I've been camping now for 30 plus years. Growing up it was all about cottages - but when John and I moved to Colorado, camping and hiking became our focus. We were broke and camping was cheap. All we needed was the initial investment in camping gear and a tank of gas every weekend and we could get ourselves into some fabulous Rocky Mountain scenery. With high unemployment, under employment, tanking stock portfolios and a…
If you live in Bragg Creek you're spoiled for choice when it comes to hiking. Fortunately for those of us who live in Calgary, all of the trailheads for the Bragg Creek hikes described below are less than an hour's drive away. All the trailheads are accessed off of Highway 66, with the Fullerton Loop and Sugar Mama hikes the first ones you reach, only 15 kilometres southwest of Bragg Creek. These seven Bragg Creek…
Saskatchewan is much more than what you see from the Trans-Canada Highway. This prairie province is a wonderful destination - primarily from spring to fall when temperatures are pleasant. Before you venture to the province, have a read through these irreverent but interesting facts about Saskatchewan for some perspective on the province. My husband John penned these 47 interesting facts about Saskatchewan. As you'll see below he has an offbeat sense of humour. Enjoy. Saskatchewan…
Lake Louise hikes are some of the best you'll find in Banff National Park - and even Canada. Superlative mountain and alpine lake scenery is the reward for your efforts. The downside to most but not all of the Lake Louise hikes are the sheer number of people on the popular trails - especially Lake Agnes and the Plain of Six Glaciers. If you can do it, book accommodation somewhere close to Lake Louise so…
I tried upping my street cred (okay, hiking cred) recently while having pints with a group of fellow hikers. Emboldened by a pint (or two) of IPA, I claimed out aloud: “You know, you could say that I’ve hiked with Robert Redford and Martin Sheen.” The deafening silence was quickly followed by an outburst of derisive laughter that basically suggested: “Dream on, dude!” While I haven’t actually hiked with either of these stars—I have shared…
Imagine a great play list, the wind in your face and the freedom of the road as you experience one or more of these beautiful road trips in Canada. We're spoiled for choice in this country - though the season for road trips in Canada tends to be short - unless you love driving in snow. Described are 15 road trips in Canada - from the Yukon to Newfoundland. Some will take you only a…
Web Cam views are the next best thing to being there. As I write this, smart-thinking governments have clamped down on recreational air travel—a good thing. It’s springtime as I pen this, when I’d normally be putting into place my outdoorsy travel plans but not this time around. Downside: I’m at home glued to my computer. The upside: I’m at home glued to my computer enjoying a myriad of web cam views from around the…
The town of Canmore is both the gateway to Banff National Park and an access point to Kananaskis Country. As a result there is an unbelievable amount of truly exceptional hiking within an hour's drive. I've tried to showcase Canmore hikes that offer views within a short distance of the town, with most about a 15 -20 minute drive away. The hike to the Sparrowhawk Tarns is the exception. Many of these Canmore hikes can…
How do you get through the COVID-19 crisis with your physical and mental health intact? I for one have loads of work to do (updating old posts, writing new ones, fixing photos...) so staying busy isn't a problem. It's how to make the most of my down time. I'm less and less keen to even watch the nightly news and spend time on social media. There is too much hype and misinformation for my liking.…
The Sugar Mama - Sugar Daddy hike is part of a loop that starts at the Allen Bill parking lot off Highway 66 near Bragg Creek, Alberta. It's a great shoulder-season or winter hike that delivers a workout because of its length. But I'd give it a pass in the summer (unless you bike it) when you get up into the mountains at higher elevations. The full loop is just under 14 kilometres long and…