Glenmore Reservoir Loop: The Last Time (NOT!)

We’ve hiked the Glenmore Reservoir Loop many times before, occasionally during the warmer months but mostly come winter. There’s a nice pathway that circles the entire thing and much scenic variety. Sometimes it’s a very park-like setting, sometimes you’re along quiet city streets, next to a noisy trunk road (thankfully foreshortened recently) or there’s sections with a full on wilderness vibe. And it all happens right here in the city. We’ve documented our adventures here before but this may be the last time we do it. Or not – we’re liars. Yes, in a couple/few years, assuming we can keep up the hectic pace, we’ll post about it again, repetitive us. When you do as much as us, there’s bound to be duplicate-ish content at times.

There’s many starting points and it’s equally fun to do the loop in either direction. Here we begin at the south end of 37th Street SW in the community of Lakeview. When starting at North Glenmore Park, it’s best to do it clockwise so as to leave the best for last. We’re speaking of the wooded Weaselhead that feels far removed from urban life, that’s a real treat and so peaceful. The whole way is paved and plowed during the winter (in the past not all parts were). At the start here there’s two paths running parallel, one for bikes and any wheeled conveyances, the other for those on foot. Later, the two become one.

The trail stays close to the edge of a high escapement for the best views. Far below the Elbow River empties in the reservoir. The trails follows the lay of the land, wander left and right. Pass playgrounds and picnic areas, fields of grass, and groves of trees. Be sure to give a greeting and smile to those you meet and make the world a better place.

Need to get in shape? No need to buy a stepper, just use those stairs leading down to water.

This winter’s day, almost at the solstice, the sun’s never that high in the horizon with long shadows everywhere. It’s hard on the psyche sometimes.

Where the reservoir trends unexpectedly left, look for Heritage Park straight ahead across the (then icy) waters. See the tall grain elevator? We photographed it last spring in honour of a deceased friend who had a thing for buildings like this. Here: For Jim…. Pass the Calgary Rowing Club. You are allowed non-motorized recreational boats on the water here.

Next up, they’ve put put in a new stretch of trail that backs onto a golf course (high fences prevent errant balls from whacking you) that keeps close to the reservoir. In the past, there was a bypass here that had to take in residential streets and a powerline right of way to avoid the links, which you can still use, but this new route is far more interesting. And while it knocks a kilometre off the total distance, it does avoid a prolonged noisy section by a busy road. The speed limit is eighty along Glenmore Trail, so in Calgary terms that’s a buck twenty easy!

Drop down, earplugs in, cross over the reservoir where it narrows, then lose the road and head up into the trees leaving all the din behind. Pass in behind the Rockyview Hospital and it’s infamous “smoker’s corner”. Fight through the haze! High up above the reservoir now, there’s some nice views to the west through occasional breaks in the trees. Enter the exclusive community of Eagle Ridge. Lots of good sized mansion type dwellings here. Walk along the road, cause there’s no sidewalks, hardly a problem as traffic’s negligible. We quicken our pace in case the cops are called on us.

And now come to Heritage Park, a huge “living history” museum, closed in the colder months. Well mostly so, a few inside attractions are open. What a huge parking lot (and often jam packed on a summer weekend). To the right, some shops and a fine dining restaurant and a cool old train station. More about it here: CPR Calgary Train Station. Cross the “streetcar” tracks and join back up with the reservoir which was last seen a few block back.

Take in the most easterly shore. Across the frozen waters and some distance away, it’s the mighty Rockies beckoning. If the munchies call, there’s plenty of eateries at complex called Glenmore Landing to your left. Nothing beats a pub brunch – just sayin’. Back on the trail, the path now heads west. Here’s where the trail is most busy of all. At a split keep left and head up. Straight ahead will get you where you’re going too, but in winter at least, it’s often icy. Rising and dropping, at times there’s some nice viewpoints here and there. Turn south for a time, then west again at the Calgary Sailing Club. In a click or two, take in the last views of the reservoir as soon you’ll be into the trees for an extend period.

Cross many side trails, some for equestrian use, that go this way and that. There’s a literal maze of them here in South Glenmore Park, all unpaved and most unmaintained. With freeze and thaw cycles brought on by Chinooks, expect icy conditions on them come winter. Along the next stretch expect to be harassed by Chickadees looking for a handout. They’re not the only winged beasties here and you’ve just entered a bird watcher’s paradise. If that’s your thing. Along here we see the fewest people.

Drop down into the Weaselhead and it’s here where Glenmore Park is most wild. You’d never know you were so close to a million plus people. You’re now along the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway that encircles much of the city. In the old days, this land was part of a military base, and so heed the warning and be on the lookout for unexploded ordinance.

It’s a mix of coniferous and deciduous woods here in these low river flats. The forest is dense and the view’s limited but still, it’s so peaceful and serene. In years past they didn’t plow this section but I guess do now (news to us this visit). Heads up – occasionally a bear or moose can be spotted in this area – give both a wide berth. Cross over the Elbow River, which feeds the reservoir, climb up to the valley lip and within minutes arrive back at your car. But not before taking in one last at the body of water that for most of this journey has been your companion. Glenmore Park and the loop pathway is a treasure. Incidentally, the reservoir is the city’s water supply.

One our visit the sun was soon setting. Winter days are sure short around the holidays. Four PM and it’s getting dark!

Till next time, happy trails.

Previous visits…
Sixteen Clicks – the old route.
Glenmore Reservoir loop – ditto.

More in town…
Urban Trek: Mount Royal & Bankview.
Interesting Inglewood.

If you wish more information about this route, by all means contact us!

Date of adventure: December, 2018.
Location: Calgary, AB.
Distance: 15km loop with reroute.
Height gain maximum: 75m-ish
Height gain cumulative: 200m-ish
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate.
Technical stuff and notes: Big wild animals have been spotted in the Weaselhead.

The winter sun keeps low on the horizon.

Starting out in North Glenmore Park.

Where the Elbow empties into the reservoir.

No need for a stepping machine…

The pathway’s cleared of snow.

Across from Heritage Park.

Along the new rerouted section.

This shaves a click off the old route.

Less time spent by noisy Glenmore Trail.

On the east side of the reservoir now.

It says we’re looking west.

Crossing the tracks at Heritage Park.

It’s frozen solid!

After a hearty pub lunch, on the south side now.

A lost in thought moment.

Through the trees.

A vast expanse of frozen.

Who’s that Santa Hat person?

We often had the path to ourselves.

The “Weaselhead” is the wildest section.

Yellow Jacket, red pack, warm arms, cold hands.

Dinner time for Chickadees.

Danger unexploded ordnance!

It’s only afternoon yet the sun’s ready to set.

Random shovel along the Rotary/Mattamay Greenway.

Visited during the holiday season.

The Elbow’s a big sheet of ice.

Connie the bird watcher.

Heading up here.

The journey at an end.

The “new” Glenmore Reservoir Loop route.