‘Tis the Season for Spring Hiking: Evan-Thomas Creek Loop in K-Country

Spring hiking is always an adventure, no matter how hard (or simple) the hike you choose. The unpredictable weather, mixed with the varying conditions based on altitude and exposure to sunlight can make a hike feel like walking through different seasons altogether. Many hikes are not recommended during this shoulder-season due to the slushy/muddy conditions …

A Casual Hiker’s Guide to Backpacking

If you enjoy camping and hiking, chances are you’ll love backcountry camping. It can seem daunting to start backpacking in the wilderness, so I’ve made a guide to help you get your bearings and hopefully inspire you to try your first trip! If you haven’t gone backcountry camping before, I recommend a shorter trip, 1-2 …

What to Pack? Backpacking Clothes Edition

Packing can be a daunting task for any trip, but especially the first time you go backpacking. With a goal of keeping your bag light, it can be hard to decide what to bring and what to skip. After a number of trips, I have worked out the most essential items, as well as the …

Eiffel Lake Hike from Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

Eiffel Lake is a great hike if you are looking for something to do around Moraine Lake at the moderate level. It has elevation, great views, and lake destinations, with just enough distance to feel like it was “a real hike”. The hike is 12.2 km total with 609 meters of elevation. Moraine Lake at …

Camping in Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site

Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai’pi is on traditional Blackfoot territory in the Milk River Valley. The region contains engravings and paintings on the sandstone walls that date back to ca. 4,500 BP – 3,500 years BP and continue beyond contact with Europeans. The area is sacred to the Blackfoot people, so remember to visit the park with respect. Walking …

Camping in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Cypress Hills is a provincial park shared between Alberta and Saskatchewan. In the summer of 2021, I spent a weekend camping on the Alberta-side of the park, which was the furthest east I have been within Alberta. Sign for Cypress Hills showing the provincial flowers of both Alberta and Saskatchewan. The drive from Calgary to …

Four Days in the Skoki Valley, Banff National Park

-By Guest Author Kira Feighan Hidden in the backcountry behind the Lake Louise Ski Resort is the Skoki valley, situated in the high alpine with a network of four backcountry campsites connected to the Skoki Lodge. Skoki valley is a perfect introduction to multi-day backcountry camping, with relatively moderate elevation gains and many options for …

Oster Lake via Shirley Lake Trail in Elk Island National Park

Last weekend I was in Edmonton, so we decided to drive to Elk Island National Park in the hopes of seeing some bison. It was my first time visiting the park. We entered the park through Yellowhead Highway and saw some bison from the main road. They were a distance away from highway so it …

West Wind Pass in Kananaskis Country

We hiked West Wind Pass on March 6. It was a birthday hike and I could not have asked for a more beautiful day. In winter, you can hike to the top of the pass which gives you spectacular views of the Spray Lakes and surrounding valley. During the summer you are able to hike …

Why You Should Bring a Film Camera on Your Next Hike

On a hike last summer one of my friends had the brilliant idea to bring a disposable film camera. I hadn’t used one in years, since I was a child at an overnight camp and my parents didn’t trust me to bring electronics. While a disposable film camera doesn’t have any fancy settings (or any …