Stopping at Lake Minnewanka is always a treat. In any season, this lake is incredibly beautiful. We lucked out with sunny skies that made the water sparkle blue tones. In summer months, this spot can be extremely busy, so its nice to visit in the off season when you have the whole shoreline to yourself.
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Occasionally, Wes and I hop in the vehicle and go for a drive. We aren’t always sure where we are going or what we are doing but it usually involves a stop at Timmie’s for a hot drink, good conversation, and exploring a new place. On this particular occasion, our wheels took us to Ghost Lake. I have been here many times just to sit on the shoreline, but this time we decided to go for a bit of a walk. From the main parking lot, we made our way West towards a tree-covered hill. You will be able to see a few trails make their way through the trees to the top of the hill. Keep left and you should end up at a beautiful lookout point. I loved it up here. Looking over the lake as the sun set (with a tea in hand)– I don’t think I could ask for a better evening.
300 meters, 5.5 kms. When my boss asked me to plan a hike for our work retreat I was pretty excited. I knew it had to be something easy since most of the people coming weren’t that experienced with hiking. Since the retreat center was close to Bragg Creek, I narrowed my search down to this area. We ended up having a picnic at Forgetmenot Pond followed by a hike up Ford Knoll.
You can find the trail directly across the road from the Forgetmenot Pond parking lot using the crosswalk. The hike itself has a few steep sections but there are some pretty nice views at the top. From the signpost at the top of the trail, you can follow a trail right that will take you to a couple viewpoints. Since this is a loop hike, you can make your way back to the sign and continue along the trail. It will take you around the back side (giving you nice views of Nihahi Ridge) and eventually ends back at the road. This route is just over 5 km's with 300 meters elevation gain. However, if you are looking for a shorter hike, its best to go down the way you came up. We ended off the day enjoying the beautiful pond. I was tempted to come back with a floatie, as it seems like the perfect place to spend a warm sunny afternoon. ELEVATION GAIN: 50 meters - approx DISTANCE: 1.6 km round trip On our way back from Kelowna, Wes decided to pull over at Bear Creek Falls. You will find the trail head about half way between Revelstoke and Golden in Glacier National Park. Please note that this turn off is only accessible if you are heading east on Hwy. 1.
Pull into the parking lot and find the trailhead at the east end of the parking lot beside a GNP sign. Follow the trail for 10 minutes and you will arrive at Connaught Creek. Continue on the trail and within five minutes you should be at the base of Bear Creek Falls. The elevation gain loss is around 50 metres so the hike back up to the car is a bit tiring. That being said, it’s a short enough distance to manage. At points the trail is quite steep, providing stairs in some spots. As you get closer to the falls the trail becomes a bit wet, muddy and slippery. The spray from the falls with also get you pretty soaked. This short hike was a wonderful surprise. It’s hard to believe on all my trips through GNP I have never noticed this turn off. Needless to say, it was a hidden gem and a relief to get off the busy highway. These beautiful falls are only a couple minute walk from the Sheep River Falls day use area. From the parking lot, head NE along the river following a trail. The trail will take you directly to the lookout for these falls. If you want to explore further, you can walk along the rocks down to the falls. We had debated stopping here since we were tired from hiking, but I am really glad that we did. So thankful for these quick pit-stops that anyone can enjoy.
Located right in the town of Waterton, this waterfall is hard to miss. Follow Evergreen Ave until you cross a small bridge over Cameron River. The falls will be on the right side. You can park your car up ahead on the left side of the road. This iconic spot is busy in summer months. You can find a trail on the right side of the falls that leads to some great viewpoints. (Or if you’re feeling like making a longer trek, you can follow the 19 km trail to Cameron Lake).
ELEVATION: Minimal DISTANCE: 0.7km Loop Turn off Hwy 5 and follow the Red Rock Parkway approximately 14 km’s until you reach the end of the road. Make your way along the well-marked paths that circuit the canyon. The complete loop is only 0.7 km. You will get awesome views of the fantastic red rock and the surrounding mountain range. This is a popular area so you can expect some crowds. If you want to explore further, head to Blakiston Falls.
Waterton is one of my favorite parks in Alberta. This is the first time I have visited in the summer and while it was busier that I had anticipated, it was probably the most beautiful time I have ever visited. The wildflowers were in full bloom, the water a perfect shade of blue and we got lucky with tons of sunshine and little wind. Waterton is a great place to bring the family as it has lots to see and it's very easy to get arounf. Some great places to visit are:
- Red Rock Canyon & Blakiston Falls - Cameron Falls - Prince of Wales Hotel (the lobby is beautiful and the views of Upper Waterton Lake are great) - Downtown Waterton has lots of shops, unique places to eat, and a great ice cream shoppe. - Follow the lake shore around the town of Waterton. - Cameron Lake - Bears Hump I am looking forward to many more visits to Waterton. I can’t wait to try out some of the longer hikes in the area. If only it was a little closer to Calgary… I would probably visit every weekend. (p.s. these photos were taken at the Price of Wales Hotel) DISTANCE: 15 km drive from Waterton Village (one way) You can reach Cameron Lake by taking a 19 km trail from Cameron Falls, or you can drive 15 km’s up the Akamina Parkway to its shores. We opted for the drive since we were only visiting for the day. Follow the twisting narrow road (with plenty of pit stops) until you reach the lake. There is a trail that skirts around the left side of the lake following the shoreline (about 3km). This lake is very popular for canoeing and kayaking. The far end of the lake is in the US. Expect crowds on warm summer days. While Waterton is lovely, it can also be quite busy in summer months!
If you are travelling through the parkway this is an awesome place to take a pit stop. The views of Bow Lake are incredible, with its beautiful turquoise waters. Walk along the shore and take in the views of Crowfoot Mountain and the Bow Glacier.
For those looking to go further, there is a trail you can follow to the Bow Glacier and Waterfall (3-4 hour hike). |
And into the forest I go. To lose my mind and find my soul. John Muir Archives |