Edworthy Park is one of my favourite parks in the city but I frequently visit and needed some new challenge when we stumbled upon the entrance to an amazing inner city hiking trail. The trail entrance forks between the Bow River Pathway and the Douglas Fir Trail. The Bow River pathway looks to be flat and not very challenging whereas the Douglas Fir Trail had a quaint little warning about how it’s not maintained, not suitable for pets and small children and is one of those enter at your own risk types.

I feel like I have the fitness level of a 300 lb man who’s diet consists of double cheeseburgers and smokes at least a pack a day so why not take this on as a challenge? People speak of this moderation thing where you start gradually and build up to bigger challenges. I’m stubborn, determined and unaware of the concept of moderation. I’m also addicted to forests and trees so this seemed like a good time to throw some caution to the wind.

That day we travelled all the way downtown from Edworthy Park. My feet started a separatist movement to depart from my body in protest afterwards. 15 KM was an accomplishment and a cure for any quarantine boredom while social distancing like a pro. If you’re looking for an inner city wilderness challenge this is a great place to wander.