A portion of the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is open to the public and features a network of trails that provides access to a range of natural habitats plus mountain and city views. It's a quiet place to enjoy nature, just a few minutes outside Calgary's southwest city limits. Road construction in Calgary's SW quadrant make the drive a bit of an ordeal, but once the SW ring road is completed, access will be quick and easy.
Winter, like any other time of year, is a great season for being out and about in Canmore. The amazing mountain scenery enhances any outdoor activity, whether pond skating, cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing or simply (Nordic) walking. Heading out on familiar trails, time after time, could be boring. But by choosing to observe the changing of seasons and search out previously unnoticed details, it's possible to enjoy the same trails season after season, and year after year…
I had mixed thoughts about urban poling before I gave it a try. The main benefit for someone like me is that using poles while walking significantly UPs the exercise intensity. And while I'm not willing to invest in a pair of urban poles just yet, I am open to the idea. So how will I finally make my decision? I'm planning to borrow a pair for a few weeks, to see how urban poles fit with my long-standing habit of turning every walk into a photo walk. An extended trial will give me a good feel for how easy it is to keep track of 3 things (2 poles + 1 camera) or whether I'd be happy shifting the focus of my walks away from photography to more of an aerobic exercise.