Ironstone Lookout (Willoughby Peak)

June 6, 2022. A straightforward hike to a fire lookout. Region: Crowsnest Pass. Traditional territory of the Ktunaxa, Tsuu T’ina, and Blackfoot First Nations Distance: 12 km round-trip Total Ascent: 550 meters Elevation of Objective: 2079 meters Total Time: 3h 30m Safety and Disclaimer The snow melt is a month or more behind schedule as […]

Arethusa Cirque

July 19, 2021. A hike with kids to a picturesque cirque near the Highwood Pass. Region: Kananaskis Country. Traditional territory of the Tsuu T’ina, Stoney Ktunaxa, and Blackfoot First Nations Distance: 4.9 km loop Elevation Gain: 270 m Elevation of Objective: 2427 m Total Time: 2h 31m Safety and Disclaimer There are 3 cirques clustered […]

Lineham Falls

June 13, 2021. A hike up the valley between Waterton’s two tallest peaks leading to a spectacular waterfall. Region: Waterton Lakes National Park. Traditional Territory of the Blackfoot, Ktunaxa, and Tsuu T’ina First Nations Distance: 5.1 km one-way (if going beyond the official trail to stand next to the falls) Elevation Gain: 400 m Elevation […]

North Drywood Falls

May 29, 2021. An easy and popular family hike to an attractive waterfall. Often just referred to as Drywood Falls, this trail is a favourite all-season destination. It involves a walk along a valley bottom following a broad gas exploration road, eventually reaching a point where the road ends and a short footpath carries on […]

Crandell Lake

May 15, 2021. A quick and easy hike with kids to an old favourite in Waterton. Also a great option for a half day of snowshoeing. Region: Waterton Lakes National Park. Traditional Territory of the Blackfoot, Ktunaxa, and Tsuu T’ina First Nations Distance: 1.7 km one-way from the Akamina Parkway to the south shore; 3.6 […]

Livingstone South Peak

April 17, 2021. A ridge walk to a summit, featuring epic views of the Crowsnest Pass. June 2025 Update: Since this post was originally published, a natural gas pipeline project altered the terrain in the area of the trailhead. As of June 2025 the project is complete but the initial part of the hike requires […]

Bear’s Hump

April 4, 2021. Waterton’s best short hike. Region: Waterton Lakes National Park. Traditional Territory of the Blackfoot, Tsuu T’ina, and Ktunaxa First Nations Distance: 1.4 km one-way Total Ascent: 230 m Elevation of Objective: 1540 m Time: 30-45 minute ascent (depending on how much boulder climbing you/your kids stop to do) Safety and Disclaimer Bear’s […]

Mount Bourgeau

July 17, 2020. A full-day hike in Banff to the summit of the most accessible Canadian Rockies peak above 2900 m. Region: Banff National Park. Traditional Territory of the Ktunaxa, Tsuu T’ina, and Blackfoot First Nations. Distance: 25-30 km round-trip (1 of my apps and my Garmin measured the trip at 30 km, another app measured […]

Stanley Glacier Trail

July 16, 2020. A scenic hike in Kootenay National Park, featuring glaciers, cliffs, boulders and waterfalls. Region: Kootenay National Park. Traditional territory of the Ktunaxa, Tsuu T’ina, and Blackfoot First Nations. Distance: 11 km round-trip Total Ascent: 395 m Total Time: 3h 55m Safety and Disclaimer After an absence of several years, my family returned to Kootenay National […]

Lake Minnewanka

July 15, 2020. A short, fun, walk/hike in Banff. Perfect for kids. Region: Banff National Park. Traditional territory of the Blackfoot, Ktunaxa, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuu T’ina First Nations. Distance: 2.8 km round-trip to Stewart Canyon bridge Total ascent: 49 m Safety and Disclaimer Lake Minnewanka is right outside the Banff townsite. As a result, it is a […]