Hidden stairways, urban wilds, secret gardens, and neighbourhood cafés

Join Lori Beattie, intrepid urban explorer and author of the just released 3rd edition of Calgary's Best Walks, and discover how she moves through the city, connecting communities on foot and searching out the secret paths and hidden stairway connectors whenever she can. From Sandy Beach Park we'll travel along the Elbow River Pathway, up the saskatoon slopes to stunning views of the river valley. We'll navigate Britannia to connector paths that lead to blossoming gardens before we cross the river and find the hidden stairway into into the urban wilds, followed by stunning downtown views. We'll walk through Elbow Park to Marda Loop, past the new shops of 34th Avenue and into Altadore, where a fairy garden makes you smile, little libraries beckon, and a secret path leads to a garden that you'll want to revisit throughout the summer! This walk is about 6-7 km with hills and a mix of paved path, sidewalk, stairs and dirt paths.

YOUR WALK LEADER: Lori Beattie

Lori is the author of Calgary's Best Walks and Calgary's Best Bike Rides. A passionate urban explorer, loves getting outside and moving through Calgary and beyond under her own steam, discovering new views and perspectives along the way. She walks and bikes in search of big nature, hidden pathways, farmers’ markets and shops, gardens, cafés, folk art, and conversations. She is a segment host on CTV Morning Live, writes about walking and biking in various publications and she presents to groups about the pleasures of exploring Calgary and beyond on foot and by bike, building community through walking and making Calgary feel like home, one step and pedal at a time. Lori leads Calgarians and visitors on walks, hikes and snowshoe days with her company Fit Frog Adventures. Connect with Lori on Instagram @lorifitfrog or at www.fitfrog.ca

MEETING SPOT: Sandy Beach Park: Follow 1411, 50 Avenue, SW. The meet place is at the bottom of the hill near the river in the large parking lot. There are port a potty bathrooms at the parking lot.

NOTES: steep slopes, uneven terrain, fast paced, covering lots of ground.

Host or Publisher Jane's Walk Calgary