by Brian Patton | Jun 14, 2015 | Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies, hiking, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, National Parks, Yoho National Park
In 2012, National Geographic produced four maps covering Banff South, Banff North, Jasper South and Jasper North. These 1:100,000-scale, double-sided maps are printed on waterproof, tear-resistant material and with 30m-contour intervals and relief shading. In addition...
by Brian Patton | Jun 2, 2015 | Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies, hiking, Jasper National Park, Kananaskis Country, Kootenay National Park, National Parks, Yoho National Park
June has always been the start of our hiking season in the Mountain Parks—the time when trails start opening up above the valley bottoms. But this year is well advanced as we enter the month. Thanks to dry, warm conditions and low snowpack in the southern sections of...
by Andrew Hempstead | Apr 19, 2015 | Yoho National Park
Getting a seat on the bus to Lake O’Hara has always been a challenge, with keen hikers marking their calendars three months in advance to ensure they call on the correct day and ensure themselves access to this very special place. As of 2015, the process has...
by Brian Patton | Oct 17, 2014 | Banff National Park, hiking, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park
As happens every year following the Thanksgiving weekend, Parks Canada has closed all the side roads in Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks for the season. The week or two following these closures is always bittersweet—sad to see the end of summer but a great time...
by Brian Patton | Sep 19, 2014 | hiking, Yoho National Park
Ask me about the best alpine larch hiking in North America and I won’t hesitate to tell you Lake O’Hara. And the best time to be there is the third weekend in September. But if you don’t have a booking for the Lake O’Hara Lodge, Elizabeth Parker Hut, campground or one...
by Brian Patton | Jul 22, 2014 | Banff National Park, hiking, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, National Parks, Waterton Lakes National Park, Yoho National Park
The first hot weather of summer has descended on the Rockies, and as snow and icefields start to melt, most of the waterfalls start to roar. Athabasca, Sunwapta, Takakkaw and Bow are all impressive cascades that are visited by roadside visitors every summer. But for...