subject: Things To Do In Calgary: Where To Go Hiking [print this page] The City of Calgary has, at present, over 600 kilometres of walking trails. Some of these are in areas that require a bit more preparation and commitment than your average urban walk. However, the necessary equipment can easily be furnished. Apartments in downtown Calgary make for excellent starting points to access all of the City's recreation areas, so I'm basing this guide on a couple of hikes that are easily accessible using downtown Calgary as a starting point. Nose Hill Park:
Nose Hill has long been denounced as 'not a real hike' by many who would rather be off hiking in the nearby Rocky Mountains (more on that later). I believe they're half right. There is much better hiking to be had in the Mountains than there is to be had in the prairies; that it true. However, I formally challenge everyone who says Nose Hill doesn't count as a real hike to run from the base of the hill, to the top. Without stopping. Go ahead, I'll wait.... For those who are interested in getting to know this little gem I've attached a brochure for you here. Weaselhead Park Natural Area:
One out of every five Albertans gets their water from these wetlands located just west of the Glenmore reservoir. There are a lot of designated hiking trails that allow you to get up close and personal with the staggering variety of flora and fauna in the area. Bird watchers in particular will be pleased with this area. For more in-depth information about this amazing area, get in touch with The Weaselhead Society. Fish Creek Provincial Park:
While Fish Creek meanders through enough of Calgary that it basically cuts the city in half, it still manages to retain its reputation as one of the best preserved city parks in Canada. The park features 80 kilometres of trails, enough to tire out any hiker, and 30 kilometres of those trails are paved. The most used region is the Sikome Lake beach, so if you're looking for some solitude, it's best not to venture too near.
These are just a few examples of places you can go to in Calgary to get away from the daily drudgery. If you really want to get out there, it's worth your time to get some more explicit route details. Also, always bring a map, especially for any hike that takes place outside of the city limits. For more complete and explicit guide to the hikes in the region you can check out some resources like www.fitfrog.ca or www.corehike.org.
