Canadian Rockies Hiking Blog
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Stocking-stuffers for backpackers
What better way to treat the backpacker on your Christmas list than a bag or three of Canadian-made freeze-dried or dehydrated meals? Something they might never buy for themselves.
Rediscovering Kootenay’s Ottertail Pass
Kootenay Park’s Ottertail Pass trail is a route frequently ignored by backpackers bound for the Rockwall. Because the pass is wooded and of little scenic interest, we barely mentioned the trail in early editions of our trail guide.
Jim Thorsell, 1940-2023
Jim Thorsell, who inspired the first edition of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide and contributed to the first six editions, died on August 30, 2023.
Snowstorm problems linger in Jasper
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 may...
Hiking Banff’s Bow Valley Highline Trail
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 I've given it more serious...
The evolution of Canadian Rockies hiking maps
For over five decades the authors of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide have been using a variety of maps as a reference for hikes in the Mountain Parks. In that time, they’ve seen an evolution in the quality and coverage these maps provide.
Brian Patton interview with Stuart Howe
Stuart Howe, a local hiking enthusiast, recently sat down with Canadian Rockies Trail Guide author Brian Patton to talk about the history of the book, its importance to the local hiking community, and the impact it's had on Canadian Rockies hiking in general. To view...
Banff’s Dolomite Valley
Veteran backpacker Gavin Fitch details a 5-day trip into the Dolomite Valley—one of Banff National Park’s most scenic destinations.
Banff’s eastern Sawback Range lakes
From a basecamp on Forty Mile Creek in the heart of Banff’s Sawback Range, backpackers can day hike to several, seldom-visited backcountry lakes.