How to Explore Alberta by Bike with Kids

Exploring Alberta by bike with kids is a joyful mix of fresh air, open pathways and plenty of chances to play. With family-friendly bike rentals available across the province, including Chariot bike trailers and electric cargo bikes, plus helmets and locks, it’s easy for parents to pedal while little ones ride along in comfort.

Whether you’re cruising Calgary’s pathways, exploring Edmonton’s river valley trails or pedalling past mountain peaks in Canmore and Kananaskis Country, there are lots of options for family rides. Along the way, you can stop at kid-friendly museums, try tasty treats and enjoy views that range from Calgary’s downtown architecture to Canmore’s famous mountain trio, the Three Sisters. Here’s where to rent bike gear, where to ride and the best kid-approved breaks along the way when you’re biking in Alberta.

Family-friendly cycling routes in Calgary

Calgary is home to North America’s largest urban pathway network—more than 1,000 km (621 mi) of trails that weave through parks, along the Bow and Elbow rivers and easily connect with downtown’s cycle tracks. For families, it’s a safe, scenic way to ride and reach kid-friendly attractions.

Explore Calgary by cargo bike

Local shop Bike Bike makes it easy for families to try something new, offering e-cargo bike rentals from April until the city’s first snowfall.

Choose from three different cargo bike setups: a front-loading bike with space for two kids, a long-tail bike with room for two on the rear, or a sturdy electric trike that fits up to four kids. These cargo bikes make biking with kids around Calgary zippy and fun. The electric assist adds pedal power, while having the kids closer to you makes it easy to carry on a conversation about what you see as you ride.

Calgary Route 1: Playgrounds, Calgary Zoo and river views

From Bike Bike’s Greenview location, hop on the Nose Creek Pathway. In about 20 minutes (5 km or 3 mi) you’ll arrive at the TELUS Spark Science Centre, where the Creative Kids Museum is always a hit. A little farther, reach the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, home to more than 100 animal species—from playful penguins to a massive polar bear and a gorilla troop—and the epic Bugtopia playground.

Head onto the Bow River Pathway and make your way to the Bow Habitat Station to feed trout in the hatchery or wander the wetlands and watch for urban wildlife, from ducks and songbirds to cheeky squirrels.

At nearby Harvie Passage, little ones will love watching kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders and even surfers ride the Bow River’s waves. For more active fun, especially if you have older kids who are pedalling themselves—take a short detour to the Inglewood Bicycle Pump Track, one of Calgary’s many kid-friendly pump tracks.

Snacks, play and osprey spotting

Find the perfect snack spot by leaving the pathway system and riding to the Barley Belt—home to numerous family-friendly breweries such as Cabin Brewing—or Crossroads Market, open Friday through Sunday. Or head west, skirting through the historic Inglewood neighbourhood to connect to the picturesque RiverWalk pathway.

Along the RiverWalk, grab fresh pastries at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery in East Village, then pedal across the George C. King pedestrian bridge to picnic at St. Patrick’s Island. Watch for the osprey nesting on the Bloom art sculpture, splash in the shallow water at Trout Beach or climb the playground before biking back to home base.

Rent a bike trailer in Calgary

Prefer a trailer setup? Sports Rent and the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre rent Thule Chariot bike trailers, and Joe’s Garage has them too, along with kids’ bikes. Pair a trailer with an e-bike and you’ll have a little extra oomph, making hills, longer rides and towing a kid-filled trailer much easier.

Calgary Routes 2 and 3: Bowness Park two ways

For another kid-friendly bike route in Calgary, travel from Sports Rent’s Montgomery location along the Bow River Pathway west to popular Bowness Park. This 10 km (6 mi) route passes through the award-winning Dale Hodges Park and Bowmont Park.

At Bowness Park, families can ride the vintage mini-train, play on the playground or rent a pedal boat or canoe to paddle the lagoon. Refuel at the Seasons of Bowness Park restaurant or grab to-go treats from its market.

For a less hilly route from Sports Rent to Bowness Park, follow the residential road Bow Crescent and connect to the Bow River Pathway.

Whichever way you travel, consider starting or ending your trip with another playground stop: the impressive Shouldice Inclusive Playground, one of many accessible playgrounds in Calgary. Plus detour just three minutes from Sports Rent to enjoy ice cream—in scoop, cupcake or sandwich form—at Abbey’s Creations’ Montgomery location.

Kid-friendly bike rides in the Canadian Rockies

For families craving bike rides with Rocky Mountain views, Kananaskis Country and Canmore deliver easy but rewarding rides. You don't need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass if you're leaving your vehicle in Canmore, but you'll need to buy one online if you're heading to trails beyond town by car.

Bike rental shops including Kananaskis Outfitters and Canmore-based Rebound Cycle, GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals and Pedego Electric Bikes Canmore offer everything from kids’ bikes to long-tail e-cargo bikes and chariot trailers, making biking with kids in the mountains fun and simple.

Ride the Legacy Trail from Canmore to Banff with kids

The Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail is a 26.8 km (16.6 mi) paved pathway connecting Canmore to the town of Banff.

Expect mountain vistas, a beautiful spot for a snack break at Valleyview Picnic Area and plenty of photo breaks. The round trip takes about 2–3 hours, but you can also plan for a relaxed wander around the town of Banff and make a return trip via Roam Public Transit, which has room for bikes.

Plan to park and start your ride at Legacy Trail Parking Lot in Canmore.

Just before you pedal to the town of Banff, follow the signs to Cascade Ponds to enjoy the scenic blue-green lakes. Or if the kids are eager for a playground, carry on straight into Banff. Follow the bike signage onto Banff Ave., where you’ll bike in a shared car lane for just a few blocks until you reach the inclusive playground, Banff Rotary Park.

Good to know: The trail primarily runs alongside the Trans-Canada Highway and the highway can become noisy. This route may be loud for little passengers who are sensitive to noise.

A quieter riverside biking route

For a shorter bike ride, try Canmore’s West Bow River Pathway, an 11-km (6.8 mi) out-and-back trail through forests and meadows with Bow River views. Stop at the West Canmore Park Playground (featuring particularly amazing mountain views) and, if you ride to the end, enjoy a meal at Market Bistro. It’s common to spot wildlife on this route; remember to keep your distance and never feed or approach animals.

Loops, bridges and treats

Extend your adventure 2 km (1.2 mi) by linking the West Bow River Pathway to the Bow River Loop Trail. This gravel path offers spectacular views of the Three Sisters, Mount Rundle and the historic Canmore Engine Bridge, featured in the popular HBO series The Last of Us. The loop also connects to Canmore’s main street, which is car-free from May to October. Here, plenty of post-ride treats await—from gelato at Bella Crusta to maple taffy at The Maple Station. Parents can sip craft beer (and kids, craft sodas) at The Grizzly Paw Pub.

A family cycling adventure in Edmonton’s river valley

Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley is one of North America’s largest urban green spaces, with more than 150 km (93 mi) of trails. Families can explore it all on bikes, trailers or even four-wheel bicycles. The network of river valley trails connects parks, playgrounds and picnic spots, offering families a peaceful escape right in the heart of Edmonton.

Rent family-friendly bikes in Edmonton

Pedego Edmonton Electric Bike Rentals rents bike trailers, e-bikes and even a Bunch Bike, a front-load cargo trike that fits up to four kids. River Valley Adventure Co. offers unique Surrey bikes, with bench seating for two adults and two kids. It’s a workout in the hilly river valley, but guaranteed family fun.

Edmonton Route 1: Ride the river valley

Starting at River Valley Adventure Co. in Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, fuel up nearby at charming Little Brick Café before riding west through the trails of Edmonton’s river valley. Travel 15.2 km (9.4 mi) to reach Emily Murphy Park, a route that’s entirely within the river valley. Play at the playground, enjoy a snack at one of the picnic sites and watch for boats launching onto the North Saskatchewan River.

Edmonton Route 2: Farmers' market, High Level Bridge and more river valley fun

From Pedego’s Ritchie location, head to the lively Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market and gather snacks and treats from local vendors including growers, bakers, brewers, and artisans. 

Next, make for the River Valley Overlook for a scenic spot for a family selfie. Then you’ll enjoy a brief ride through the river valley (don’t worry, there’s more to come) before crossing the iconic High Level Bridge.

Take some time to explore the gorgeous Alberta Legislature building and grounds. Finally, your route brings you back to the shores of the North Saskatchewan River, where you’ll pedal paved pathways through parks and picnic opportunities.