The Ultimate Running Route Guide
Kaylee Loken, Haskayne School of Business Student
It is no secret that running has been exponentially growing in popularity in recent years. For many of you, you may have played a sport throughout high school but now find yourself in university, or about to start, looking for something to help motivate you to stay active.
A great recommendation would be to sign up for the Calgary Servus Marathon (5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon). It is a fantastic way to stay motivated, not to mention the vibes are always high and you get cheered on by spectators lining the course.
One of the best ways to keep running fun is by finding new routes. Since we are located in Calgary, we know that while winter brings a beautiful snowy oasis, it can also bring ice, which is not always ideal for running conditions.
Luckily, as a student at the University of Calgary, you have access to the Fitness Centre, which includes a track on the second floor and a good number of treadmills. An unpopular opinion: I love the treadmill. You also have access to the Olympic Oval. While many people think it is only for skating, there is a full-sized 400-metre track located on the outside. The ice inside the Oval also allows for great temperature control as the ice cools the air.
Once spring rolls around, it is time to take advantage of the outdoors and Calgary’s incredible running trails. You may have heard that Calgary has one of the most extensive pathway networks in Canada. The bonus for runners is that the majority of these bike paths can also be used for running. That means there are endless route options, and below we are going to share some of my favourites.
Bow River Pathway
The Bow River Pathway is one of Calgary’s most iconic running routes, stretching for roughly 48 km along the Bow River and connecting neighbourhoods like Kensington, Eau Claire, and downtown. The terrain is mostly open and park‑like, with a few wooded sections along the way.
It’s also very accessible from the University of Calgary. Starting at Yamnuska Hall, head toward University District and stay on the sidewalk until you reach the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Continue straight to the end of the road and turn left. You’ll go down a hill and then back up another one (I know — another hill), and then take the next Right around a poll. From there, you’ll reach a steep downhill pathway. Follow it all the way down to the lights, go straight through, stay on the pathway, and you’ll arrive right at the river!
Confederation Park
Located in northwest Calgary near communities such as Capitol Hill and Mount Pleasant, is a crescent‑shaped green space covering more than 160 hectares. Created in 1967 to mark the centennial of Canadian Confederation, it offers ponds, playgrounds, baseball fields, and plenty of natural plant life. Its quieter, more tucked‑away atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for runners who prefer a scenic and more secluded route.
Glenmore Park
Glenmore Park, located in southwest Calgary around the Glenmore Reservoir, offers two distinct running environments that together create one of the city’s most scenic long‑distance loops. At times it feels as though you are running next to the ocean.
North Glenmore Park features wide paved paths, open views of the reservoir, and access to Weaselhead Flats. It’s ideal for longer, steady runs and is popular with cyclists and rowers who train nearby.
South Glenmore Park offers more shaded and wooded areas, boardwalk sections, and beautiful views of both the water and the mountains. The terrain varies from flat stretches to rolling hills, giving runners a mix of challenge and scenery.
The full loop around the reservoir is roughly 15 km. If you enjoy variety in terrain and scenery, Glenmore Park is one of the best places in Calgary to explore.
Nose Hill Park
Located in northwest Calgary near communities like Brentwood, Edgemont, and Huntington Hills, is one of the largest urban parks in North America, and if you haven’ t heard already it is even larger than Central Park in New York. It’s perfect for trail running, with natural grasslands, rolling hills, and challenging elevation changes. Nose Hill Park features over 300 km of informal trails, and 60 km of maintained trails, which allows runners to train on a variety of different terrain along with the varying elevation.
From many points in the park, you can see the downtown skyline and the mountains. Once you’re near the centre of the park, it’s surprisingly easy to forget you’re still in a major city.
These are just a few of our top recommendations, but there’s so much more to explore in Calgary. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even head out to the mountains.
If you enjoy doing activities with groups, you can join UCalgary’s Running Club to connect with others on a similar journey.