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…
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…
Snowshoeing in Kananaskis Country is a rewarding way to spend a winter day. Many of the trails are just an hour from Calgary, while others can be closer to two hours depending on road conditions. There's a huge amount of variety - with respect to difficulty and terrain. Many of these trails fall into the dead easy category, but still they're very beautiful. If you want a workout with some mountain slendour, you'll have to…
On a chilly, rainy summer's night John and I ventured to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa to see for ourselves what the experience was like. I'd heard many wonderful reports since it opened in the winter of 2018. The spa, fashioned in the Nordic tradition, stimulates your senses with temperature changes (hot, warm and cold pools) along with aromatherapy via the steam room. It's all set against a gorgeous Rocky Mountain backdrop, only an hour away…
One of the easiest hikes to do in Kananaskis Country is the hike to Elbow Lake. It's only 1.3 kilometres in from the trailhead with about 137 metres of elevation gain. If you're a keen hiker that won't be enough but there is the option to continue to Rae Glacier. Note that the hike to Elbow Lake is ideal for families. And it makes a great first camping trip. Getting to Elbow Lake from the…
Winter in Lake Louise may be cold but it sure is pretty. There's loads to do for skiers and non-skiers alike. A frozen lake with the most beautiful skating rink in the world set against a backdrop of truly stunning mountain scenery may be the first thing people think of when they think winter in Lake Louise. But within 25 - 30 minutes of Lake Louise Village there are an incredible number of outstanding outdoor…
The Prairie View Trail - Jewell Pass hike in Kananaskis Country is a good choice in the shoulder season when you want to get outside but don't want to commit to a long drive. It takes less than an hour to get to the trailhead from Calgary. The Prairie View Trail hike is a very popular one. It's definitely not one of the prettier hikes in Kananaskis Country but in the off-season when you just…
The Galatea Lakes hike in Kananaskis Country is accessed via the trail to Lillian Lake. This area was hit hard in the 2013 floods but the trail has been rebuilt, with new bridges added and lots of signage. In fact it's one of the best signed trails I've seen in Kananaskis Country. All told it's 5.5 kilometres one way to Lillian Lake and an additional 1.1 kilometres to reach Galatea Lakes. There is an elevation…
The EEOR hike (short for east end of Rundle) near Canmore is an out and back scramble that will test your mettle. It's steep from the get-go with an elevation gain of 875 metres over just 2.9 kilometres. For many people the EEOR hike will be a challenge. It's got lots of loose rock which is unsettling for some - and a cliff band with rock ledges along with some exposure near the top to…
The Pickle Jar Lakes hike is a standout if you're a fan of mountain lakes. And judging by the popularity of this Kananaskis hike, people love a lake as a destination. Four lakes. Even better - though not all are equally beautiful. Route description for the Pickle Jar Lakes hike From the parking lot walk north beside the highway for about 100 metres. Cross the road and pick up the obvious, though unsigned trail that…