Trail Profile: Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

A gem of a site in Alberta, the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is a popular day-use park that connects to the City of Calgary Trail on one end and the Town of Cochrane Trail on the other. The park spans upwards of 3,000 acres of fescue grasslands – densely tufted bunchgrass – so keep an eye out for cattle grazing, plus tons of wildflowers and birds! Plus, enjoy stunning views of the Rockies to the west and the surrounding areas, and a great collection of trails to explore! 

What we love about this Trail section 

• It provides excellent scenic views and great birding opportunities. 

• It’s an active cattle ranch – in a 3,200-acre park! 

• It features interpretive signs that share stories of the park’s history, flora and fauna. 

Hiking, cycling, birding and more 

The Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park offers excellent hiking and cycling routes, plus spots for geocaching and picnicking, in a gorgeous setting. Enjoy access to several trails within the park, ranging in length between one and five kilometres each. You can also take in the sights and sounds of a CP Rail train as it traverses the park!  

Take part in the Citizen Science initiatives: you can complete either a wildlife or plant checklist to help monitor bird and wildlife, or vegetation, respectively, within the park. 

Discover 10 trails within the park 

You’ll find several trails within the park, some of which are part of the Trans Canada Trail system, and some of which branch off from the Trail. 

Along the Glenbow Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail and runs from east to west, you’ll pass by the old post office and general store, plus corrals, which stand as remnants of the region’s industrial history. Birding enthusiasts will love the Narrow Trails, a forested area known for an abundance of birds and as a respite from the summer heat and winter winds. On the Bowbend Trail, head west and climb aspen-covered hillsides to enjoy the beautiful views, or to connect to other trails within the park! 

You can find more info about the park’s trails here. 

Explore the Town of Cochrane 

If you’d like to continue your Trail journey, head over to downtown Cochrane via the Town of Cochrane Trail, west of the park. In town, you’ll find the Cochrane Historical Museum, a wolfdog sanctuary, and several shopping and food options, including a brewery and a meadery! 

Explore our interactive map!