Calgary may not be the first city that springs to mind when thinking about biking adventures, but it’s surprisingly bike-friendly. The city’s extensive pathways along the Bow River, its compact downtown core, and vibrant neighborhoods make it a prime destination for cycling. We especially like the Calgary City Highlights 3 Hour Bike Tour, which offers a comprehensive look at the city’s top sights with the option of e-bikes, making it accessible for all levels. Plus, exploring Prince’s Island Park and the Peace Bridge provides a scenic backdrop for those who love active sightseeing. If you’re a foodie, the Calgary Food Bike Tour offers a delicious way to see the city while sampling local eats. For travelers seeking exclusivity, the Pedal the Picturesque private tour delivers a personalized experience, though at a higher price point. Overall, Calgary’s bike tours blend urban exploration with natural beauty — perfect for active travelers.
Quick Overview
Our list features five top bike experiences in Calgary, each with its own style and focus. The Calgary City Highlights 3 Hour Bike Tour and the Calgary: City Bike Tour, Highlights and Bow River are ideal for those wanting a leisurely, informative ride around the city’s most iconic sights. The Calgary Food Bike Tour combines cycling with culinary stops, perfect for food lovers. For a private, more tailored adventure, the Pedal the Picturesque: Private Calgary & Bow River Bike Tour offers exclusivity and a deep dive into Calgary’s neighborhoods. Finally, the Guided Bike and Raft Adventure pairs cycling with a river float, ideal for those looking for a full-day, multi-activity outing. Each offers a different way to experience Calgary on two wheels.
1. Calgary City Highlights 3 Hour Bike Tour, E-Bike Upgrade Avail.
The Calgary City Highlights 3 Hour Bike Tour is a great choice if you want a broad yet manageable introduction to Calgary’s core. This tour covers about three hours of riding along the Bow River, through parks, and past several major landmarks. The route includes stops at the Bow River, Peace Bridge, Prince’s Island Park, and the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum, with plenty of opportunities to learn about Calgary’s history and culture. The tour is designed for small groups, allowing for personalized attention, and includes bikes and helmets.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility and accessibility. You can upgrade to an e-bike beforehand, easing those hills and longer stretches. The guide keeps things lively and informative without overwhelming, making it suitable for families, casual cyclists, or those with limited time. Reviewers appreciate the mix of exercise and sightseeing, with comments like “a fun way to get active while seeing the sights” and “Great guide and small group for personalized attention.” The price of around $89 makes it good value, especially considering the inclusion of helmets and bikes.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers or visitors on a short schedule who want a relaxed, educational ride with options for electric bikes. Booking ahead is recommended, especially if you want an e-bike upgrade.
2. Calgary: City Bike Tour, Highlights and Bow River
At number 2, the Calgary: City Bike Tour, Highlights and Bow River offers a well-rounded exploration of Calgary’s urban landscape and scenic river pathways. This three-hour ride is slightly more focused on the city’s essentials, with stops along the Bow River, past the Stampede Grounds, and through downtown streets, giving you a taste of Calgary’s modern architecture and historic sites. The guide is knowledgeable about local culture, making the experience both informative and engaging.
The ride is leisurely enough for most fitness levels, and the route is designed for comfort rather than challenge. It’s a good option for travelers who want to see a lot without the physical strain of hill climbs, and it includes stops for photos and explanations of Calgary’s development. The reviews highlight the opportunity to snap pictures of iconic buildings and learn about the city’s evolution. Priced at $103, the tour offers solid value for a three-hour guided experience that combines sightseeing and light exercise.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a rundown of Calgary’s highlights with scenic views along the river. It’s suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace with insightful commentary.
3. Calgary Food Bike Tour
Third on our list, the Calgary Food Bike Tour is a delicious journey through the city, combining cycling and culinary stops. This three-hour tour takes you to three local eateries, where you’ll spend about 40 minutes at each, learning their stories and enjoying substantial, chef-curated dishes. The route includes cycling along the Bow River, past the Peace Bridge, and through Prince’s Island Park and St. Patrick’s Island, offering a mix of urban and natural sights.
What makes this tour special is its focus on food and culture. You’ll sample a variety of local flavors and get behind-the-scenes insights, making it perfect for foodies or anyone wanting to combine activity with local cuisine. The ride is manageable and includes passing notable landmarks like the Calgary Tower and the Calgary Zoo. Reviewers mention that the food portions are generous and the stops are well-paced, with “delicious food and fun cycling” as a common comment. At approximately $147, it’s a bit pricier but justifies itself with the quality and quantity of food.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who love good eats and want a relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy each tasting. It’s a tasty way to see Calgary, especially if you enjoy trying new foods.
4. Pedal the Picturesque: Private Calgary & Bow River Bike Tour
If you’re after a more exclusive experience, the Pedal the Picturesque private tour stands out. This guided ride is tailored specifically for your group and covers some of Calgary’s most scenic areas, like Prince’s Island Park, Inglewood, and the river pathways. You’ll start at the Calgary Tower, where the guide provides bikes and gear, and then follow a route that includes a mix of city views, parks, and historic neighborhoods.
While priced at around $833 for a private session, this tour offers personalized attention and a relaxed, in-depth exploration. Guests rave about the detailed route and the intimate experience. The tour lasts about three hours but can be customized to your interests, making it perfect for families, small groups, or anyone wanting a private, curated adventure. The guide’s local knowledge helps you uncover hidden corners and learn about Calgary’s evolution without the rush of larger groups.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want privacy, flexibility, and a curated experience. It’s an investment, but for those who value personalized service, it offers unmatched intimacy and deep insight.
$833.69 per person
5. Guided Bike and Raft Adventure
The Guided Bike and Raft Adventure rounds out our list as a full-day combo, blending cycling with a relaxing raft float. Starting with a three-hour bike tour through downtown, Chinatown, and along the Bow River, the experience then switches to a river float, giving you a different perspective on Calgary’s scenery. The tour lasts about 6-7 hours, making it suitable for those looking for an active, multi-part day.
The biking component takes you past landmarks like St. Patrick’s Island, Inglewood, and the Calgary Zoo, with commentary to deepen your understanding of the city. The river float then offers a tranquil way to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings after the hustle of city streets. It’s perfect for travelers who want variety and a full-day out, though it requires a longer time commitment and a bit more physical effort.
Review-wise, there are no ratings yet, but the price point of $73 makes it an attractive option for those wanting a combined experience without a hefty price. It’s great for adventure seekers or families looking for a memorable, active day in Calgary.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for active travelers who want both city exploration and a scenic river float, provided they have enough time and enjoy multiple activities.
$73
How to Choose the Best Bike Tour in Calgary
When selecting your ideal bike tour, consider your fitness level, interests, and budget. If you’re new to cycling or want a relaxed exploration, the Calgary City Highlights or the City & Bow River Bike Tour are perfect. For food lovers, the Food Bike Tour offers a tasty twist, while those seeking privacy will appreciate the private guided ride. The Guided Bike and Raft Adventure is best if you want a full day packed with variety.
Timing also matters — most tours run in the warmer months, from late spring to early fall, when Calgary’s parks and pathways are at their best. Book early, especially for the private tour or e-bike upgrade, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Calgary boasts a range of bike tours suitable for different interests and activity levels. For a quick, comprehensive city overview, the Calgary City Highlights tour hits the right notes. If you’re eager to indulge in local cuisine, the Food Bike Tour will satisfy your appetite for both food and scenery. For a personalized experience, the Private Calgary Tour is unbeatable. And for those looking to combine outdoor activities, the Bike and Raft Adventure offers a full-day adventure.
No matter your choice, Calgary’s bike routes make it easy to explore its parks, neighborhoods, and riverfront at your own pace. To avoid missing out, especially in peak season, be sure to book your preferred tour early. Happy cycling!