Although Bow Valley Campground closes to campers each winter, area trails are still accessible for winter hiking, birdwatching and photography. Visitors can tailor the hiking distance to suit the weather conditions and the capabilities of the group, with routes ranging from 2 to 10+ km,
The trip counter on the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff registered the one millionth trip milestone in mid-June. There was absolutely NO fanfare or media coverage that I've been able to find! But it's a great excuse to share our top recommendations for cycling adventures that include the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail.
Highline Trail is a hard-packed trail with multiple route options. Well-used by fat-bike riders, mountain bikers and trail runners, it's also a an easy-to-reach conditioning trail well-suited for winter hiking. Mostly in the woods, there are a few peek-a-boo views into the Bow Valley, including the flood-hardened Cougar Creek.
While not the most scenic hike, there is definitely a fun factor to this half-day outing - creek crossings, rock-hopping, pictographs, waterfalls and rock climbers are all appealing. Natural turnaround points are at the waterfall (approx. 2 km return) and at the hoodoos (approx. 6 km return). The steep canyon walls and creek can be a cool respite on hot summer days. In the winter, ice cleats should be considered essential for this trail.
People sure make different choices when it comes to vacations. Budget, family circumstances and personal interests shape holiday plans. Our family vacations tend to one extreme or the other - we go big or stay home! This spring vacation, we opted to unwind with a nine-day nature break in Canmore, featuring daily photo walks. Our vacation pics reflect the tussle between winter and spring that takes place at this time of year in this part of the world.