ALBERTA'S BEST WINTER HIKING AND WALKING TRAILS
Strap on some ice cleats and enjoy the beauty of nature, writes
Sometimes a winter hike goes how you expect it and sometimes it doesn't. It was snowing lightly in the Waterton townsite when we got in our vehicle and drove up Akamina Parkway. During winter, the road is open to vehicles from the townsite to Little Prairie where there is an expanded parking area for winter adventures. From there, it's an easy 45-minute hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski to Cameron Lake. By the time we reached the parking area, the snow was really coming down and temperatures had plummeted. We bundled up, packed snacks and hit the trail. The plan was to make it to the lake, but we only got about halfway there before we decided to turn around. Even though our winter adventure didn't go quite as planned, we had an amazing time being outside on a beautiful trail.
Winter weather conditions can be unpredictable and winter hikers must dress appropriately and be ready to alter their plans for safety reasons. And be sure to let someone know where you're going. But even when you can't finish the hike or walk as far as you intended, it always feels great to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. Here are a few of the best winter trails in Alberta.
CAMERON LAKE WINTER TRAIL – WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
It's about five kilometres round trip from the Little Prairie parking area to Cameron Lake and you can snowshoe, ski or hike. There are a few small hills, but it's fairly easy terrain and it will take about 45 minutes one way to get to the lake. Once there, you have it almost to yourself.
STAR CREEK FALLS ICE WALK – CROWSNEST PASS
Star Creek Falls is a 2.1-km loop trail near the town of Coleman that is beautiful any time of year, but truly spectacular in winter. It's one of the lesser-known ice walks in the Rockies. When the ice is thick enough, you can hike right up the river to the frozen waterfall. Hike it on your own or book a guided experience with Uplift Adventures and let them supply the gear.
BADLANDS INTERPRETIVE TRAIL – DRUMHELLER
Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum in winter without the crowds and then take a stroll along the Badlands Interpretive Trail – right outside the museum doors. The trail and the museum are in Midland Provincial Park. Interpretive signs along the 1.4-km loop explain the geology, flora and history of the region. Note that if you wander off the trail, be aware that bentonite clay is extremely slippery when wet.
GRASSI LAKES – CANMORE
Southwest of Canmore, the Grassi Lakes trail is beautiful in winter. It's an easy four-km round trip hike that leads to two beautiful lakes surrounded by mountains.
JOHNSTON CANYON – BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular ice walks in the Rockies and it's easy to do it safely on your own if you gear up appropriately with ice cleats. You can hike to the lower falls (2.3 km), the upper falls (5.5 km) or all the way to the ink pots (11.3 km) and it's beautiful every step of the way. Enjoy a guided experience with Discover Banff Tours, Banff Adventures or White Mountain Adventures.
MALIGNE CANYON ICE WALK – JASPER NATIONAL PARK
The deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park is also one of the most magnificent ice walks in Canada. You can explore Maligne Canyon safely on your own along the paved walkways and bridges. If you plan to walk on the frozen river, it's safest to go with Jasper Hikes and Tours, Sundog Tours, or Pursuit.
MOSS LAKE TRAIL - ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
If you're looking for a longer winter walk or snowshoe trail that also offers a chance to see bison, the Moss Lake Trail in Elk Island National Park is a good choice. This 12.6-km loop trail will take about two and a half hours to complete. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash.
GEARING UP
Ice cleats and hiking poles are a good idea when you're walking in winter. Rent the equipment you need for winter hiking and camping at the Calgary Outdoor Centre.
COMMUNITY WALKS
If you like getting out in nature with a group and learning along the way, several organizations offer regular community walks in Alberta. Sometimes they even bring in experts to discuss nature, history, and other topics. In Calgary, check out walks and events offered by Nature Calgary. The Red Deer River Naturalists offer a variety of nature walks and events in Central Alberta. The River Valley Alliance offers regular trail walks in the Edmonton area. An engineer spoke about bridges at a recent walk and plans are in the works for a wild mushroom expert to lead a walk this summer. Visit the organizations' websites and follow their social media channels to learn about and sign up for events.