Calgary's east side is buzzing with hidden treasures that many residents overlook—and two spectacular walking routes showcase exactly why this corner of the city deserves your attention this spring.
Walking routes 85 and 86, featured in the latest edition of Calgary's Best Walks, take you through a seven-kilometre loop packed with public art, world-class cuisine, breathtaking river views, and fascinating local history. Whether you're a seasoned walker or just looking for a weekend adventure, these paths offer something for everyone.
Start High, Finish Low—Or Vice Versa
The journey begins on the paved pathway overlooking the Irrigation Canal along 26th Street S.E., where sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, Bow River, and downtown Calgary stretch across the horizon. From here, you can either drop down to the quiet canal pathway itself or stay elevated and weave through the charming neighbourhoods of Southview, Dover, and International Avenue in the Greater Forrest Lawn area. The beauty of these routes? You can combine them for the full experience or tackle them separately.
A Monument to Courage and Remembrance
Walk 85 passes Journey to Freedom Park on International Avenue—a powerful monument honouring the Vietnamese Boat People who fled their homeland after the fall of Saigon in 1975. It's a sobering reminder of the resilience and courage embedded in Calgary's multicultural fabric. From there, the path descends to the Irrigation Canal Pathway, an engineering marvel that has quietly shaped Alberta agriculture since 1904.
The Irrigation Canal diverts water from the Bow River near Inglewood into the Western Headworks Canal, eventually flowing to Chestermere Lake. That water then feeds irrigation to over 96,000 acres across 400 farms stretching all the way to Brooks.
Dover's Unique Charm and Valley View's Summer Fun
After climbing back to Southview, you'll enter Valley View Park—a beloved community space with a pond, playground, and spray park that lights up in summer. Then comes Dover, a 1970s neighbourhood with a distinctive design philosophy: front yards blend seamlessly into communal, tree-canopied green spaces, while back lanes serve as the primary streets. The neighbourhood was named after Mary Dover, a trailblazing Calgary politician, Second World War military officer, and community leader.
Pro tip: Plan your walk for May when Dover's fruit trees burst into bloom—the effect is absolutely stunning.
International Avenue: Where the World Comes Together
International Avenue is the heartbeat of these walks, serving up authentic flavours and vibrant street art from cultures around the globe. This is where Calgary's diversity comes alive. You'll find everything from Vietnamese pho to authentic Indian curries, Chinese dim sum to Middle Eastern kebabs. The murals and public art installations add colour and character to every block.
If you're planning to explore Calgary's neighbourhoods in depth, CalgaryFinder.com offers detailed neighbourhood guides and local business directories to help you discover dining, shopping, and community resources in the areas you're visiting.
Whether you're seeking fresh air, cultural immersion, or simply a break from the routine, walks 85 and 86 deliver on all fronts. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a reusable water bottle, and discover why east Calgary is worth the trek.
Original reporting by Lori Beattie, Calgary Herald. Learn more about Calgary's best walks by picking up an updated copy of Calgary's Best Walks.