The Fundy Footpath is a rigorous multi-day hike along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. Highlights include pretty, mixed forests, stunning headland views from atop 100-metre sea cliffs and some exceptional beachfront campsites over the 64 kilometres you travel from the Fundy National Park Visitor Centre to the Big Salmon River Visitor Centre on the Fundy Trail. Most people don't usually hike the full 64 km, preferring to bite off the distance as a…
What a delight the Pigeon Mountain hike near Canmore turned out to be. Once you get away from the powerline and break through the trees, views are superb. The same goes for wildflowers. They're excellent in the meadows in summer and even in early fall when there are plenty of reds and yellows to enliven the landscape. Although the climb to the summit is a stiff one, it modulates often enough that you can catch…
Alberta is one of Canada's western provinces that is home to both a diverse population and a world - renowned landscape of lakes, forest, prairies, Rocky Mountains - including glaciers, and badlands scenery. With five national parks, over 100 provincial (and wildland provincial) parks along with six UNESCO sites, there is plenty to see and explore. After living in the province for over 10 years, I am still discovering interesting facts about Alberta - many…
For a romantic getaway near Calgary, plan a visit to The Crossing at Ghost River. It's located on 145 rolling acres along the picturesque Ghost River, just 20 minutes west of Cochrane, and only an hour's drive from Calgary. Over the years the property has primarily been used for corporate and team building meetings, weddings, and retreats. It's just recently that they've been allowed to open to individuals and couples. In fact, John and I…
From Canmore, it's easy to access the Smith Dorrien Trail - Highway 40 loop, a spectacular road trip in Alberta's Rocky Mountains that can be done on your own or in luxury with Canadian Rockies Experience. The road trip can be done in either direction, but if you're driving in summer consider returning via the Smith Dorrien Trail so you catch the sunset. There are numerous scenic spots along the route along with access to…
The Glacier Crest trail in Glacier National Park, British Columbia rewards with panoramic views of Mount Sir Donald and the Illecillewaet Glacier to the east and the Asulkan Glacier to the west along with views of Abbott Ridge, Perley Rock, the Rogers Pass summit, and Eagle Peak to name but a few mountain peaks. It is well worth the 958-metre climb to experience the beauty of this hike. Count on a full day (6 -…
If you want a stellar hike or backpacking trip, without the crowds, in the heart of the Moraine Lake - Lake Louise area, I'd highly recommend the Lake Annette - Paradise Valley - Giant Steps trail. Many people stop at Annette Lake - 5.7 km in, but then you miss some of the dramatic scenery, along with the option to hike up to Sentinel Pass. However, it's a 20.3 km return hike to Paradise Valley…
Drive about an hour northeast of Calgary or two and a half hours south of Edmonton and you'll reach Kneehill County in central Alberta. The region is home to a landscape of open prairie and gorgeous badlands scenery bounded on the east by the scenic Red Deer River. Within Kneehill County you'll find two towns - Three Hills and Trochu, several villages including Carbon, Acme and Linden in addition to unique lookouts and experiences. Cue…
If you've driven the Trans-Canada Highway between Golden and Revelstoke, British Columbia then you've passed Heather Mountain Lodge & Cabins - but perhaps unknowingly. I know I've seen a sign pointing to heli-skiing in the winter but not once on the multiple times I've driven the Trans-Canada, did I clue into the fact that there was a beautiful lodge, just off the highway. But there is, and though it does cater to the heli-skier in…
The Abbott Ridge Trail in British Columbia's Glacier National Park (often confused with Montana's national park that goes by the same name) is the must do hike in the park despite its length and significant elevation gain. After hiking the Hermit Trail in the park a few years ago, I had an inkling I'd be in for a treat. Abbott Ridge is named for Henry Abbott, a mountain and railway man who helped build the…