SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON ALBERTA TRAILS
Alberta is known around the world for its wide-open spaces and natural beauty, its breathtaking mountain views and abundant wildlife, its intriguing landscapes and historical wonders. What better way to enjoy the best that Alberta has to offer than to strap on a backpack and set out on foot. Hiking attracts thousands of people to the mountains, parks, and natural areas across the province every year, and with trails ranging from familyfriendly paths to strenuous multiday adventures, there is something for everyone.
“Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Alberta and with the province’s infinite variety of landscapes it can satisfy any hiker’s wanderlust,” says Karen Ward, Travel Alberta’s Director of Consumer Marketing, North America.
There are thousands of kilometres of hiking trails throughout the province, varying from easy ambles to steep, challenging climbs that really get the heart pumping. Johnson Canyon near Banff is one of the most popular year-round day hikes in the Park, and it is ideal for families and novice hikers alike. With its catwalks and staircases, hikers can easily access incredible views of the waterfalls and canyon. Heart Creek near Canmore and Elk Island near Edmonton are also great trails for families as they offer a beautiful walk but with very little grade.
Hikers can also explore the unique landscapes of the Badlands or walk in the footsteps of prehistoric beasts in southern Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park where hoodoos and coulees invite hikers to experience amazing natural wonders close-up. With the rocky canyons and clay formations created from eons of erosion in the Horseshoe Canyon and Hoodoos Trails, the views are nothing less than spectacular.
Further north, Wapiti Trails near Grand Prairie offers 35 km of varied trails that can lead hikers through forest paths and sand dunes while others around Devon offer fantastic river valley treks.
“There are hiking opportunities for all abilities and fitness levels in Alberta’s provincial parks. Albertaparks.ca lists the difficulty level and distances of hiking trails in each park,” says Jill Sawyer, Regional Communications Officer, Alberta Environment and Parks.
For more serious hikers, there are many Alberta trails that present a bigger challenge. Moderate day hikes along Mount Yamnuska or the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Lake Louise present hikers with great exercise and even better scenery. The Great Divide Trail is a tough wilderness trek that hugs the BC-Alberta border for 1,200 km, some of which features defined trails while some is rougher terrain. Centennial Ridge is another long and grueling hike, but with an accumulated elevation of 1,984 m, the reward is incredible: amazing 360-degree views of mountains, meadows, and valleys.
Alberta also has exciting opportunities for adventurous hikers looking to get off the beaten path.
“As a hiking destination, Alberta has it all,” says Ward. “Hikers here can try heli-hiking in the mountains and explore secluded parts of backcountry where they are the only travellers for miles.”
Whether communing with nature or enjoying the outdoors with family, Alberta hiking trails have it all. And Travel Alberta has made it easier for visitors to explore what’s out there with its Instagram account, Instahikes.
“It provides immersive, first-person experiences of popular hiking trails in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Instahikes features eight hiking trails, allowing users to choose their favourite and digitally hike the trail from the first step to the summit. Hikers absolutely love it,” says Ward.
And with mountains and forests, prairies and Badlands, easy walks and challenging treks, there is a lot for hikers to love in Alberta.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Alberta and with the province’s infinite variety of landscapes it can satisfy any hiker’s wanderlust. KAREN WARD, Travel Alberta