This was a big one for us. The Tonquin Valley hike is one of the big two hikes in Jasper (the other being The Skyline Trail). I have very mixed feelings on this hike, there were some areas of amazing beauty along this trail but there was also some very wet trails and a monotonous trudge back to the car, which may have been our own fault.
Read MoreBig bend is a swell hike in Jasper. You could do this as a day trip or a short overnight stay. The trail starts at Sunwapta Falls which was nice for those of us that enjoy waterfalls. Since the waterfalls are a main tourist draw the parking can be iffy, so I would get there early if you can. There is an option to continue further down the trail but I do not think you can get all the way to Fortress lake anymore as the bridge was washed away. The hike to Big Bend Campground is a very easy trail and would be well suited to basically all skill levels. This trail would be a great introductory backpacking trail for kids or first timers.
Read MoreThis one is a must do in Canmore if you are in the area. I think everyone should do this hike at least once, but be warned you will never be alone along the trail. The latest time we did this hike was on a snowy November day. I cannot recommend doing it at this time more, I believe that we experienced the best possible conditions for the trail as shown in the video.
Read MoreThe Berg Lake Trail was probably my favourite backpacking trip to date and I think the number three most beautiful place I have visited. We did a three day trip, one day hiking in, one day exploring and one day hiking out. I would say that the hike is not overly difficult barring one segment (which we will get into later). I think the best way to describe the hike is by breaking it into various segments as each part was quite different. Also, I would recommend staying at either Marmot or Berg Lake campground, but we will get into that later.
Read MoreFirst off, let me say that Maligne Canyon is gorgeous, and if you have not been there do not let my opinions stop you from checking it out. Now that being said, you have to go in the winter! Maligne Canyon is a sight in the summer but a spectacle in the winter.
Read MoreThe Sunwapta Falls are a very popular stop along the Icefields Parkway. The upper falls are a huge draw for people, and why not, they are gorgeous. However, after driving about an hour from Jasper townsite, it is worth it to do the easy hike down to the lower falls as well.
Read MoreThis blog post was going to have a very different name, photos, and level of epicness but weather conditions and a healthy dose of fear changed our plans a weeee bit.
Read MoreThe Flag Hill hike is very short, but you should think about doing it if you have twenty minutes or so to spare while in David Thompson Country. The hardest part of the hike is finding the start. But when you do find the trail and complete the hike you get nice views for the minimal effort you spent.
Read MoreI really enjoyed this hike. You encounter a little bit of everything before reaching a viewpoint for the falls. The trail is very well marked and begins in a decently sized parking lot. From Highway 11, just past the Two O'clock Creek Campground on your way to Banff, there are signs for Kootenay Plains on the highway where you should turn for the hike. The parking lot has a sign saying Siffleur Staging Area to confirm that you are in the right spot.
Read MoreThe Kinnaird Highlands trail has become my favourite trail in Edmonton to date. There is a nice mix of nature and cityscapes that keep you entertained on a leisurely stroll by the river. This trail doubles as an off leash area for dogs which Henry, my golden, loves. Sarah was not present for this walk but we did have my dad, Henry, and Penelope (the black dog).
Read MoreThe trail takes you across floating boardwalks, through marshland and along beaver ponds, as well as through upland forest. There is a well marked parking lot near Astotin Lake on the other side of the road where the trail begins.
Read MoreWe went for a walk at Chickakoo Lake in search of interesting birds to photograph. While we didn’t see much in the way of birds—not even that many chickadees!—we did have an exciting hike full of slips and laughs, although it did have a slightly tragic end.
Read MoreThis 5km return started from the Snow Valley parking lot and goes through the Whitemud Ravine to the Alfred H. Savage Centre, and then returns along the same path. From the parking lot we walked along the flat path through the ravine to the Alfred Savage Centre before returning. The trail follows the creek as it winds through the woods.
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