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10Adventures.com Inc
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Disclaimer
Hiking can be a dangerous activity. Dangers on a hike can include adverse weather, route-finding, rockfall, exposure, falls, animals and even insects. These are only some of the real dangers you will be exposed to while out on mountain trails, and the impact of these dangers can be anywhere from minor injuries to death.
We write this guidebook as a means to allow readers to make good use of their time in the mountains and contribute to a fun experience. No guidebook, including this one, can alert you to every hazard or anticipate the limitations of every reader. When you follow one of the routes described in the book you assume responsibility for yourself and your party.
You, the reader, must have the skills, knowledge and experience required to travel safely in the mountains. This book is an accessory to your trip and is not a substitute for experience and good judgement.
ISBN 978-1-988890-44-9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Hiking in the Canadian Rockies is simply exceptional. With thousands of kilometres of trails traversing one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the world, there is no shortage of adventure to be had or great tra ils to find. With so many worthwhile areas to explore, choosing the right hike is critical. If you dont want to plan your own tour, why not book a self-guided or guided tour , and let the experts take care of the details!
Considering there are thousands of trails in the Canadian Rockies, it makes sense to highlight some of the most worthwhile hikes, which is what we are doing here, sharing 30 of the best trails. Afterall, who wants to spend 6 hours whacking through pine trees with no view when you could spend the entire hike above the treeline gaping at the Rockies famous views?
In this book we share easier, family-friendly trails for those looking for a more relaxed adventure, as well as trails all the way to expert level, taking you out in the stunning Canadian Wilderness for up to 8 hours. General fitness is required to fully enjoy any hiking in this region.
Additionally, many of these hikes are best done during the week. The close proximity of many trails to major cities like Calgary and Edmonton means that weekend hikes might be more crowded compared to midweek excursions. Taking this into consideration can help you find that perfect, unforgettable hike.
Below we provide an overview on the 7 main parks to hike in the Canadian Rockies. In Alberta there is Waterton Lakes National Park, Castle Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country, Banff National Park & Jasper National Park. In BC youll find information on Yoho National Park and Kootenay National Park.
Each park offers unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and the types of trails are all somewhat different, however all have exceptional mountain scenery.
A Note on Hiking Difficulty
Throughout this eBook you will see ratings from one to five for each of the hikes we recommend. It can be hard to correlate these numerical values to perceived value in the real world, especially for someone that is new to hiking.
A hike with a rating of one will typically be suitable for families with young children, often for those travelling with a stroller. For the parents these wont be hikes, but for the youngsters theyll feel like true adventurers. Paths are usually wide enough so that when children tucker themselves out you can plunk them in the stroller.
Level two hikes are still very family friendly, however kids should definitely be able to walk for quite a while on their own. These trails rarely have space for a stroller, and forward planning for food and water might be required. For first and second grade hikes runners or trail shoes will be great, boots are not needed.
Level three hikes are solid half day hikes, where changes in elevation start to play a role. You should start to need sturdier footwear, however trail runners may still have their place. Bringing water and food start to be required, so a solid day pack is als o a must. These hikes take you several kilometers away from any major roadway, so you need a solid first aid kit as well.
Fairly major day hikes are considered to be Level Four hikes. These require strong fitness levels and much more gear. Packing many layers, lunch, and extra water are a must. These hikes will approach 20kms (12 miles) in length and will have substantial climbs, though typically less than 1,000m (3,000 ft).
Finally, level five hikes are extremely long day hikes. These will be usually over 20km (12 miles) and have over 1,000m (3,000 ft) elevation gain. Bring extra food and water, as youll be out all day. Only fit, avid hikers should do fifth grade hikes as they are draining.
Waterton Lakes National Park is nestled in the far southwestern corner of Alberta, connecting with Glacier National Park in the United States and bordering British Columbia to the west. The park surrounds several lakes and is full of fabulous scenery and excellent hiking. Because Waterton is located further from major centres, it enjoys less foot traffic than areas like Banff. No other park in Canada contains as much wildlife in such a small area, and the park is home to everything from bighorn sheep to grizzly bears. Check out our blog about Planning a Trip!
Getting to Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton can be accessed in Alberta via Highways 6 and 5. The park is 270km south of Calgary, roughly a 3 hour drive, and 132km south of Lethbridge. From British Columbia, you can travel via Highway 3 and then south at Pincher Creek. From Montana, take Montana Highway 89 to Highway 2 and then head west on Highway 5.
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the nearest major airport to Waterton. Its approximately three hours from the park, and there are airport shuttle services available for visitors without a car.