It's a quiet time of year for the Nearby Nature Project - no gardening, not many birds, so mostly observing the ebb and flow of the winter season. But I did attend a virtual screening of a wonderful short film about our beautiful turquoise mountain lakes. And I report on my limited participation in the 2024 Great Backyard Bird Count.
Not your (grand)mother's potpourri, this collection of photographs features golden leaves, the typical fall colour in Banff and Canmore.
Trail upgrades in 2021 improved scramble conditions to the summit of Yamnuska. But this is still a challenging half-day adventure, especially daunting for those with any fear of heights/exposure.
Now part of Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, the former Yamnuska Natural Area features a network of unsigned trails that weave around multiple ponds and small lakes. With lots of options for out-and back and loop hikes of various distances, it's a good destination to explore with kids. Just be sure to stay away from the south end, which neighbours the area's landfill!
Fall is a great time to undertake the long hike to Aylmer Pass in Banff National Park. Next time we'll do the Lake Minnewanka Trail portion on mountain bikes so that we have the time/energy to make the side trip to Aylmer Lookout.