whats happening on the day
About the day
On Thanksgiving Monday, October 13, Calgarians will gather at the new Eau Claire Plaza for a day of community, gratitude, and celebration in support of the Calgary Food Bank. The morning kicks off with a 5 km friendly walk along the city’s scenic downtown pathways—welcoming walkers of all ages and abilities.
When the walk wraps up back at Eau Claire Plaza, the celebration turns up a notch with thePOWER hour, our outdoor dance party featuring a live DJ. The plaza will come alive with music, movement, and energy, plus our amazing collaborators offering free treats, samples, and goodies to keep the vibe high.
It’s more than steps and songs—it’s about celebrating community, shining a light on the vital work of the Calgary Food Bank, and sharing the joy of giving back. And best of all, it only takes a few hours of your Thanksgiving Day to make a big difference.
Come for the walk, stay for the dance.
Event-Day Schedule
- 9:30 AM – Arrivals and check-in at the new Eau Claire Plaza
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – theWALK.ca: 5 km friendly walk along Calgary’s downtown pathways
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – thePOWER hour: outdoor dance party with a live DJ
- Free treats, samples, and giveaways from our community collaborators
course map
The walking course
The 5 km walking course starts and finishes at the new Eau Claire Plaza. It follows the south Bow River pathway on an out-and-back route, heading east and turning around just past the 14th Street Bridge before returning to the plaza. Flat, scenic, and family-friendly, it’s a beautiful Thanksgiving morning walk for all ages.
Light the night
Last Year, Calgary Tower Lights up for theWALK.ca
On Thanksgiving Eve, Sunday, October 12, Calgary’s skyline will shine in support of the cause with Light the Night—the Calgary Tower illuminated in white, blue, and yellow to recognize theWALK.ca and the vital work of the Calgary Food Bank. It’s a glowing reminder of the community spirit that fuels this event.
Then, on Thanksgiving Monday, October 13, Calgarians will gather at the new Eau Claire Plaza for theWALK.ca—a morning of gratitude, connection, and celebration. The day begins with a 5 km out-and-back walk along the south Bow River pathway, turning around just past the 10th Avenue Bridge, before returning to Eau Claire Plaza.
The celebration continues with thePOWER hour, an outdoor dance party featuring a live DJ, energy, and free treats from our community collaborators. In just a few hours of your Thanksgiving Day, you’ll take steps that help feed families and celebrate the Calgary Food Bank’s incredible impact.
Come for the walk, stay for the dance.
Who We Are
Our Story
theWALK.ca, started just over three years ago. I was going to be turning 50 in September 2023. I wanted to run 50 half-marathons in 50 weeks, my fitness bday gift for turning 50. We started run#1 on September 24, 2022. My amazing husband Paul Lavoie decided he was going to support me in my fitness journey and he ran EVERY SINGLE run with me. During our journey we had decided to start fundraising for The Calgary Food Bank along the way. By the time we were completing half-marathon #50, with the help of friends, family and supporters we had raised over $138,000.00. During, 2024, the walk then raised $380,000, from the generosity of others. People are good. Believing in the power of community and the importance of giving back, we have launched theWALK.ca