Nugara - Family walks and hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Volume 1: Bragg Creek - Kananaskis - Bow Valley - Banff National Park

Copyright 2019 by Andrew Nugara

First Edition

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Cataloguing data available from Library and Archives Canada

ISBN 9781771602242 (paperback)

ISBN 9781771602259 (electronic)

Editorial: Meaghan Craven

Proofreading: Peter Enman

Design: Amy Rutherford

Cover Design: Chyla Cardinal

We would like to also take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories upon which we live and work. In Calgary, Alberta, we acknowledge the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikuni, the Kainai, the Tsuutina and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, including Chiniki, Bearpaw, and Wesley First Nations. The City of Calgary is also home to Mtis Nation of Alberta, Region III. In Victoria, British Columbia, we acknowledge the traditional territories of the Lkwungen (Esquimalt, and Songhees), Malahat, Pacheedaht, Scianew, TSou-ke and SNE (Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum) peoples.

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Disclaimer

The actions described in this book may be considered inherently dangerous activities. Individuals undertake these activities at their own risk. The information put forth in this guide has been collected from a variety of sources and is not guaranteed to be completely accurate or reliable. Many conditions and some information may change owing to weather and numerous other factors beyond the control of the authors and publishers. Individuals or groups must determine the risks, use their own judgment, and take full responsibility for their actions. Do not depend on any information found in this book for your own personal safety. Your safety depends on your own good judgment based on your skills, education, and experience.

It is up to the users of this guidebook to acquire the necessary skills for safe experiences and to exercise caution in potentially hazardous areas. The authors and publishers of this guide accept no responsibility for your actions or the results that occur from anothers actions, choices, or judgments. If you have any doubt as to your safety or your ability to attempt anything described in this guidebook, do not attempt it.

CONTENTS

Prairie View Trail, , Moose and Crux the dogs at the crux! Scrambling down this section is tougher than going up (Courtesy Matthew Hobbs).

INTRODUCTION

About Family Walks and Hikes

Personally, I cannot think of many better ways to bond as a family than to hike as a family. The physical, mental and emotional benefits of hiking are undeniable, and who better to share and reap those benefits with than the ones you love and cherish the most?

Families living near the Canadian Rockies are fortunate to be close to some of the best hiking routes the planet has to offer. This book describes some of the more popular trips in the Canadian Rockies that are appropriate for kids of all ages. Grab the kids, get in the car and enjoy!

The challenges of family hiking

Hiking with young people has unique challenges. How do you pick the most appropriate trails for your family (see , below)? How do you balance long driving times with fidgety bodies? And how do you keep the kids motivated and moving once you are on the trail? Following are some tips that will help make your family hiking experience more enjoyable:

Candy while hiking, a treat every 10 to 15 minutes can provide the motivation kids need to keep moving.

Bring the bikes and striders whenever possible. Kids love to bike its no secret!

Learn some hiking games for kids: I Spy, scavenger hunts, Follow the Leader (with everyone taking turns as leader), Red Light Green Light (adult controls stopping and starting of the group), I went to Alaska with Allan and took apricots (place, name, food item, then onto the next letter: I went to Banff with Brittany and took baked beans), 20 Questions, songs, and so on.

Hike with another or multiple families. In general, kids love to hike with other kids.

The connection humans (especially kids) have with water is undeniable. Any trip that involves water (lakes, rivers, waterfalls, creeks, beaver ponds) is likely to be a hit with the young ones.

Whenever possible, educate the kids about the local environment and wildlife, and the benefits and responsibilities of hiking in the mountains but dont beat them over their heads with it.

A little bribery goes a long way. If the kids know there is an ice-cream run at the end of the hike, they are more likely to be motivated to keep going.

Know when to push the kids and when its time to give in you can always return to try again.

Have a backup plan another hike or different activity.

Be patient, be patient, and then, be patient.

Getting there

See the area maps on . Trips in this book encompass a large area, starting at the south end of Highway 40 and reaching as far north as Bow Summit, about 40 km north of Lake Louise. All trips must be accessed by car.

Seasonal road closures

Road closures are unlikely to affect family hiking, as the restrictions occur in winter and spring. However, the closures are outlined below for those adventurous families who may want to hike in seasons other than summer.

Highway 40 from December 1 to June 15, between Kananaskis Trail and Highwood Junction.

Highway 66 from December 1 to May 15, west of Elbow Falls.

Powderface Trail from December 1 to May 15, Dawson.

Facilities

Banff, Bragg Creek, Calgary, Canmore, Cochrane, Field (for Yoho National Park), and Lake Louise have all the amenities.

Highway 1A (Exshaw): Heart Mountain Store (caf, groceries, gas)

Highway 1X (Bow Valley Provincial Park): small store at Bow Valley Campground

Highway 1 (Dead Mans Flats): gas, motel, small grocery store

Highway 40 (Kananaskis): many facilities, including an outdoor rental store in Kananaskis Village, a restaurant at Boundary Ranch and a gas station at Fortress Junction.

Weather

The best family hiking months in the Canadian Rockies are generally July, August and September. The temperature can reach the mid-30s in July and August, but it cools down quite a bit in September. Afternoon thunderstorms sometimes form during the hot months. Of course, snow can be expected in any month of the year but usually stays away in July and most of August. The different areas described in this book have slightly dissimilar hiking seasons and weather patterns: