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Family-Friendly Hikes near Calgary

11 routes near Calgary qualify, ranked below by how much walkers rate them. They average 3.8 km and 103 m (338 ft) of ascent.

That is 73 percent of the 15 routes we map near Calgary. They are shorter than the local average, 3.8 km against 5.0 km, which is what makes this a practical shortlist for a half day. They also climb less than the area average, 103 m (338 ft) against 148 m (486 ft), so they suit a recovery day or a group with mixed fitness.

Family routes here are short, gently graded and interesting enough to keep younger legs moving. Every one is under seven kilometres with limited climbing. Most of these are on the gentler end, which makes the list a good starting point if you are new to the area.

Trails

Easy

Hike: Braggin Rights

Alberta · Canada

Distance
3.6 km
/ 2.3 mi
Elevation gain
162 m
Typical duration
1 hr
  • River
Easy

Hike: Disconnect

Alberta · Canada

Distance
1.6 km
/ 1.0 mi
Elevation gain
93 m
Typical duration
29 min
  • River
Easy

Hike: Fullerton Loop

Alberta · Canada

Distance
4.2 km
/ 2.6 mi
Elevation gain
158 m
Typical duration
1 hr 7 min
  • River
Easy

Hike: Snagmore

Alberta · Canada

Distance
5.2 km
/ 3.2 mi
Elevation gain
168 m
Typical duration
1 hr 20 min
  • River
Easy

Hike: Strange Brew

Alberta · Canada

Distance
3.6 km
/ 2.3 mi
Elevation gain
20 m
Typical duration
47 min
  • River
Easy

Hike: Sugar Daddy

Alberta · Canada

Distance
3.9 km
/ 2.4 mi
Elevation gain
25 m
Typical duration
50 min
  • River
Easy

Hike: Sugar Momma

Alberta · Canada

Distance
3.5 km
/ 2.2 mi
Elevation gain
13 m
Typical duration
45 min
  • River
Easy

MTB: Snowy Owl

Alberta · Canada

Distance
6.1 km
/ 3.8 mi
Elevation gain
166 m
Typical duration
1 hr 32 min
  • River
Easy

Moose Creek Loop

Alberta · Canada

Distance
2.7 km
/ 1.7 mi
Elevation gain
59 m
Typical duration
39 min
  • River
Easy

Reconnect

Alberta · Canada

Distance
1.6 km
/ 1.0 mi
Elevation gain
85 m
Typical duration
28 min

The shortlist, side by side

The ten highest scoring routes on this page, so you can compare effort before opening any of them.

Distance, ascent, walking time and difficulty for the top routes
RouteDistanceAscentTimeDifficultyBest season
Hike: Braggin RightsAlberta3.6 km162 m1 hrEasyApril to October
Hike: DisconnectAlberta1.6 km93 m29 minEasyApril to October
Hike: Fullerton LoopAlberta4.2 km158 m1 hr 7 minEasyApril to October
Hike: SnagmoreAlberta5.2 km168 m1 hr 20 minEasyApril to October
Hike: Strange BrewAlberta3.6 km20 m47 minEasyApril to October
Hike: Sugar DaddyAlberta3.9 km25 m50 minEasyApril to October
Hike: Sugar MommaAlberta3.5 km13 m45 minEasyApril to October
Hike: Sulphur Springs TrailAlberta5.9 km181 m1 hr 30 minEasyApril to October
MTB: Snowy OwlAlberta6.1 km166 m1 hr 32 minEasyApril to October
Moose Creek LoopAlberta2.7 km59 m39 minEasyApril to October

If you only have time for one, start with MTB: Snowy Owl, Hike: Fullerton Loop, Hike: Sugar Momma. Those are the routes people come back to. Every route on this page links through to a full guide with the map, elevation profile, seasonal advice and what to bring.

Frequently asked questions

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