Centre
Distance & Difficulty: From 1 to 9.5km (sidewalks, paved paths, single-track trails, stairs, and hills)
Ice Cream Shops:
Choose between four locally made ice cream and gelato shops while you walk through parks, along pathways, and stop by the playgrounds of Bridgeland. The neighborhood charm comes partly from its immigrant history and partly from rejuvenation. In the 1800’s, Germans, Italians, and Ukrainians were the first people to settle in Bridgeland where land was cheap. Today, independent neighborhood shops like Lukes Drug Mart sell vinyl and gourmet foods, while the local dining scene along First Avenue and Edmonton Trail is a mix of cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops.
The walk begins at Murdoch Park and connects to the Bow River Pathway. Walk east past the Canadian Wilds enclosure at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, which is visible from the main pathway. As you pass by, keep an eye out for the moose and grizzly bears that live in the enclosure. The pathway turns north and becomes the quieter Nose Creek Pathway. Walk past the Science Centre and up to the top of Tom Campbell’s Hill, an off-leash park. Look for the landmark, copper-domed Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church. The church marks the set of stairs that you’ll climb to the next viewpoint.
Continue across Edmonton Trail and loop back past Flyover Park before taking the hidden stairway back to your starting point. Both routes have many little connector paths and stairways that lead to views, gardens, and through Saskatoon-sloped urban wilds. I suggest that you become an explorer and change your route mid-stride to follow that between-the-houses pathway or set of stairs just to see where they go. Being a tourist in your own city gives your brain a happy hit, just like when you travel to new lands.
The best family adventures don't have to be far from home. Pack a water bottle, leave room for ice cream, and let curiosity lead the way. Whether you follow the route exactly or take a detour down an inviting pathway or hidden staircase, you'll discover that some of Calgary's sweetest memories are made one playground, one trail and one scoop at a time. See you out there!
Lori is the author of Calgary’s Best Walks: 95 urban jaunts, nature strolls and tasty pit stops and Calgary’s Best Bike Rides. She leads walks with her company Fit Frog Adventures. Join Lori on year-round walks and at FREE events: Sept 20: Bike-A-Palooza, walk, bike, lunch! Oct 7 and 26: Calgary Library Walks. Learn more at fitfrog.ca & Instagram @lorifitfrog.
Google Map with routes: google.com
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