Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is an historical cattle ranch that is only about 14 kilometers away from Calgary’s northwest edge. The ranch runs along the Bow River, and on a clear day there are wide panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.
There is a mix of paved and dirt trails throughout Glenbow Ranch. Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation takes great care of the trails, and the signage is very good. The park’s low elevation and south exposure mean the snow will be gone relatively early, making this a great place for spring biking and hiking.
It is certainly not the rugged mountain adventure you are going to find deep in Kananaskis country, but it is beautiful, accessible, and big enough to get a decent distance in. Sometimes, in spring that is the best you can hope for.
Getting There
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is on Highway 1A between Calgary and Cochrane. A long road, about 2 kilometers long, runs south from Highway 1A to the parking lot. The drive in to the parking lot is lovely, with rolling hills and swaying grasses that confirm you are passing through ranchlands.
Every time I have visited Glenbow Ranch, finding parking was easy. However, I have heard the parking lot can fill up fast on nice weekend days, so be prepared for a warmup hike from the car to the trailhead.
Choosing a Trail
There are a few nice options for walking through the park. My favourite is the Bow River Loop. When you walk through the park, around the Bow River Loop, and back up to the parking lot, the walking distance is almost exactly 10 kilometers.
For me, spring hikes are about getting my legs ready for longer summer hikes, and this hike is a good distance for that. Keep in mind that all of the trails from the parking lot descend towards the river. So, no matter how you plan your route, you are guaranteed to have an uphill section at the end.
Descending to the Bow River Loop
To get to the Bow River Loop, take the main path south from the parking lot. You will pass an outhouse building, and then wrap around the south side of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation building. After you pass that building, you will take the trail to the left. It is marked Glenbow Trail on the map above.
As you go down this trail, you will pass a few picnic tables on your left. There is a trail behind the picnic tables called Yodel Loop, but this is still an active ranch and the area was closed for calving the last time I visited.
Follow the paved trail all the way to a paved t-intersection. On a dirt path ahead is the historical site of the Glenbow Store. Take a look, and then head east on the paved path. Continue for about 900 meters, and turn right at the t-intersection. This intersection is marked as “Corrals” on the map.
Head south for about 500 meters and cross the railroad tracks. Immediately after you cross the tracks, there is an intersection that marks the beginning of the Bow River Loop.
The Bow River Loop
I recommend turning left at the Bow River Loop intersection and completing the loop clockwise. This leaves a nice viewpoint of the eroded river back and Rocky Mountain backdrop as a treat for the end. Going clockwise, head east on the paved path. After about 300 meters, turn right onto a dirt path. This path heads towards the river.
If you have binoculars, the section of trail that is closest to the river is a good place to look for birds. We saw a bald eagle chilling on a gravel bar in the middle of the river. He was about 50-100 meters away, and stayed there as we passed that section. There are also a lot of nests through this area, so be careful not to disturb them.
Going Farther
After 1.8 kilometers on the dirt path, there is an option to turn right and walk 400 meters back up to the railroad crossing. If you have the energy, though, you will want to continue straight. The second half of the loop is where the best viewpoint on this hike is located.
This section adds about 2.6 kilometers. As you come around the last big bend that points you back towards the railroad crossing, there is a beautiful escarpment on the river. On a clear enough day, the Ghost area of the Rockies makes a beautiful backdrop.
Getting Back
This viewpoint is a nice place to stop and have lunch or a snack. When you are ready to go, finish the last section of the Bow River Loop, then cross the railroad tracks again and retrace your steps back to the parking lot.
If you didn’t stop on the way down, the remains of an old house are located just before the parking lot. Two large chimneys are all that is left, and there is an interpretive sign if you’d like to learn about the family who lived there.
Summary
Finding great early season hikes near Calgary can be challenging because the weather in the mountains is predictably unpredictable. Glenbow Ranch is a great place to hike or bike, especially in the shoulder seasons.
If you are looking to get 10 or so kilometers in, and don’t want to accidentally find yourself post holing through crusty slushy snow, staying at lower elevations that are south facing is a good way to go.
Do you have a favorite hidden gem hike near Calgary? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. And, if you’re looking for more, click here to find other great spring hikes near Calgary.