The Downtown YMCA in Calgary sits in one of the best locations for runners in the city. Steps away from Prince's Island Park and the Bow River pathway system, you have immediate access to some of Calgary's most scenic running terrain. Whether you're looking for a quick 2km loop on your lunch break or a longer 8km training run, these five routes offer something for every runner. As a Calgarian I have always enjoyed running along the Bow River. There are many places to run from, but running from the Eau Claire YMCA has always been one of my favourites. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, it is always a safe and beautiful place to run.
1. Short Loop Around Prince's Island (2 km)
Distance: 1.98 km
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Quick runs, lunch breaks, warm-ups
This is the perfect route when you're short on time but still want to get outside. From the YMCA, head north into Prince's Island Park and loop around the island. The paved paths wind through mature trees and along the lagoon, offering a peaceful escape from downtown. There are a few path variations you can take to mix it up.
The route works well year-round - it's one of the first areas cleared after snowfall in winter.
2. Outer Prince's Island Loop (3 km)
Distance: 3.01 km
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Easy runs, active recovery
Want a bit more distance without much more effort? This route circles outside Prince's Island Park using the 10th Street Bridge and Centre Street Bridge. Head west along the river to the 10th Street Bridge, cross to the north side, run east along Memorial Drive's pathways, then cross back south at Centre Street Bridge.
The entire route follows the Bow River, and the paths are well-maintained and cleared in winter.
3. Crescent Heights Stairs Loop (2 km)
Distance: 1.95 km
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard (stairs)
Best For: Strength training, hill workouts, stair repeats
Looking for a workout with some vertical? This route takes you through Prince's Island to the Crescent Heights stairs near the curling club. The stairs climb up the escarpment to Crescent Heights, with a gentle path back down for recovery.
Do a few repeats if you're feeling strong. When you're done with the stairs, head back through Prince's Island to the YMCA. It is 167 steps to the top, a back-and-forth zigzag grind, with an incredible view to gaze upon during a break.
4. YMCA to St. Patrick's Island and the Zoo (6.3 km)
Distance: 6.31 km
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Best For: Medium-distance runs, sightseeing
This route heads east through Calgary's riverfront parks. From the YMCA, go through Prince's Island Park, then follow the paths along Memorial Drive to St. Patrick's Island. Loop around the west side of the island and up toward the Calgary Zoo entrance, then return via Confluence Plaza and the south side of the Bow River.
It's a great route for visitors or anyone who wants to see more of Calgary's downtown river system.
5. Bridges Run Along the Bow River (8.4 km)
Distance: 8.43 km
Difficulty: Moderate (distance)
Best For: Long runs, marathon training, weekend runs
This is the longest route in the collection and takes full advantage of Calgary's river pathway system. Head west from the YMCA along the Bow River toward the mountains. Cross at the Crowchild Trail pedestrian bridge, then run east along the north bank all the way to Centre Street Bridge before looping back to the YMCA.
The entire route stays on paved pathways along the river. In summer, you'll share the path with cyclists and walkers. In winter, the main pathways are cleared regularly.
Tips for Running from the Downtown YMCA
Facilities: The YMCA has locker rooms, showers, and secure storage - perfect for before or after work runs.
Best Seasons: The pathways are runnable year-round. Summer offers long daylight hours and warm temperatures. Winter running is popular in Calgary, and the main river pathways are cleared after snowfall.
Safety: The Bow River pathway is well-used and generally safe. Early morning and evening runs are common. The paths are lit in some sections but bring a headlamp for darker months.
Prince's Island, just steps from the Eau Claire YMCA, is always a great place to run. Prince's Island can get quite busy on hot summer weekends and during festivals like the Calgary Folk Festival or the Oxford Stomp. As far as any city goes this is a safe place to run, but like any other big city take care and be aware of your surroundings :)
Create Your Own Route
These five routes are just a starting point. Calgary's pathway system extends for hundreds of kilometers along the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Use our route mapping tool to plan your own custom routes from the YMCA or anywhere else in the city.
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