Going to Calgary Thursday and Friday. Any good running places near downtown? Will I need snowshoes?
No, you don’t need snowshoes. Weather has been crummy the last few days but not that bad. You can get weather information on www.wx.ca.
There is an extensive network of trails running along the various rivers through town. Downtown, you just head north to the river (take a street and, if the numbers of the avenues are falling, you’re heading towards the river). You can go east or west and can cross over the river at any brige except Centre Street and take the path on the other side. Bridges are generally 1-2 km apart. I think the Y just at the end of 3rd Street has maps posted on the wall if you are unsure of distances. Once you’re at the river (6 or 8 blocks from the core but less from some hotels), you can run lots of miles without traffic. Most of the trails near downtown are cleared of snow regularly.
Have fun.
There are paved pathways all along both sides of the river, located just north of downtown. The nicer routes are to the west. Cross at 14th St or Crowchild Trail. Stop in the lobby of the Eau Claire YMCA and have a look at the oversized map for distances. North of Eau Clair is Prince’s Island Park. Across Memorial Drive is the curling club hill if you’re interested in hill repeats.
They’re all pretty clear right of snow right now. I was out yesterday in shorts and a long sleeved T, but it’s much cooler today. We’re expected a chinook in the next few days ~15ºC, but the forecasters are having trouble agreeing on when it will happen.
Thanks. Sounds like a good running place.
Are you sticking around for Sat. ? There is a fun 8km XC race you could try out with us Calgarians.
Gee, I don’t think I’ve ever run with any Calgarians. If I didn’t have a pulled calf muscle, I’d talk some trash about beating all you guys. 
I’ll only be sticking around if my flight gets cancelled, but thanks for the offer.