Canadian Rockies Hiking Blog
Snow pillows predict a late spring
In these uncertain times, it's hard to guess what the 2020 season holds for hikers. But snow pillows are predicting one of the latest hiking seasons in recent years. Since I started writing this blog back around 2014, I've tried to predict when the first high trails...
The Loneliness of the Solitary Backpacker
A veteran solo backpacker looks back to a decade of exploration on the remote trails of Banff, Jasper and the Willmore Wilderness and provides useful tips for today's wilderness travellers. Back before there were text-enabled GPS units, solar panels with power banks,...
Jasper Park’s “Trails and trips” online guides
Winter is finally losing its grip on the Canadian Rockies. The first robins have made an appearance, not to mention the first grizzly bears. It won’t be long until we hear the sound of the first mosquitoes buzzing in our ears. Even if you’re not looking forward...
Vanishing Trails in the Mountain Parks
Gavin Fitch is a lawyer in Calgary, the President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and a self-described "hardcore crazy backpacker". As an active backpacker plying the remote valleys of the mountain parks over the past decade, he has experienced trails that...
South Boundary Trail—The Movie
RAGING RIVERS! RAVENOUS WOLVES PURSUING FRANTIC DEER! GRIZZLY BEARS ON THE PROWL! TRAILS THAT SUDDENLY DISAPPEAR! Share the adventure as two intrepid backpackers follow a fading 120-km track through Jasper's most remote mountain wilderness. Despite...
Desperately seeking shuttles at Lake Louise
The expansion of shuttle bus routes at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake this summer promised to ease some of the congestion and improve access to these two popular destinations. But things haven't been running smoothly. Here are some comments that were sent to my blog...
Waterton’s bike-and-hike summer, 2019
A lot of restoration is underway in Waterton Lakes National Park this summer as crews work to rebuild facilities, clear hazard trees, and restore roadways and trails in the wake of the devastating 2017 Kenow Wildfire. But limitations to motor vehicle access is...
Wildflowers and wood ticks: Spring hikes in the Mountain Parks
Stretching your legs for another hiking season starts now. Here are some favourite early trips that virtually guarantee wildflowers and wood ticks. I'm always amazed how so many hikers rush the season in the Canadian Rockies. The marquee trails leading to high lakes,...
More shuttle buses in Banff for 2019
Hikers have more options to reach popular trails at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake this summer. Banff National Park has announced an expanded schedule of shuttle bus service for the park this season, one that could help visitors travelling to and from the popular...