Bow River Loop SE Calgary

Bow River Loop SE Calgary: it’s an in-city hike but doesn’t always feel it. The route described here passes through parks, green spaces and natural areas, so it insulates one from all the urban nonsense. The city is all around, but here it’s a place of cottonwoods and grasslands, instead of strip malls and condo towers. An oasis of nature in a busy metropolis.

First, there’s a section along the river flats of Fish Creek Provincial Park and then it’s up along the bluffs on the far side before looping back. It’s a mix of gravel and paved pathways, with the Bow rarely far away and almost always within view.

It begins at the Bankside lot off the south end of Bow Bottom trail. Take the first left into Fish Creek Park and then proceed to the very end. Feet in motion, take to the gravel path in behind the washrooms and head north. The river’s just a stone’s throw away and on each of our visits here, busy with anglers. Fishing’s good right here in the city and that speaks of a healthy waterway.

The trail roughly parallels a paved pathway on the same heading, and it can be used if you wish. The gravel path is more relaxed and scenic, however. It bends left at a side channel in the river (Mallard Point Channel on maps) and that’s Poplar Island, a nature preserve, there to your right.

It’s off limits to all but our animal friends. Deer, coyotes, eagles, owls, many other furry and winged creatures all make their home. Expect to see something moving over there. Except for this day…of course.

At points along here the river has eaten away at the bank and compromised the pathway a bit. This section is marked as the Trans-Canada trail. At the Mallard Point lot return to pavement and soon after cross over the Bow River on a pedestrian bridge. This area was particularly busy with anglers on our visit. They were both on the shore and floating by in little dories.

Enter a wooded grove, and we timed it so this area became our lunch stop. The cottonwoods grow well here and a fallen one makes a handy little bench. Now comes the best part of any hike, good eats, good company and a nice bottle of wine. This is the reward and we stretch it out as long as we can.

The pathway meanders this way and that, before meeting up with the Bow River again. The neighbourhoods of Douglasdale and McKenzie Lake back on the parkland here but it still feels quite wild.

The trail rises up on the bluffs and this the only elevation gained on this Bow River Loop. This high position affords one some nice sweeping views. There’s downtown to the north, and its big towering office blocks. In every direction, there’s the city below – houses and highways – it seemingly goes on forever.

Off in the west and not that far away, the still snow-bound mountains look as though an impenetrable wall. It’s spring in Calgary, but winter is not quite ready to let go there.

Little signs new life are all about and this makes everyone a bit giddy. Prairie Crocus, the first flowering plant of the season, are seen underfoot. The trees are budding and the grass a vibrant green. Little songbirds happily chirp as they flew about chaotically. It’s a new beginning for everything and everyone.

There’s Canada Geese by the score, Ducks, Terns I think, and more Gulls that can be counted. A million? More? The din they made at times was incredible. The Bow is a superhighway for waterbirds and it was rush hour down there. Nature’s Deerfoot Trail.

The pathway runs atop a long retaining wall for a time and the pathway almost in some people’s back yards.

Soon after come to the site of the old Paterson Homestead and take a little time to explore some history. There was a farm here, going back well over a century and this memorial placed in its honour. Not all that long ago, this area was fields and pastures, and the Patterson farm lasted well into the 1990s. Now it’s all houses and that’s as far as as the eye can see. Most of Calgary is very new and expanding at an incredible rate.

Take the next right and drop down to the South Fish Creek pedestrian bridge. Cross over and you’re back in Fish Creek Provincial Park. Take to the gravel path winding among the cottonwoods – they grow big – and in no time, arrive back at the parking lot.

A good in-city hike is something we really enjoy and while we like a history angle, a walk with bit of greenery like this is never unwelcome. Variety make life interesting. This one was mostly flat and super easy, so just the ticket.

So ends about a ten-k hike and it was such a good one that time seemed to zip past. Thanks for joining us on this little adventure and maybe it’ll inspire you to follow the same route. Calgary has lots of pathways, so why not enjoy them and this one’s a good suggestion. The Bow River Loop and the wine, both get and enthusiastic thumb’s up.

Know more: (new tabs): Calgary Pathways System and Fish Creek Provincial Park.

They’re saying…

“The strange ability to make even the ordinary seem interesting.” Avenue Magazine.

More in-town fun…
Lethbridge Pathways: Under the Viaduct.
Red Deer Alberta: River Loop.
Urban Trek: 17th Ave SE.

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

Date of adventure: April, 2024.
Location: SE Calgary, Alberta.
Distance: 10.5km loop.
Height gain maximum: 40m.
Height gain cumulative: 60m.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own).

Starting out in Fish Creek Provincial Park.

Pica hudsonia – Black-billed Magpie.

Looking across to Poplar Island.

Along a side channel of the Bow – trail is being eaten away.

Poplar Island is a nature preserve.

This route is a mix of gravel and paved pathways.

Crossing over the Bow – a little fishing in back.

Today’s wine selection gets a thumb’s up.

Close to the river along here.

It’s a in-city hike, but that’s not always apparent.

Poplar Island across the way appears quite wild.

Up atop the bluffs.

These honkers were unhappy with our presence.

The view west to Fish Creek Park and beyond.

Downtown is some distance away.

Spot the angler?

A big retaining wall supports the pathway here.

There’s good fishing on the Bow.

A memorial to Milo?

Site of the Patterson Homestead.

Signs of spring and that’s wonderful!

Crossing back over.

Big Cottonwoods grow down here on the flats.

Looking across to where we were earlier and note all the waterbirds.

Bow River Loop: In the city, but with a natural flair.