by Brian Patton | Sep 4, 2023 | Home page News
An old friend, who inspired the first edition of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide and contributed to the first six editions, died on August 30, 2023. “Thor” was an avid hiker who authored one of the first backcountry user surveys in 1967, A Trail...
by Brian Patton | Aug 15, 2023 | hiking, Home page News, Jasper National Park
A freak rain-snow event that dropped more than 80mm of precipitation over Jasper National Park on June 19 continues to affect access and travel into the park’s backcountry. Washouts on the Miette Hot Springs road resulted in a closure that remains in effect and...
by Brian Patton | Jul 11, 2023 | Home page News
Some of the most scenic day hikes in the first edition of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide went missing in the second edition. Here is the story behind these trails and why they disappeared. Some of the most spectacular views from any day hiking trails in Western...
by Brian Patton | Jun 1, 2023 | Banff National Park, canadian rockies trail guide, hiking, Home page News
As the coauthor of a venerable trail guide to the Canadian Rockies, people are always asking me: “What is your favourite trail?” My usual bemused response is: “The last time I hiked when the weather was good and the trail uncrowded.”But...
by Brian Patton | May 8, 2023 | backpacking, canadian rockies trail guide, hiking, Home page News
For over five decades the authors of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide have been using and recommending supplementary maps for the mountain parks. In that time, maps have evolved in both quality and coverage. Maps in guidebooks are limited at best....
by Brian Patton | Sep 15, 2022 | Banff National Park, Home page News
Gavin Fitch, daughter Ellie, and companions Marco and Greg backpacked into what we consider one of the most spectacular areas of Banff National Park—the Dolomite Valley. The trip is a great way to sample the North Molar-Pipestone-Dolomite Circuit without arranging...