An 8–10 km Urban Art Ride from Pixel Park
Murals and public art transform Calgary into an expansive open-air gallery—and there’s no better way to experience it than by bike.
This self-guided public art scavenger hunt is an 8 km loop that begins and ends at Pixel Park, with options to extend the ride to roughly 10 km. Along the way, you’ll discover more than 20 installations—from monumental sculptures to hidden alleyway gems—woven through Calgary’s most vibrant districts.
Ride it at your own pace anytime, or join us in person.
👉 Event Option: Kick off BikeFest on May 30 at Pixel Park with a Stampede-style breakfast picnic, plus a chance to win prizes. Learn more at Ride Into Bike Month with Bike Calgary.
Start: Pixel Park (314 12 Ave SE)
Head south and turn left onto 17 Ave SE / Flores LaDue Parade toward Stampede Park.
Stampede Park: Monumental Beginnings
1. Spirit of Water (2024) – Gerry Judah
A 70-foot, 122,000-pound blue steel sculpture resembling a frozen splash, anchoring the plaza at the BMO Centre. It’s both a landmark and a gathering place. The piece cost $2.25 million. Read more at: Calgary Municipal Land Corporation
2. The Buffalo, The Horse, and The Bull (2025) – Jason Carter
Installed at the main entrances to Stampede Park: look for the Buffalo at the north (Stampede Trail), the Horse at the south (Erlton), and the Bull at the west (17 Ave/Flores LaDue Parade).
Symbolizing Western heritage and community, each features a main sculpture standing roughly 19–21 feet tall and the smaller companion about 11 feet tall.
👀 While here: Take a moment to follow the construction of Scotia Place. Dive deeper in our guide: Evolution of Stampede Park | Saddledome
3. By the Banks of the Bow (2012) – Bob Spaith & Rich Roenisch
Located on the west side of the Agriculture Building, it is among the largest of its kind in North America.
Featuring 15 horses and two cowboys, set against the curved silhouette of the Saddledome like a setting sun in an old western movie.
4. 1901 Bull Sale (2000) – Keith Holmes
Easy to miss as you pass the Agriculture Building– this historic mural captures Calgary’s early agricultural roots. It commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 1901 bull sale.
ENMAX Park
Exit Stampede Park, cross the bridge to ENMAX Park.
👉 Navigation Tip:
You can access this loop via the Elbow River pathway. For a map from the Glenmore Dam with points of interest, explore: Biking Mohkinstsis | The Elbow River– Where Calgary Comes Together
5. Tipi
A semi-circular structure representing Treaty 7 Nations, commemorating a century-long relationship with the Calgary Stampede. Take a moment to pause and read the markers along the trail.
6. Rainbow Trout (2016) – Jeff de Boer
Near the MacDonald Bridge, this piece reflects the rich ecosystem of the Elbow River.
The Confluence
Head back across the Elbow River toward Fort Calgary.
7. The Mighty and Once Many (2000)
This powerful bronze sculpture symbolizes the vast bison populations that once shaped this land for thousands of years before they were overhunted to the point of extinction.
Historic Inglewood
Cross the Elbow River Traverse and follow the Bow River pathway east. Explore our guide: An Urban and Nature Sanctuary | Inglewood
8. Wolf & Sparrows (2019) – Brandon Vickers
A fascinating 16-foot-tall sculpture that transforms as you approach—from a historic monument into a scattering flock of birds. It was inspired by a 1898 sculpture of General James Wolfe in Mount Royal.
For a guide with a map that connects both statues, follow the link: Run or Bike Calgary’s Most Historic Communities and Green Spaces
St. Patrick’s Island
Cross the Zoo Bridge and follow 12th Street.
9. Bloom (2015) – Michel de Broin
A towering, whimsical structure made from 10 elements, including 3 repurposed streetlights. Playful and iconic, it measures 23 metres tall and weighs more than 18,000 pounds.
RiverWalk to East Village
Cross the George C. King Bridge, then head west along RiverWalk to Riverfront Lane.
👉 Navigation Tip:
You can access this loop via the Bow River pathway. For a map from the Peace Bridge with points of interest, follow our guide: Trans Canada Trail – RiverWalk | Centre Street Bridge
10. The Same Way Better/Reader (2012) – Ron Moppett
A 110-by-13-foot mosaic mural, unveiled as part of East Village’s revitalization by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.
Made of over 950,000 tiles—the largest free-standing mosaic in Canada—it spans five angled panels along Riverfront Lane, forming a “train of colour” that tells an abstract story of the area’s origins and renewal, with references to William Reader.
⚠️ Navigation Tip:
There is a dedicated pathway on 4th Street, but navigating active roadways with sidewalks is required to get to stops 11 and 12. Ride with care—this section shares space with vehicles and pedestrians.
East Village Art Cluster
Explore the area to find:
11. Device to Root Out Evil (2013) – Dennis Oppenheim
This East Village landmark features an upside-down church sculpture in 5th Street Square that challenges ideas of tradition and stability, reflecting Dennis Oppenheim’s provocative style and contributing to the area’s bold public art scene.
12. TRIO (2018) – Christian Moeller
Three playful kinetic sculptures, approximately 9 to 10 metres tall, that gently sway like oversized drinking birds. There are two on the east and one at the west entrance of the Central Library.
13. Corridor of Connection (2018)– Michelle Hoogveld
A vibrant, immersive mural filled with symbolism, storytelling, and community expression. It transforms a functional piece of infrastructure into a 950-foot visual landmark, creating a connective corridor between East Village and Calgary’s emerging Culture + Entertainment District.
Return to Pixel Park
From 4th Street SE, head west via 11th or 12th Ave.
⚠️ Navigation Tip:
Active roadways with sidewalks—there are no dedicated bike lanes on 11th or 12th Avenue. Ride with care—this section shares space with vehicles and pedestrians.
12th Avenue and Bonus Art
You can access this art loop from the Bow and Elbow River pathways, but the easiest way to reach Pixel Park is via the 12th Avenue cycle track.
A protected bike lane along the north side of the street connects 4th Street SE to 19th Street SW and links to the Bow River pathway.
The area is full of public art—make it your own by checking out Calgary’s Public Art Guide and exploring what else you can discover around the city.
Last Stops
14. Memorial Park
About 1km from Pixel Park are two public art installations. This stop is significant because it is home to the first major public art piece in Calgary:
- Horseman of the Plains – (unveiled in Memorial Park in 1914. ValourCanada.ca)
- World War I Memorial – Coeur-de-Lion MacCarthy (this bronze sculpture was donated to the City of Calgary in 1924)
Venture beyond the art guide and explore what the city doesn’t advertise. For a striking contrast to historic Memorial Park, make your way to the park’s northwest corner and cross the street.
15. Central Towers Galleria
A hidden collection of five contemporary works:
Anomaly – Alex Caldwell (mirror spheres with fun reflections reminiscent of “Cloud Gate” aka “The Bean” in Chicago’s Millennium Park).
- Drama Queen – Blake Senini (a twisting raven sculpture that’s only fully visible from above)
- Untitled – Bradley Harms (shimmering wall piece)
- Three Tree – Katie Ohe (11-foot-tall kinetic steel artwork. It’s interactive—give it a gentle push.)
- BIRDHAT/STARTREE – Ron Moppett (colourful and playful)
The Finale: An Ode To Cycling
16. No More Despair (2018) – Tyler Lemermeyer
In front of Hotel Arts on 12th Avenue is a bold mural celebrating cycling culture in Calgary—an ideal final stop for this ride.
Created for Calgary’s Beltline Urban Murals Project (YYC BUMP). The work’s intention is to spark dialogue about cycling amongst Calgarians and show the world that Calgary loves bikes. lemermeyer.com
Map
Find more routes, connections, and hidden gems with The Urban Explorer—where every ride tells a story. Follow the route or explore at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll uncover public art and unexpected details that don’t always make the map. Ride solo, with friends, or connect with others in the community—however you explore, this ride is about seeing Calgary differently, one piece of art at a time.
The Urban Explorer 