Bow River Loop: Inglewood – Carburn Park

This urban hike has a definite gritty edge and that’s not necessarily a bad thing in our world, but certain sections had us questioning our own sanity. Still, this Bow River Loop is not without its charms, and the trek thoroughly enjoyable on the return leg, but less so at other times. That it was a dreadfully dull winter’s day didn’t help in places where things were already ugly.

We’re not sure if anyone will follow in our footsteps, exactly, but still we present this adventure in its entirety just in case. Maybe someone out there is similarly a glutton for punishment and likes doing it different for the sake of that alone. Just be sure to bring a respirator and ear plugs – you have been warned. Honestly, we wondered if it was even worth posting about…but here we are.

Recently, we noticed a new pathway had been put on the west side of the Bow River southeast of downtown and decided it was worth checking out. It looked like it could be used make a nice loop with the pathway on the east side, or so we thought. Stupid us. With the Deerfoot Trail nearby, we knew it wouldn’t be scenic or peaceful, but as is our style of throwing caution to the wind, we say what the heck. Just because…but with some regrets.

The fun begins near the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, a little oasis of nature deep inside the city. Hit the pathway that runs next to the railway line and head south. This is mostly a loop route but this section functions as an out and back.

Beside the river now, sneak in behind the CPR’s downtown railyard, busy and noisy with activity. Stupid trivia: the track to your right, behind the fence, and the imposing railway bridge ahead were both seen in the 1970s action flick Silver Streak. Look for the shoot-out segment near the film’s climax.

When under the first train bridge look to the next mid-river pier and see the date 1911 up near the top. It’s an oldie. This is the first of many, many bridges, both for railway use and road traffic you’ll see along this route. Right after the first is another, and it’s noteworthy for giving way under a train, during those nasty floods of 2013. It seemed like the whole city would be underwater and something few long-time Calgarians will forget.

The outcome was not as bad as it could have been – the bridge didn’t completely collapse and no rail cars fell into the river – but still what a tense moment it must have been. Damaged sections of the bridge were replaced and stand out as looking different.

In quick succession pass under yet another span, carrying Ogden Road, and make note of some beams down in the river gravels. These were supports for a much earlier bridge that once stood here and depending on river levels might sometimes be underwater.

Mere steps away, come to a junction and turn left. Now it gets fun…hehe. What’s that smell you say? It ain’t roses. That’s the waste treatment plant immediately to your right behind the fence and all toilets in Calgary seemingly lead here. A brisk pace along this stretch will help put the poopy smells behind you. We met a cyclist who saw our grimacing faces and they said we’d soon get used to it. I think the fellow is nuts. The wooded riverbank here is not a good picnic spot – just saying.

Duck under Deerfoot Trail at Calf Robe Bridge and soon after some train tracks using a tunnel. This section is fairly new, like the last year or two, and not busy. Maybe it’s the smell.

Ah, welcome fresh air. Always close to the river, pass a golf centre with a big fence protecting you from errant shots off the driving range. They used to have a pitch and putt here and the remains of this course are right beside the pathway. Continue under Graves Bridge carrying Glenmore Trail.

The path then bends to meet Heritage Meadows Road and then settles in beside Deerfoot Trail. It’s no fun next to that busy road, but there’s little space here between it and the river. Once again a fast walk helps lessen the suffering. That many cars sure can make a racket and it’s almost deafening at times. Meanwhile, drivers there inside their comfy sound insulated rides, are oblivious to the din.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, however, and on coming to Sue Higgens Dog Park, bend away from Deerfoot. Go from honking to barking, which is infinitely better and take a look at all those happy pooches having a good time there over the fence.

Cross over the Bow at Carburn Pedestrian Bridge and turn left. The gazebo straight ahead makes a nice lunch stop and it did for us. Now comes the most pleasant stretch of pathway and for the next while you’ll be in parks or natural green spaces. It’s quite obvious you were in the city earlier but here it feels well removed from all the hustle and bustle.

Carburn Park, a mix of natural green space and manicured grounds with a couple nice ponds, was quite, busy but things quieted down the further north we went. There were lots of skaters out there this day, here on the first weekend after the holidays and the mood festive as though Christmas was still in full swing.

Duck under Graves Bridge (again). “Do not blame others, the system or God”, which is some decent enough advice. There were other words of wisdom here, clearly done by this same prophet, encouraging one to better themselves. It’s graffiti, but with a message, which makes it different than most tags we see.

Up to this point, we’ve been on paved pathways (which are plowed in winter, but still sometimes icy) but on the other side of Glenmore leave it behind for a bit and hit the gravel (or snow-covered gravel in this case). This path takes one below the residential community of Lynnview Ridge and it’s nicer down by the river.

The beavers have been making short work of trees in the area and have downed many, or are in the process of doing so. Bow River beavers are common (a couple hundred pairs according to the city) and strangely seem to thrive in this urban environment. Looks for anglers along this stretch – the rivers clean and the fishing’s pretty good, or so we’re told.

Enter Beaver Dam Flats, a place that feels quite wild, and along here keep your eyes peeled for Eagles. They congregate on the many trees down at river level and almost on cue, we spot a pair. We gazed at them and they at us, with each wondering what the other was thinking. For them “fish” and for us “beer”.

There’s a maze of criss-crossing trails here, but if you keep a northerly heading you’ll eventually intercept the paved pathway again. Pass under the train bridge and enter Refinery Park, once home to…you guessed it, a refinery. It grew to be a huge one too and opened in the 1920s before closing some fifty years later.

From industry to green space and here one can see that nature’s certainly reclaiming the property. Still, you know there’s gotta be nasty stuff in the ground and that’s a sad legacy to pass along to future generations. The soil/water is monitored and this a good a reminder of how lax environmental regulations were back in the day. Much to our detriment present day.

Pass a boat launch, cross over the Bow on Ogden Road and complete the loop. Now comes a quick walk on the the pathway back to where you parked. There’s a few more of those bridges ahead, along the way, but that’s not a bad thing. We spend way too much time as trolls and seem to love it down there.

It’s over now and in the end tally showed it to be eighteen click long. While some of the sections were almost insufferable and we doubt we’ll ever see them again, in distance it didn’t feel that long. No matter, we had a grand time overall, but almost always do. Yes, even though we’re now deaf as a result and the stink still haunts us. An outhouse in Kananaskis, on a scorching summer’s day, has nothing on that place.

Know more (new tabs): Carburn Park Calgary and Eagles in Calgary.

They’re saying…

”Great descriptions and guides to Calgary area hikes, including many overlooked shoulder season ridge walks. No excuses for staying indoors with the info on their website!” Caleb Lawrence.

More in town hikes…
Cochrane Pathways: Glenbow – Riversong.
Drumheller Pathways.
Urban Trek: 17th Ave SE.

If you wish more information about this route or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!

Date of adventure: January, 2023.
Location: Calgary, AB.
Distance: 18km loop.
Height gain maximum: Nothing much really.
Height gain cumulative: See above.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own).
Technical stuff and notes: bring ear and nose plugs.

Bow River Loop…it begins!

Beams from an earlier bridge can be seen.

Along a recently completed section of pathway.

Under the railway tracks.

Fence protects you from errant golf balls.

The pitch and putt has fallen into disuse.

It seems we spend a disproportionate of time under bridges.

IT’S JUST A LITTLE NOISY HERE BESIDE DEERFOOT.

From honking to barking at Sue Higgens Dog Park.

Crossing over the Bow on Carburn Bridge.

A little winter fun in Carburn Park.

Happy Holidays.

Things are more scenic on this side of the river.

“Do not blame others, the system or God…”

Leaving the paved pathway behind for a bit.

Getting in a little fishing.

We spotted a few of these in the area – catch anything yet?

A pleasant stroll deep inside the city.

A beaver’s been busy here.

A pop of colour on an otherwise dreadfully dull day.

Beaver Dam Flats Park feels very wild.

Connie eyes up a pair of eagles.

We’re seeing more and more of them in the city.

Soon to enter Refinery Park.

“Never Farkface.”

It partly collapsed during floods ten years ago.

Under another…

The river here is jammed with ice but in other places, open.

Back at the starting point in Inglewood.

A long one and with some so-so sections, but it’s still fun.