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,
I remember just one other month since the COVID-19 pandemic started that it's been so essential to get out and play, for our physical and emotional wellbeing. So it's a lucky coincidence that October is a great time to get out and play in the Bow Valley and surrounding Canadian Rocky Mountains. It's possible to enjoy summer, fall or winter activities, depending on the day - or sometimes all on the same day!
The annual SnowDays winter festival in Banff National Park continues to evolve. Highlights for 2020 include snow sculptures in Banff and ice sculptures at Lake Louise. Pack your camera and skates and enjoy a mid-winter day in the Canadian Rockies!
While Sunshine is most well-known for skiing, the summer gondola and shuttle bus service make Sunshine Meadows one of the most accessible alpine hiking areas in the Canadian Rockies from late June through late September. For some, its a starting point for backpacking adventures to Mt. Assiniboine or the Egypt/Pharoah Lakes area. For dayhikers like us, prime times to visit Sunshine Meadows are during peak wildflower season (usually towards the end of July) and peak larch viewing season (usually towards the end of September). Our most recent larch season visit was timed just about perfectly and reaffirmed that it's well worth the effort to do at least one golden larch hike each fall.
Constructed to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Banff National Park, the Banff Legacy Trail comprises a significant part of any bike ride between Three Sisters in Canmore and Cascade Ponds just outside of Banff. The ride west has a slight incline and is often against the wind. The ride east is a little easier. But be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out. Getting caught in a thunderstorm while riding a bike is not a great situation!