By Guillermo Barraza
Calgary boasts a number of world-class hikes you can easily tackle in a day for trekkers of any experience. From strolling alongside emerald-coloured rivers to scrambling up shale to the summit of a mighty peak, here's some of the best Mother Nature has to offer. [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/bgsmith]
Before you head out on the trails, it's important to secure proper gear from any number of Calgary retailers. Campers Village and Out There offer a large selection of hiking boots and backpacks as well as both inner and outerwear specifically made for camping and backpacking.
As weather changes quickly in the mountains, it's important to be prepared for any condition. Experts at Campers Village and Out There will help you select proper attire for the weather and boots that won’t hurt your feet. While there, get prepared with bear spray or first aid kits for your date with Mother Nature.
The popular Heart Creek Trail features minimal elevation and is an easy stroll that leads to a small waterfall at the end of a canyon. This hike is perfect for novice hikers or trail runners wanting to train for harder runs. Heart Creek also links up with the slightly more difficult Heart Mountain Trail, which features equally beautiful scenery.
Located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis, the Chester Lake Trail provides breathtaking scenery perfect for photography. The trail takes you through meadows with views of jagged peaks right to the lake where the trail gets its name. There are link-ups to other trails that make it more challenging for enthusiastic hikers.
A big draw to the Grassi Lakes hike are the two small aquamarine lakes at the end of the trail. To get there, you have the choice of an easier trail or a slightly more difficult one. The easier trail is a well-beaten path through dense forest with a slight incline, while the more difficult is a gradual forested climb to a waterfall and a view of Canmore. For adventurous rock climbers, the cliffs surrounding the area offer a great chance to climb or boulder.
The view at the end of Ha Ling Trail is worth the effort it takes to get there. The hike is a steady climb through forest with beautiful views at the top. Once atop the peak, you get a breathtaking view of Canmore to one side and Spray Lakes on the other. Make sure to bring your camera.
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The Canada 150 Discovery Pass gives you the freedom to explore all of the hiking trails Banff National Park has to offer, including Johnston Canyon. The trail is a busy yet beautiful hike for beginners and intermediate hikers alike. Start off with an easy stroll to the lower fall with a slight climb to the upper fall. From there, you can continue on a more difficult trail to the Ink Pots – pools of green water that are a beautiful place to have lunch.
This scenic hike in Banff offers various routes to the end of the trail. Along the way, Lake Agnes Trail treats you to views of Mirror Lake, and from there, the Lake Agnes Tea House where you can grab a bite to eat. The trail continues beyond to the Big Beehive Trail, which is equally beautiful and well-maintained.
Beautiful trails for all skill levels are just a short commute away from Calgary. Don’t forget to bring appropriate water, snacks and gear, and celebrate the beauty of Alberta's landscape by making a date with Mother Nature.
