Canadian Rockies Hiking Blog
Hiking Parker Ridge in Banff National Park
The switchbacking trail to the alpine summit of Parker Ridge in northern Banff National Park has a reputation for being the most scenic short hike in the Canadian Rockies. On Sunday, July 28, 2013, I recorded my 57th “ascent” of the ridge. Most of my Parker Ridge...
Numa fire severs Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park
A wildfire that started small in Kootenay National Park’s Numa Creek drainage on Thursday, July 25, has spread to 50 hectares and forced the closure of the central section of the popular Rockwall Trail. Parks Canada has closed the Numa Creek drainage until further...
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park wildflowers
The calendar has turned over to August and the wildflower season is at its peak in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, with an abundance of flowers along hiking trails. One of the brightest flowers to colour the landscape is Indian Paintbrush (pictured). To read about all...
Paint Pots and Rockwall Trail detour in Kootenay National Park
Rock foundations and truncated trail mark where the suspension bridge to the Paint Pots spanned the Vermilion River in Kootenay National Park. The bridge washed out in 2012, and with no immediate prospect of replacement, hikes to the Paint Pots and the northern region...
Wildflowers along Banff National Park’s Boom Lake trail
Boom Lake has always been one of our favourite early-season hikes. And Thursday, July 18, was no exception as we made our way along the 5.1-km trail to the lake from Boom Creek Picnic Area. The lush forest was filled with wildflowers, and the trip took a lot longer...
Hiking Trail Update for Waterton Lakes National Park
On June 19th, Waterton Lakes National Park received over 200mm of rain in less than 24 hours. Flooding created major washouts along the first 7 km of the Akamina Parkway, cutting access to Cameron Lake and several trails that branch from that road. Lauren Baker of...
Hiking Trail Update for southern Banff National Park
As of July 14, many trails within the southern half of Banff National Park have reopened after June flooding. Although many backcountry bridges have been compromised, stream levels are now low enough for careful fording. Parks Canada has reopened the following hiking...
Hiking Trail Update for Banff National Park South
As of July 14, many trails within the southern half of Banff National Park have reopened after June flooding. Although many backcountry bridges have been compromised, stream levels are now low enough for careful fording. Parks Canada has reopened the following hiking...