Now that the days are long, we can spend more time outdoors and go further afield.. or a-mountain? Happy adventuring! For current trail conditions, see the parks pages or my Trip Reports page.
CALGARY
1. Visit Bow Habitat Station and then bike to the new East Village Playground (located directly south of the George C. King Bridge between Fort Calgary and the Simmons Building). Grab a coffee at Phil & Sebastian or pick up to-die-for pastries from Sidewalk Citizen Artisan Bakery; both in the Simmons Building. Nearby St. Patrick’s Island is fun to explore too with its playground and wading area.
 |
| East Village Playground |
- Details in 10 Family-Friendly Bike Rides in Calgary.
- Inglewood by Bike Day Trip Itinerary (includes info on Bow Habitat Station and Pearce Estate Park)
 |
| Feeding the fish at Bow Habitat Station |
2. Fly a kite at Nose Hill Park and visit the Medicine Wheel (near 14 St NW Entrance, just south of the radio tower).
- 3 NW Calgary Hikes has directions.
- Here We Go ‘Round the Medicine Wheel explains the significance of medicine wheels and what to do when you visit one.
 |
| Nose Hill Park Medicine Wheel |
3. Bike to the Calgary Zoo and visit the baby gorilla! Start near the curling club or for a longer ride, start at Edworthy Park.
- Details in 10 Family-Friendly Bike Rides in Calgary.
5. Learn something new at MEC Calgary’s Free Events: Bear Awareness 101 (April 29, 12-1 pm) and Paddleboarding 101 (May 1, 12-1 pm).
BANFF / LAKE LOUISE
Lake Louise hiking trails are still snow covered with significant avalanche risk in some areas, but there is lots of fun to be had at Lake Louise Ski Resort to celebrate the end of ski season.
1. Look for the hermit cabin at Johnson Lake, Banff. There’s a fun 3 km loop around the lake with great views of Cascade Mountain and Mount Rundle. The hermit cabin is just off the trail, near the SW corner of the lake. Bring your canoe for an early-season paddle! Grab dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory after (our kids’ favorite place!) or get authentic Japanese food from Chaya.
- See 4 Shoulder Season Hikes in Banff for more information.
 |
| Billy Carver’s old cabin |
 |
| Johnson Lake, Banff |
 |
| Sulphur Mountain, Banff |
3. Check out Shake the Lake at Lake Louise Ski Resort. There are several events to celebrate the end of the ski season this weekend:
- Saturday, April 30: Rail Jam – free, Bikinis for Breast Cancer – free, Salomon SRD Park Jam – $20, Shake the Lake After Party at Lodge of Ten Peaks- $40.
- Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1, 12 pm – 5 pm. Closing Weekend Celebration. Live music, bouncy castle and more!
4. Go geocaching in Banff and earn an official Banff National Park Geocoin! You only need to find 3 geocaches in Banff National Park to be eligible (and pay $4 for the geocoin).
- Hint: There are 2 geocaches on Tunnel Mountain!
- More information from Parks Canada here.
- Learn how to geocache with your smartphone here.
 |
| Tunnel Mountain, Banff |
KANANASKIS
- Kananaskis Village had a controlled burn this week that may affect some trails in the valley including the Bill Milne Trail.
- There’s a bear advisory for the Sibbald Flats area which includes Powderface and Jumpingpound Loop. More info here.
- Peter Lougheed still has a lot of snow, especially at higher elevations and around Chester Lake; beware of postholes if you go off trail as the snow is softening up.
- Avoid the Montane Trail in Bow Valley Provincial Park right now as there is an aggressive grouse there!
1. Hike Prairie Mountain near Bragg Creek. Visit Elbow Falls while you’re there (it’s across from the trailhead) and stop for ice cream in Bragg Creek on the way home. We like Frontier Candy & Ice Cream on Balsam Avenue or Scoops and Snacks on White Ave, but if you’re in a hurry, the gas stations are well stocked with ice cream bars!
2. Prairieview Trail and Barrier Lake Fire Lookout is another popular spring hike. The view is nice from Prairieview Lookout, but if you’re able to make it to the fire lookout, you get stunning 360 views!
 |
| Barrier Lake Fire Lookout, Bow Valley Provincial Park |
3. Shorter options include Grassi Lakes, Heart Creek, Troll Falls, and Mount Lorette Ponds. We often do Troll Falls and Mount Lorette Ponds on the same day as they’re short and in the same area. Mount Lorette has a nice picnic area (a few spots even have firepits – bring your own firewood)!
 |
| Heart Creek (near Canmore) |
More Fun Stuff to Do This Weekend!
- Spring hikes and bike rides to do now
- Picnic spots in/near Calgary
- Best birding spots in Calgary
- Plan a family backpacking trip! Tips to get you started, including where to go, are here.
