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If you’re looking for a stunning section of the Trans-Canada Trail (TCT) in Alberta to cycle, visit Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, an oasis of rolling green hills on the banks of the Bow River. The Trans-Canada Trail is completed in Glenbow Ranch though there is a plan to connect Cochrane to Calgary. The only thing missing is a small strip of land near the Calgary city limits.
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Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park location
For now the best way to get to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is to drive. Take Highway 1A from either Calgary or Cochrane and turn south onto Glenbow Road. Follow it for a couple of kilometres to reach a large parking area.
Cycle a short distance on the Glenbow Trail to reach the volunteer staffed information centre and a large scale map so you can plan your bike ride.
Trails are both paved and gravel so consider a mountain or hybrid bike if you’re going to cycle the gravel sections. Also note that there are approximately 30 km of trails in total, so there is the option to explore more than the Trans-Canada Trail.
Biking in Glenbow Ranch
To cycle the Trans-Canada Trail, start at the Glenbow Ranch information centre with its beautiful views extending all the way to the Rocky Mountains.
After a steep descent on Glenbow Trail you’ll reach an intersection. To explore the eastern section of the park continue east on the Glenbow Trail to the Narrows and ultimately the Bearspaw Trail. A good portion of this section parallels the Bow River and the railway line so trains are frequently sighted.
There’s an option to do the quieter Bow River Loop where bald eagles can sometimes be seen nesting but it’s not on the TCT.
The western section of the Trans-Canada Trail in Glenbow Ranch
The western section of the Trans-Canada Trail is rolling and strenuous, but for short bursts only.
Follow the Bowbend Trail west, past wetlands habitat where you might see American coots or horned grebes to the ruins of the Waverly Chimney, remnants from one of Glenbow’s historic ranches.
In short order the Trans-Canada Trail turns to gravel as it heads for Cochrane. While the trail eventually ends in Gleneagles, one of Cochrane’s neighbourhoods, the last section requires that you lift your bike over a cattle guard so for many people this is a good turn around point.
Nature lovers are going to love biking the Trans-Canada Trail through the ranch. With native rough fescue grasslands, along with forested sections and wetlands there’s great diversity of not just plants and birds but wildlife too.
At dawn or dusk keep an eye out for deer, elk, coyotes as well as badgers and weasels. And if you’re lucky and sharp eyed you might see a tiger salamander in the morning, particularly if it has rained at night.
Tips for biking the Trans Canada Trail through Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Keep an eye out for cattle as it’s a working ranch.
Excellent trail maps can be found at major intersections. Take a photo of one.
Visit Alberta TrailNet for more information.
Don’t forget to check out the provincial park website.
Go prepared with a patch kit, lots of water and warm clothing in case the winds blow up.
A few more things to take on your Glenbow Ranch bike ride
- Don’t forget to pack a bike pump in case you get a flat.
- A patch kit is a necessity,.
- I like to carry a handlebar bag with my raincoat and bike tools rather than having something on my back.
- Bike lights are one of those things you should always have – just in case you’re out later than expected.
- Throw in some energy bars, you don’t hit a wall.
- I also highly recommend taking a 15-in-1 folding bike tool.
Further reading on biking in Alberta
- 5 Great Bike Rides in the Banff Area
- 11 of the Best Places to Cycle Within 75 Minutes of Calgary
- 5 of the Best Bike Rides Around Calgary
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