Iceline

Round trip: 6.4 km (4 mi)

Elevation gain: 690 m (2200 ft.)
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: easy to moderate

Description:

Takakkaw Falls 

This is my all-time favorite hike. Once again you’re not summiting a mountain, but on this one you are able to touch a glacier if you want… no big deal.

During the ascent of this hike, your will be accompanied by the spectacular Takakkaw Falls. The distant rumble of the falls will be a constant reminder of just how badly you wished you visited those port-a-potties before you started.  The trail starts as an arduous climb through a series of switchbacks, but eventually you break out above the tree line for spectacular views.

And if you’re a wildflower lover, there’s plenty on this hike. So many, that the trail may be blocked at a few points by hikers going just a bit over board on a floral photo shoot.

Some of the flora for your photo shoot 

But the best part of the hike is the glacier, Emerald Glacier. And depending on the time of year in which you choose to hike this trail, it will always be changing. You will never hike this trail and see the same thing twice. The glacier is constantly changing the environment. On your first trip up to Iceline, there may be a trickling waterfall and an endless number of streams rushing down the hill side, but on your next trip this may all disappear and give way to giant boulders and rocks that have been tossed around and bullied by the glacier, helplessly carved in the strangest of ways from the moving and shifting ice.

Emerald Glacier 

I have been on many hikes in the Rockies, but there have been none quite like this. Sure you don’t feel that “macho man” accomplishment of summiting a mountain, but the sites and views you get to see are top notch.

Directions:

Found in Yoho national park; travel along Trans-Canada Hwy and exit onto Yoho Valley Road. Follow the winding Yoho Valley Road until you reach the Whiskey Jack Hostel, where the trailhead for Iceline is located. Enjoy!

Three Sisters Pass

Round trip: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Elevation gain: 600 m (1900 ft.)
Hiking time: 2 ½-3 ½ hours
Difficulty: moderate

Description:

Sure it’s no peak. You’re not going to summit a mountain, but here, you will feel like you are on top of the world.

The majority of this hike is spent finding your way along a creek bed with a few well placed stone cairns to guide you.  As such, the best time to set out on this hike is late spring or early summer; the snow drifts are melting and a slight trickle makes it way down the mountain, giving you guidance and a picturesque hiking trail.

A great look at backcountry 

As you are climbing up the trail, you will be forging through pure backcountry.  Eventually you will enter a forested area then as you emerge you will notice the tallest Sister towering over you to your right, or north by the compass setting. The view at the top of the pass gives you a great look at the town of Canmore and to the South West you can climb a ridge to another mountain called the Ship’s Prow.  But the best view of all is the up-close and personal look you get of all Three Sisters (commonly refered to as Big, Middle and Little, receiving their name from early visitors who thought they looked like three nuns/sisters in their habits). You will feel like you can touch them!

View of the Three Sisters at the top of the pass

Directions:

From downtown Canmore, head towards the Canmore Nordic Center. From there, follow Spray Trail (Hwy 742), watch out for Big Horn sheep who like to lick salt from the roadside. Continue ascending the road, into Kananaskis backcountry. You will eventually pass a lake on your right and find the trailhead on your left, directly across from a small turnout on the gravel road.

Customizing Your Hiking Experience

My favorite thing to do out in the Rockies is hike; and the way to get the best out of your hiking experience is figure out what you want first.

Here are a few things you should consider before you go out on your Rocky Mountain hiking adventure:

• How much time you have
• How much time you have
• How strenuous of a trail you want
• What kind of view you want to see
• The weather
• Hiking equipment

How much time do you have?

Hiking is great because it can fit into everyone’s schedule. Hikes can range from simply trekking for a mile, to an all day event where you walk along the ridge of an entire pass and return, or even camp out and continue the next day. So decide first how long you want to be out. Remember, if you are a flatlander or ocean lover the change in altitude can limit your ability to endure a trek. Start off slow! All hiking descriptions you’ll find (whether it be from a book, the internet, information center, or the local newspaper) will have the distance, elevation, and estimated time of completion for the hike at hand. And the great thing about hiking is, if you begin to second guess how long you want to be out, you can always make a shorter loop or expand you hike by exploring new territory.

(Photo courtesy of: http://godsgreenearthhikers.wordpress.com)

How strenuous of a hike do you want?

Hiking is for everyone! People of all shapes and sizes can dawn a pair of hiking boots and trek through the great outdoors; it’s a family activity and a great way to stay (or get) in shape. You can climb a mountain, or walk through a creek bed; it can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. Hiking descriptions will also include the difficulty of a hike, from light to very difficult. Sometimes the word “scramble” might be placed in there somewhere too, which usually means that the hike is just a bit tougher. Scrambles usually imply that you will get down on all fours at some point. Sometimes the trail is so steep you need to lower your center of gravity or the footholds are on loose shale (which can be pretty sketchy at times). Just make sure you know what you are getting into! The last thing you want to be doing is clinging to the rock face of a cliff and finding out that your fear of heights is kicking in.

What kind of view are you looking for?

(Photo courtesy of: http://www.geocaching.com) 

Do you want to peer down from the summit of a rocky giant on the valley below, see an emerald lake, Native American along ravine walls, or a spectacular waterfall? There is so much to see in the Rockies. Of course those hikes requiring you to summit a peak are somewhat more difficult, but the views can be breathtaking (both literally and metaphorically). This will probably be the hardest part of deciding which hike to do. You want to see everything! There are some hikes that are known for the wildlife you most commonly encounter on them, including uncommon flora and fauna. I know it’s hard, but try to narrow it down and figure out what you really really badly want to see. (But with out a doubt, in the Rockies you’ll never be left disappointed.)

Weather

Hiking is something that can be done in every season; rain or snow, sunshine or cloudy days, it doesn’t matter. As long as you are prepared, you can go out on any day you want. Just make sure you check out the weather forecast beforehand and be prepared. Bring an extra layer or two and a waterproof jacket. And in the winter, don’t forget to bring those snowshoes or yak tracks. However, be aware that changes in the temperature/weather can change the environment around you. Slopes can becomes slippery with mud and certain dangers can become invisible under snowdrifts.

Hiking Equipment

I will recommend to everyone out there hoping to go out on their own Rocky Mountain adventure to find a great (not just good) pair of hiking boots or trail shoes. There is nothing worse than untying your shoes at an end of a hike and finding twenty new, swollen, painful blisters on each of your feet. Always bring an easy to carry bag (preferably a comfortable backpack) with a first aid kit, water (lots of water), any other clothing you might need, and a snack or two (or even lunch) if you will be out for a while. And you should always bring bear-spray with you. That cute and cuddly teddy bear lying in your bed is completely harmless, but those big, wooly beasts in the outdoors are unpredictable and fast. Don’t underestimate their capabilities! Just know that when you go out on a hike you are trekking through the homes of all different kinds of wildlife. Be respectful, just as a guest would be in your own home; take only pictures, leave only footprints. Oh, and don’t forget a camera! You’ll want to capture the experience.

(Photo courtesy of: http://thecostaricanews.com)

The Rocky Mountains are an amazing place to go explore and experience life in the outdoors. Just remember, when you go out on your very own Rocky Mountain hiking adventure be safe, but above all have fun! Take it all in! 

Do a Three-Sixty and Take it In

Now I’m going to take you away from the busy hustle and bustle of city life, to no place other than the great outdoors, the Canadian Rockies. And the first thing you need to do when you get there is take in a deep breath, let it out slowly and do a three-sixty… just take it all in.

The drive out to the Rockies is jaw dropping in itself. The moment you crest the foothills and get your first real view of those rocky giants, you will be able to understand why this has been called one of the most beautiful places in the world. Your breath will literally be swept away.

At this point, all the things you want to do/see are probably running through your head. What about hiking? Or biking? Or even whitewater rafting? Or if it is winter… downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding? The possibilities are endless! You will be like a kid on Christmas morning.

But forget all that business! It can wait. If it is your first time in the Rockies the first thing you need to do is find a patio, grab a beer or pop, and admire that awe-inspiring view. If the weather doesn’t permit, just grab a cup of hot cocoa, cozy up to a wood burning fire, and look out the window at those snow capped peaks.  Just take a deep breath, appreciate where you are, and relax. That’s what the great outdoors is all about… getting back to it all!

Where Your First Stop Should Be

When you take it all in, you have to be in the right place; and the first place on your drive out from Calgary (and the most perfect place) is Canmore, Alberta.

Whenever you hear about the Canadian Rockies you will hear of places such as Banff and Jasper, small towns located directly in the Rockies’ national parks. Banff and Jasper are advertised left, right, and center on tourism sites, which consequently results in these places being the ultimate tourist magnets. You will see tour buses loaded with people from every part of the world. Shops that line the main streets of these towns are identical, all containing the same, pointless knickknacks and souvenirs. Unfortunately they epitomize the typical tourist trap.

To truly get a taste of the Rockies, you need to go somewhere real that will allow you to take it all in. Canmore is that place. It is a small town located only an hour away from Calgary, nestled between two ranges of rocky giants. The people there are sincere, down-to-earth, and fun loving (unlike those found in tourist towns who try to squeeze every nickel and dime out of you). Canmore is filled with people who are friendly and outgoing; almost everyone owns a dog and the average fitness level is impressive. The community is vibrant and the opportunities for activities, restaurants, and just plain wandering around are endless. Main Street in Canmore will take you back, with an old-fashioned candy store and homemade fudge and ice cream shops. Top rated restaurants are sprinkled all over town, some of which hold the best view to the Rockies I have ever seen!

(Photo courtesy of: http://www.photosot.com/albert)

Canmore is THE place to grab that warm cup of hot cocoa or that chilled glass of beer, or pop if you’re a minor (and coincidentally the legal drinking age in Alberta is only 18) AND TAKE IT ALL IN! 

"The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth": The Calgary Stampede

(Photo courtesy of: http://www.executiveofficespace.net)

The Calgary Stampede is a ten-day event during the month of July that hosts the world’s largest rodeo. Yes, the world’s largest rodeo! Sorry Texas, I guess the saying that “everything is bigger in Texas” just isn’t entirely true.

But the Stampede isn’t just a rodeo. It includes everything: a midway with stomach turning rides, stage shows and concerts, agricultural shows, beer gardens, you name it! The Stampede literally has something for everyone; it is coined as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”

To make the best out of your Calgary Stampede experience, just follow these helpful tips:

Helpful Tip #1: No Boots, No Wranglers, No Service

Now to start, there is a huge build-up to the Stampede. Calgary transforms from a business hub for oil and gas, to a virtual western saloon. Flags for the event are posted on lampposts and streetlights. Stacks of hay make their way into the parking lots and into the lobbies of hotels and skyscrapers. And the glass surfaces of downtown are filled with window paintings of cowboys, bulls, and horses. But best of all, people begin to dawn their cowboy boots and Wrangler jeans. It has become a common rule of Calgary: during the ten days of the Calgary Stampede western wear is the required apparel. Wear a business tie and it will be cut off… seriously! You will walk the streets of downtown and only a sparse few of those uptight business men will remained in their suits (usually visitors), the rest are all in their chic western wear. Now this helpful hint has turned out to be more of a rule. So Rule #1: western apparel is mandatory (it is not an option).

Helpful Tip #2: Free Pancake Breakfasts!!!

For each day of the Stampede, there are at least 20 pancake breakfasts put on by communities, shopping centers, businesses, or even down town office buildings. So take advantage of this… it’s FREE! Who wouldn’t want to start off their morning with a warm and fluffy flapjack with maple syrup? And it comes with orange juice and sausages too! Just check the local newspaper or online for a schedule of all the public pancake breakfasts in Calgary and their location.

Helpful Tip #3: Free Concerts!

Now I know what you may be thinking… all free concerts are just local bands trying to make it to the big time. But, at the Calgary Stampede it is a little different. At the Stampede all you have to do is pay an entrance fee to the fairgrounds to hear some great artists and bands. In the past the Coca Cola Stage (that’s where the free concerts take place) has been host to big names such as Reba McEntire (and for those of you who are less inclined to the twang, there are numerous non-country bands booked on the stage too). So check out the Coca Cola Stage lineup at the Calgary Stampede to make sure you don’t miss out!

Helpful Tip #4: The Mind-Bending Midway

Like all festival-like events, the Calgary Stampede is host to a midway filled with stomach turning rides and carnival games. If you are one of those people that can’t get enough of those machines that toss and turn you, and those games that tempt you with super-size-me plush toys, this is the place to be. Just remember… know your limit. Nothing hurts more than a regurgitated lunch from way too many rides, or an empty wallet from going a little bit over board on the games.

Helpful Tip #5: The One Must Do of the Stampede

The Rodeo! Put on that cowboy hat and those fancy boots and get ready for the biggest “yahoo” of the entire event. The Stampede hosts the best of the best in the sport of rodeo. People come from all around to compete for the million-dollar prize. Yeah that’s right folks, the biggest prize money in rodeo. If there is one thing you have to do during the Stampede, this is it!

(Photo courtesy of: http://www.halfmileofhell.com)

And don’t forget the chucks! A unique rodeo event in Canada; the chuckwagon races are a true remnant of the old west cattle drive days.  The last to leave camp was the cook, but he had to be the first to set up at the next camp.  At the Stampede, the “stove” is loaded in the back and then the race is on, the wagons careen around barrels with the outriders close behind. It’s a race to the finish! 

Getting to Know Calgary

Nestled into the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and bordered by a vast expanse of golden plains to its east, Calgary, Alberta has grown from a mere RCMP post in 1875, into a thriving city. And for those of you who don’t know about the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) just think of Dudley Do-Right.

(Photo courtesy of: http://travelontheworld.com/calgary-alberta-canada.html)

Some call Calgary “the heart of the New West.” It’s nickname is Cowtown, which makes sense since during the year you will see people riding horseback in the streets of downtown (a downtown that was the backdrop for the first Superman movie with its glass skyscrapers). The country feel of Calgary is unprecedented, despite its population of over a million. You have not seen the rodeo until you have visited Calgary… not even if you’re from Texas. 

This is it...

Here it is ladies and gentleman; this is THE blog for the ultimate ins and outs of Calgary, Alberta and the Canadian Rockies that lie to its west. Prepare yourself to be amazed and discover how to make the best out of your stay here in Southern Alberta.