This easy 7 km Alberta hike leads you along a tree-lined trail to a giant suspension bridge

It's not far from Calgary!

Person on a suspension bride.

A suspension bridge hike near Calgary. Right: Alberta hikes.

Editor

This Alberta hike is near Calgary, and brings you to a massive suspension bridge, floating you high above a lush forest with mountain views. The tree-lined trail winds you through the woods, past serene lakes deep in nature and surrounding you with jagged peaks.

The hike is nestled in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, which is about an hour and 45 minutes away from the city of Calgary.

Heading out on the 7.1-kilometre Blackshale Suspension Bridge Via Black Prince trail will take around two to three hours, according to the Explore Kananaskis website, but it's rated as 'easy'.

The trail will lead you into the forest, and the real reward of the hike is the long suspension bridge that stretches over the vibrant green trees.

The journey there offers views the entire way, though.

Off in the distance you can see the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

This is the highlight of the hike so make sure to stop and enjoy the view, or even rest for a picnic there.

If you're not feeling the longer journey you can still make it to the suspension bridge by taking a one kilometre loop,

It can get busy in the summer months and there's a 20-person limit on the bridge at once, so you might want to head out bright and early for this one.

If you want a little day trip adventure from the city, this makes for the perfect spot. Make sure to hit the trails prepared with all the hiking needs, including bear spray.


Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Editor

    Morgan Leet (she/her) is an Editor for Narcity Media Group. After graduating from Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, she jumped into fulfilling her dream as a journalist, merging her passion for travelling with writing. She got her start working in the print media world on Canada’s East Coast, then joined Narcity with a move to B.C., leading the launch of West Coast coverage. Her focus now is managing a large group of freelance writers, bringing human-forward and opinion content to the site.

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