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Step onto the Bow River Pathway, where nature paints a living canvas with every season. Lush trees line the path, shifting from spring’s fresh green to autumn’s fiery gold. It’s a paradise for photographers, families, dog walkers, and dreamers alike—every footfall feels like a quiet conversation with the earth.
Everything you need to know about Bow River Pathway
The Calgary Marriott Hotel is ideally located along the Bow River Pathway, offering breathtaking views of the river and surrounding mountains directly from its rooms. The hotel provides free bicycle rentals, enabling guests to easily explore the scenic trail network. It also features an indoor pool and fitness center, perfect for relaxation after a day of outdoor activities.
Another top choice is The Prince of Wales Hotel, situated just steps from the pathway with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern amenities. Its outdoor terrace offers ideal spots to enjoy sunrise or sunset views over the river.
Both properties offer easy access to downtown Calgary and major attractions, making them excellent bases for exploring the Bow River Pathway and experiencing the natural beauty of Alberta’s capital.
The Westin Calgary is the most convenient option, located just a 3-minute walk from the Bow River Pathway. The hotel features a dedicated pedestrian entrance directly connecting to the trailhead, allowing seamless access. With its modern design and efficient service, guests can quickly begin their walk without needing additional transportation.
The pathway winds through urban parks and natural wetlands, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. The hotel also offers complimentary luggage storage and 24-hour concierge service, helping guests plan routes, discover ideal photo spots, or arrange guided tours. Nearby dining options like The Sausage Kitchen serve local cuisine, enhancing the overall experience.
For travelers seeking both convenience and quality, this hotel combines prime location with exceptional service—ideal for starting your exploration of the Bow River Pathway.
Along the Bow River Pathway, visitors can enjoy a variety of unique activities: Summer kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, with rental services available at Bowness Park, offering serene rides across the water while taking in views of the city skyline and riverside wildlife.
In winter, ice skating at the natural rink in Rundle Park becomes a favorite pastime. The pathway is also lined with public art installations and sculptures, such as the "River Reflections" series, blending nature and creativity—perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Additionally, the weekly Calgary Farmers' Market (held every Saturday) is located nearby, featuring local produce, handmade crafts, and fresh street food—ideal for immersing in community culture.
Guided tours are also available to explore the region’s ecology and Indigenous history, revealing how the Bow River has shaped Calgary’s environment and identity. These experiences enrich travel beyond sightseeing, fostering deeper connection with the city’s natural and cultural heritage.
Yes, several hotels provide free or discounted bicycle rental services. The Calgary Marriott Hotel and The Westin Calgary both feature bike-sharing stations where guests can rent bikes using their room key, often at no extra cost. Some even offer electric bicycles for longer rides or family-friendly outings.
Rental packages typically include helmets, locks, and basic repair tools, ensuring safety during exploration. The pathway spans about 18 kilometers, passing through multiple parks and landmarks such as Glenmore Reservoir and McMahon Stadium, suitable for all fitness levels.
It's recommended to rent bikes early in the day to avoid afternoon crowds and enjoy crisp air and peaceful riverside scenery. These services greatly enhance mobility, enabling guests to fully embrace the "walk and ride" lifestyle that defines Calgary’s outdoor culture.
The Calgary Marriott Downtown is ideal for families, located just a 5-minute walk from the Bow River Pathway with rooms offering stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary parking—perfect for travelers with children.
Another excellent option is Hotel X Calgary, which blends modern architecture with natural elements. Some rooms provide panoramic views of the Bow River and mountain backdrop, while its central location puts guests within walking distance of art galleries, shopping districts, and outdoor recreational spots. Both properties combine comfort, accessibility, and scenic beauty, making them top choices for exploring the Bow River Pathway.
The Bow River Pathway runs through downtown Calgary, offering easy access to key landmarks on foot or by bike. Walking west along 3rd Street SW leads to the Calgary Central Library, renowned for its striking architecture and vibrant public spaces.
Continuing further brings you to City Hall and Stephen Avenue Walk, a historic pedestrian street filled with restaurants, boutiques, and street performers—perfect for experiencing local culture.
For faster transit, multiple Bike Share Stations line the pathway, enabling quick rides to destinations like Glenbow Museum or Telus Spark Science Centre (15–20 minutes). Additionally, bus routes such as #101 and #102 stop near the pathway, providing direct access to Heritage Park Historical Village and Calgary Zoo, ensuring convenient and flexible travel options.
The Bow River Pathway offers diverse outdoor adventures year-round. From spring to fall, enjoy a scenic bike ride along the river, covering about 8 km with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains reflected in the water.
During summer, the pathway features floating boardwalks and riverside picnic areas, ideal for family gatherings or sunbathing. In winter, it transforms into a popular spot for ice skating and snowshoeing, especially near Currie Barracks, where illuminated trails and safety barriers ensure secure nighttime use.
Additionally, guided nature walks are offered throughout the year by local conservation groups, highlighting native bird species and wetland flora. These educational programs deepen visitors’ appreciation of the ecological significance of the Bow River ecosystem—making the pathway a dynamic blend of recreation, wellness, and environmental awareness.
Yes, several hotels near the Bow River Pathway provide complimentary bicycle rental services. Hotel X Calgary features an on-site Bike Share Calgary station where guests can borrow bikes using their room key, perfect for exploring the 8-km trail.
Similarly, The Calgary Marriott Downtown partners with the city’s bike-sharing program, offering guests a free first hour of rental and access to detailed route maps and safety guidelines.
These amenities enhance convenience and promote eco-friendly travel. Many hotels also supply bike repair kits and anti-theft locks, ensuring safe and worry-free rides. Whether enjoying a morning pedal, midday adventure, or evening sunset tour, guests can easily immerse themselves in the scenic rhythm of the Bow River Pathway.
See what other travelers say about Bow River Pathway
Absolutely perfect location and top-notch service! The front desk team was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making check-in a breeze. The room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and incredibly comfortable—great for a relaxing night’s sleep. Right next to Banff Trail C-Train station, it’s super easy to get into downtown Calgary without needing a car. I loved that underground parking is completely free—huge plus for travelers driving in. Plus, the complimentary breakfast included in the rate was a real treat: fresh eggs, warm toast, coffee, and juice—perfect way to start the day. Everything about this hotel just works. From the convenient transit access to the thoughtful amenities, it’s clear they care about guest comfort. Would stay here again in a heartbeat.
The hotel was spotless and well-maintained, with a prime location just steps away from downtown Calgary. Everything I needed was within easy reach—great restaurants, shopping spots, and public transit. The staff went above and beyond to help with recommendations and check-in, making the whole experience smooth and welcoming. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, and a friendly atmosphere really made this stay feel special. Definitely a top choice for anyone visiting Calgary.
Staying at this downtown Calgary hotel was a fantastic experience—clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly affordable. The room was spotless and warmly heated, making it super comfortable during our visit. Being right in the heart of downtown made everything accessible: walking distance to restaurants, shopping areas, and local attractions. What really stood out was the complimentary breakfast—fresh, tasty, and satisfying. I couldn’t believe how good it was for being free! It’s not often you find such great value in a central location. I’ll definitely be booking here again on my next trip to Calgary. Highly recommend for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and a solid deal.
Staying at the Best Western Plus Suites Downtown in Calgary was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and incredibly comfortable, with a mattress that struck the perfect balance—neither too soft nor too firm. I loved being able to adjust the temperature to my liking, which made for a cozy night's sleep regardless of the weather outside. The quiet environment made it easy to rest without any disturbances. What really stood out was the daily housekeeping service—cleanliness was consistently maintained throughout our stay. The location is fantastic, just steps away from local shops and within easy reach of downtown via public transit. It’s rare to find such a well-located, clean, and thoughtfully designed hotel in this price range. Highly recommend for travelers who value comfort, convenience, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Staying here was a fantastic experience overall! The room was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable—perfect for a relaxing getaway. Breakfast was enjoyable with a good variety of options, especially the hot items which tasted fresh and satisfying. The only hiccup was on the first day when it got busy early and eggs ran out, but they were fully stocked for the rest of the stay. I appreciated that they managed to keep up with demand after the initial rush. The underground parking garage is secure and easy to access—great for travelers driving in. What really stood out was the housekeeping staff: friendly, attentive, and always going the extra mile with a warm smile. Their professionalism made a big difference. This hotel offers excellent value for money and is definitely worth recommending to friends or colleagues traveling to Calgary.
Staying at ExecSuite was an absolute delight, and I must give a special shoutout to Edwin from the maintenance team—he’s truly exceptional. Professional, friendly, and always ready to help whenever I had an issue, no matter how small. His dedication made my stay so much more comfortable and stress-free. The location is excellent—close to downtown and public transit makes getting around easy. Plus, the surrounding area has great dining options. Clean, well-maintained rooms with thoughtful touches throughout. This place offers amazing value for the quality of service and comfort. Definitely a top choice if you're visiting Calgary—I’ll be back without hesitation.
The hotel offers a beautifully elegant atmosphere with a welcoming and attentive staff who go the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. The room was immaculately clean, cozy, and well-equipped with all the essentials—including a mini-fridge and coffee maker—perfect for a relaxing getaway. Located just minutes from the university district, it's incredibly convenient for exploring campus or enjoying nearby dining options. There’s no shortage of great restaurants within walking distance, making it easy to grab a bite after a long day. What stood out most was the incredible value for money—this place delivers luxury and comfort at a price that feels like a steal. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I visit Calgary!
Staying at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Calgary was an absolute delight! The location is perfect—just a short walk from downtown and easily accessible by public transit. There are tons of restaurants and cafes nearby, so dinner options are endless. The hotel itself is clean, modern, and well-maintained. My room was spacious with a comfortable bed, great lighting, and excellent soundproofing—perfect for a good night’s sleep. The bathroom had a smart layout with a separate shower area, and the water pressure was strong and consistent. Free Wi-Fi worked flawlessly throughout my stay, which made working remotely and streaming shows stress-free. Friendly staff made check-in smooth and even upgraded me to a larger room at no extra cost—such a nice surprise! Overall, the value for money is outstanding. I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Calgary and highly recommend it to anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Staying at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites University in Calgary was a great experience overall. The location is super convenient—just a short ride to downtown, and there are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby. The heating system works perfectly, so even on chilly nights, the room stayed warm and cozy. The bed was spacious and incredibly comfortable, making for a restful night's sleep. Free parking is a huge plus for travelers driving their own cars—no stress about finding a spot. I especially appreciated having a bathtub in the bathroom; it made for a relaxing evening soak. Breakfast was available but nothing fancy—basic options with average taste, though it’s always nice to have something to start the day. What really stood out was the front desk staff—they were incredibly attentive and patient when helping me resolve an issue with a pre-authorized charge. Their professionalism made all the difference. I’d definitely consider staying here again on my next trip to Calgary. It’s a solid choice with excellent value for money.
The hostel recently moved to a new location, so the photos no longer match the current space—just keep that in mind when booking. The entrance might look a bit intimidating at first, but don’t hesitate to press the white button for entry. The staff were warm and welcoming, and there’s a great lineup of evening activities to join. We stayed in an 8-bed dorm—each bed had a small storage box for personal items, but no lockers for larger backpacks (a bit of a downside). Every bed also had two power outlets, which was handy. A curtain for the lower bunks would be a nice touch, and swapping one of the standard outlets for a USB port would be even more convenient. Towels are provided, and the bathrooms, dorms, and common areas are spotlessly clean. Free laundry is available if you stay over three days. Breakfast is included—lots of options like bread, butter, jam, Nutella, maple syrup, yogurt, fresh fruit, and a variety of juices. The kitchen has two stovetops and two sinks. Adding a compost bin in the kitchen area would be a sustainable upgrade. Wi-Fi is strong and reliable. Location-wise, it’s right in the heart of downtown: Prince's Island Park, Chinatown, Calgary Tower, and 8th Avenue are all within walking distance. Perfect for exploring on foot. Overall, great value, friendly vibe, and a solid choice for travelers looking for a social yet comfortable stay.
I stayed here for three nights and couldn’t be happier with the experience. As a budget-friendly property, it delivered exactly what I expected—clean rooms, basic but sufficient amenities, and a simple breakfast that got me going each morning. The location is convenient, just a short walk from public transit, making it easy to explore Calgary without hassle. No frills, no surprises—just straightforward value for money. I’ve stayed at many similar places across North America, and this one stands out for its consistency and reliability. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, comfortable base in Calgary without overspending, this is a solid choice. I’d definitely book again.
Staying at Sait Hotel was a fantastic experience overall. The value for money is outstanding—clean, comfortable rooms with all the essentials you’d want, and the location makes getting around Calgary super easy, just a short subway ride to downtown. The parking lot is a bit of a walk from the hotel, but it’s indoor, which was a huge plus during summer storms when hail could’ve been a concern. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout check-in and beyond. I’d definitely recommend this hotel—great quality, great price, and a truly relaxing stay.
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