Alberta

No better way to watch the stars with friends than huddled up in your sleeping bag on top of a 3000m summit. This describes the bivy at The Fortress. Starting at the Chester Lake Trailhead, take the unmarked trail on the right side of the parking lot. These winter cross-country ski trails take y...

This hike can be done from either end, but the most popular route is starting from south side (Malign Lake trailhead), and I would recommend starting it from this trailhead to avoid a long climb up the fire road at the other trailhead. If you don't have a car, you can take the Malign Shuttle from...

Take the Akamina Parkway in Wateron Lakes National Park to its terminus at Cameron Lake. Your hike will start from here. If you’re through-hiking either drop another vehicle off at Cameron Falls in the town site, or be prepared to hitch a ride back to Cameron Lake, due to heavy traffic this is ...

This moderate-graded backcountry hike or ski in the winter can take 5-8 hours (one way). Most people hike or ski in from the Mt. Shark parking lot in Kananaskis Country, a 30 min. drive from Canmore, Alberta. From Mt. Shark Parking Lot (off the Smith-Dorrien Road), take the Watridge Lake Trail t...

The Tonquin Valley is well known for its strong grizzly bear population. If you plan on tackling this hike check bear warnings prior to leaving and always keep a can of bear spray easily accessible.It also is recommended that hikers wait till late summer or early autumn to complete this hike. Ear...

Head to the northwest corner of the parking lot to find the trail. For the first 5.5 km the trail is quite easy, with only modest elevation increase. At 5.5 km you will arrive at what is known as the gravel flats. Depending on the time of year the gravel flats can be either quite dry or a wide, s...

The beginning of the trailhead descends down to the Maligne river where hikers have to rock hop due to the bridge being washed away in 2012. Soon after the river the elevation steadily climbs through dense forest. After about 20 minutes the forest opens into the charred aftermath of the Excelsior...

Starting 105 miles (169kms) from Rocky Mountain House, the trailhead for this hike begins across the highway from Thompson Creek Campground. There is a grassy area to park and the path extends obviously on the east side of the creek. The initial 2.5 miles (4.2kms) meanders along the creek with 2...

Park in the Lantern Creek Recreation Area across the street from the trailhead. Highway #40 is closed at the Upper Lakes and Highwood House Junction from Dec 1st to June 14th for wildlife preservation, so you will have to plan your trip here accordingly. Once you cross the street you will see the...

The Big Bend Trail is the first part of the greater Fortress Lake trail system. Situated in Jasper National Park, Canada, this hike is extremely quiet during the winter, so if you're looking for seclusion, this winter trail is for you. The trail is transformed into a wonderland during the winter ...

The Mosquito creek trailhead is on the east side of the Icefield parkway road just across from the Mosquito Creek Hostel. You park in front of the hostel, and hop across the road to begin the trek.The trail winds up the Mosquito Valley, occasionally popping into a clearing where you get good view...

Geraldine Lakes is one of the more physically demanding half-day/day trails in Jasper National Park. However, this hike rewards you with everything that makes the Canadian Rockies wonderful, with views of pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and mountain vistas.The first 1.8km to Lower Geraldine...

Trailhead Owen Creek located by the East Banff National Park Boundary on the David Thompson Highway (#11). There is no sign for Owen Creek so keep you eyes open for a pullout approximately 2kms east of the Banff National Park toll gate. You will find the trail to the right of the creek when facin...

The Jacques Lake trail is one of the best winter trails in Jasper National Park and allows for various activities including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and camping. The trip to Jacques lake is 13km one-way through a narrow mountain valley and can be quite a strenuous, but rewarding hike in...

The trek is 11.6km one way to HI-Mount Cavell Hostel and can be done on classic or skate skis. Be ready for a workout as this breathtaking ski (in more ways than one) has an elevation gain of 1,000ft. Make sure you've done your homework on current avalanche conditions and have the proper gear pac...

I first heard about Carnarvon Lake (mistakenly called Carnivore Lake) in 2015 at my sister's wedding in Rhode Island - which is actually the last place I figured I'd get a recommendation. I spent a good amount of time trying to find any mention of Carnivore Lake on the internet, and asked anyone ...