Travel & Places
Calgary’s New Bike Tour Offers Scenic View of Bow River Valley
A local tour company has launched a new guided cycling experience, giving residents and visitors a chance to explore Calgary’s river valley like never before.
By Noah Patel | 2025-09-23 10:39
A new guided cycling experience in Calgary is capturing the attention of both tourists and locals with its scenic route along the Bow River Valley. Launched by Prairie Cycle Tours, the initiative aims to combine outdoor activity with local storytelling, creating a ride that’s equal parts fitness and cultural exploration.
The tour begins in Eau Claire Plaza, where participants are fitted with hybrid bikes and helmets before receiving a short orientation from one of the guides. From there, the group sets off westward, hugging the river’s northern banks on a designated multi-use path that winds through Prince’s Island Park and into the lush natural surroundings beyond.
What sets this bike tour apart is the emphasis on Calgary’s evolving relationship with its riverside environment. Along the way, guides share historical anecdotes about the city’s early settlers, Indigenous communities, and the flood of 2013 that reshaped much of the river’s infrastructure and landscape.
Stops are scheduled throughout the ride, including a pause near the Peace Bridge where riders learn about the controversial design process and its eventual acceptance as one of the city’s iconic structures. Another stop takes cyclists to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, where participants can rest, hydrate, and take in the serene views of native wildlife.
Tour coordinator and longtime cyclist Brian Singh says the concept was born out of a desire to reconnect people with their city. “So many Calgarians don’t realize just how extensive and beautiful the pathway system is,” he explains. “We wanted to create an experience that’s informative but also gets people moving outdoors.”
The full loop spans approximately 16 kilometers and takes just under three hours to complete at a leisurely pace. While the tour is designed for beginners and families, private bookings can be tailored for more experienced cyclists who prefer a faster or longer route.
Participants receive locally sourced snacks and reusable water bottles as part of their registration fee, and every tour ends with complimentary coffee at a participating Beltline café. “It’s a great way to support other local businesses while giving riders a sense of community,” says Singh.
Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the guides’ knowledge, the thoughtful pacing of the ride, and the natural beauty of the route. Many riders expressed surprise at how much they learned about the city in just a few hours on two wheels.
Prairie Cycle Tours is also working with schools and non-profit groups to provide subsidized tours for youth and newcomers to the city. Plans are in place to expand the offering into seasonal night rides, themed tours, and even winter cycling options if demand continues to grow.
The company has partnered with the City of Calgary to ensure all tours follow approved paths and adhere to safety protocols. Guides are trained in basic first aid, and rides are limited to 12 participants to maintain manageable group sizes.
As Calgary continues to invest in its urban trails and green spaces, initiatives like these are helping residents and visitors experience the city in new and engaging ways. For those eager to rediscover their own backyard—or explore it for the first time—this guided bike tour delivers a fresh perspective with every pedal stroke.