Explore the north, south, west, and east of Calgary to discover some amazing hikes and breathtaking views.
You can easily find a wide array of hikes west of Calgary within Kananaskis, Banff, and Canmore. Drive in any other direction and you will find even more hiking trails in the river valleys, badlands, or foothills.
Canyon Creek Ice Cave Trail
You’ll head upwards on the Canyon Creek trail, which is a steady and gradual incline until you’re met with one final steep climb before you hit the cave. The climb is worth it! You can fit inside the cave and have your mountain views perfectly framed by its entrance. There might be a few small scrambles along the way, so proper hiking shoes are highly recommended.
Drive time from Calgary: 30-60minutes
Hike distance: 12.9km out-and-back
Difficulty level: moderate
Brown Lowrey Provincial Park
The two hikes in Brown Lowrey PP offer three incredible views: the Calgary skyline in the distance, rolling foothills, and the Rocky Mountain ridge to the west. With several loops and directions to go, you can customize your hike to different distances.
Drive time from Calgary: 30-60 minutes
Hike distance: 5-7km loops
Difficulty level: moderate
Three Point Creek
The Three Point Creek trail leads you way up above the foothills and has you travelling along the tops of the hills until descending on your return trip. The gorgeous area is silent during your hike, and the views are enhanced by the peaceful surroundings.
Drive time from Calgary: 45 minutes-1.5 hours
Hike distance: 24km out-and-back
Difficulty level: moderate
Details
Iron Springs Trail
Explore the foothills, but maybe on a shorter trail via the Iron Springs located in West Bragg Creek Provincial Recreation Area. The 10.5km loop is closed off at the end, but you can still enjoy mountain views as you’ll head up for about 1.5km. The climb is gradual and not too difficult (no scrambles, almost clear of snow) for most with good shoes.
Drive time from Calgary: 30-60 minutes
Hike distance: 10.5km loop
Difficulty level: moderate
Mount Yamnuska
You’ll get some climbing and elevation gain clocked on your hike up Mount Yamnuska! You’ll begin from the Bow Valley Trail, where it starts to ascend and gradually takes you up. There are sweeping views of Alberta’s Rockies during your entire hike. This is a more challenging hike suited to experienced hikers, but it will be worth the view and the drive from Calgary.
Drive time from Calgary: 1-1.5 hours
Hike distance: 8.9km loop
Difficulty level: challenging
Spencer Creek Trail
The Spencer Creek Trail in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park will have you following the creek from Spray Lake and up part of Mount Lougheed. There are rich mossy greens throughout, wildflower blooms, mountain views, creek crossings, and sweeping mountain valleys.
Drive time from Calgary: 1.5 – 2 hours
Hike distance: 7.9km out-and-back
Difficulty level: moderate
Bull Creek Hills Loop
The stunning 360-degree views you get at the top of the Bull Creek Hills include both foothills and the Rocky Mountains. You get to see out into the open for most of your walk, and recent hikers in the area recommend taking the loop counterclockwise. You may even hit a small amount of snow on this hike!
Drive time from Calgary: 1.5-2 hours
Hike distance: 7.9km out-and-back
Difficulty level: challenging
Mount Baldy Traverse
This relatively challenging hike starts in the Elbow-Sheep Wildland PP and is popular among avid hikers in Alberta for its stunning views. Along with mountaintops and forested valleys, the hike also takes you to a viewpoint overlooking Barrier Lake, a reservoir of bright blue and turquoise.
Drive time from Calgary: 30 minutes to an hour
Hike distance: 6.4km loop
Difficulty level: challenging
Horseshoe Canyon Trail
You don’t necessarily need to drive west to get in a good hiking day trip from Calgary. The Horseshoe Canyon area is northeast of the city and offers two trail options, both suitable for children and dogs (dogs must be on leashes). The unique wildlife, landscapes, and plants around you make for incredible photo opportunities.
Drive time from Calgary: 1.5-2 hours
Hike distance: 4.3 or 2.9km
Difficulty level: easy to moderate
Coulee Viewpoint
Go east again for this day hike, but a bit further south into Dinosaur Provincial Park. There are many trails you can venture off on from the park’s campground, none of which exceed 4.5km. This is a perfect place to bring your family or friends, park in the morning, and explore the campground trails for the day. You can picnic afterwards on the banks of the Red Deer River!
Drive time from Calgary: 2-2.5 hours
Hike distance: 1-4.5 km
Difficulty level: easy to moderate