summer fun
3 superb suburban walks through Calgary Calgary’s best walks By Lori Beattie; Photos courtesy of Lori Beattie Shawnessy- Somerset - Bridlewood Creek Wetland Neighborhood families walking and biking along interconnected pathways is a common sight in this suburban walkabout. Founded in 1981, Shawnessy was built with walking in mind. Paved pathways meander through green spaces, in between homes to the Bridlewood Creek Wetlands, where birdlife thrives. Shawnessy was named after Samuel and Helen Shaw who arrived from England in 1883. They brought with them the parts for a woolen mill and then opened Shaw’s Woolen Mill in 1889 along the banks of Fish Creek. The mill was the first industry in the province, and could produce 300lbs of wool each day. Helen Shaw sold woolen goods at her store, Midnapore Woolen Mills, on Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary. The store sold skirts, blankets, flannels, tweed, and stocking yarn. Many prospectors seeking out for the Yukon Gold Rush were outfitted in her shop. The mill operated until 1917 when it was destroyed by fire.
“This is the kind of exploring that kids love!” The area’s history lives on through the over 100-yearold big red barn that is now home to the Shawnessy Community Centre. The former vernacular-style barn that was built in 1915 by homesteader John McInnes has been transformed into a rustic venue for weddings and events. Continue past the barn and keep an eye out for community gardens and little free libraries. Grab a book and continue onward back to your starting point. Start: Shawnessy Library, 333 Shawville Boulevard SE. LRT: Somerset-Bridlewood station. Tasty pit stop: Kin Café in the Shawnessy YMCA Dover, Forest Lawn, and International Avenue, SE Impressive Rocky Mountain, Bow River and downtown views mark the start of this Dover walkabout. Walk south on the paved path overlooking the Irrigation Canal before
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tucking into Valleyview Regional Park. If you are walking with your kids, then plan to take a break here to enjoy the pond, playground, and spray park in the summer. Dover has a unique kid-friendly design where front yards flow into shared tree-canopied green space and the back lanes serve as the streets. Follow a mix of paved paths and side streets while walking east towards 48 Street. Walk north to 17 Avenue, also known as International Avenue, at any time.
Dubbed the city’s culinary and cultural capital for its diverse and eclectic shopping and eating options, International Avenue has 425 merchants that offer food and services from around the world. Whatever type of food or ingredient you are looking for, you will find it along International Avenue. Follow the wide multiuse sidewalk to access all the shops. Stop for some of the best ramen in the city at Pho Dau Bo, or just keep walking and you’ll find another tasty pit stop. I also love
