Andrew Nugara - Family Walks and Hikes in the Canadian Rockies – Volume 2: Bragg Creek – Kananaskis – Moraine Lake – Yoho – Icefields Parkway – Jasper

There are inherent risks in hiking mountain areas that require hikers to constantly use their own judgment. Anyone using this book does so at their own risk, and both the author and the publisher disclaim any liability for any injuries or other damage that may be sustained by anyone hiking any of the trails described in this book.

Be aware that bear sightings and fire hazard can close trails at a moments notice. Flash floods can wash out bridges. Fallen trees resulting from strong winds can block trails and make the going difficult.

In this book there are no dos and donts. It is assumed that users are caring, intelligent people who will respect the country they are travelling through and its wildlife.

Copyright 2020 by Andrew Nugara First Edition

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Cataloguing data available from Library and Archives Canada | ISBN 9781771603065 (electronic)

All photographs are by Andrew Nugara unless otherwise noted. Cover photo by Marko Stavric.

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 WSNE(Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum) peoples.

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund and the Canada Council for the Arts, and of the province of British Columbia through the British Columbia Arts Council and the Book Publishing Tax Credit.

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.

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 these mountains that are appropriate for kids of all ages, adding to the trips offered in Family Walks and Hikes in the Canadian Rockies Volume 1. So grab the kids, get in the car and enjoy!

Hiking with young people poses unique challenges. How do you pick the most appropriate trails for your family (see How the trails were chosen, below)? How do you balance long driving times with fidgety bodies? And how do you keep kids motivated and moving once you are on the trail? The 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.
• Bikes and Striders: Bring them whenever possible. Kids love to bike its no secret!
• Hiking Games: Learn some hiking games for kids. Examples include I spy; scavenger hunts; follow the leader (with everyone taking turns as leader); red light, green light; Im going on a picnic and other alphabet games; 20 questions; songs; and so on.
• Other Families: Hike with another or multiple families. In general, kids love to hike with other kids.
• Water: 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.
• Environmental Awareness: Whenever possible, educate your kids about the local environment and wildlife, and the benefits and responsibilities of hiking in the mountains (but dont beat them over the head with it).
• Bribes: A little bribery goes a long way. If 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 Your Limits: Know when to push kids and when its time to give in. You can always try again another day.
• Backup: Have a backup plan another hike or a different activity.
• Be patient, be patient, and then be patient.

See the area maps on pages xvii and xviii. Trips in this book encompass a large area, starting at the south end of Highway 40 and reaching as far north as Jasper. All trips must be accessed by car.

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 that might 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.
• Moraine Lake Road from mid-October to mid-May (may vary).
• Yoho Valley Road (Takakkaw Falls area) from October to mid-June.
• Cavell Road from October 15 to June 14 (may vary).

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

• Highway 1A (Exshaw): Heart Mountain Store (cafe, 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.