Stories

Have you ever hiked in Alberta during the fall months? Regardless if your answer is yes or no, we can say it’s worth the trip! The beautiful golden colours, quintessential smell of falling leaves and warm Alberta sunshine mixed with the cooler fall weather makes for the perfect trail day. So why not escape the usual crowds and head southwest to The Pass?

If the mental picture wasn’t enough to convince you, there’s a few more practical perks to hiking in The Pass. Not only will you be bound to find parking at the trail heads, but you’ll also benefit from the serenity of fewer people on the trails. You’re sure to enjoy the views in peace – as nature intended it.

Here are some trails to explore this fall:

• Crowsnest Ridge via Phillips Pass Road – This out and back trail provides stunning views of Island Lake and Crowsnest Lake. A moderate hike, just over 4 hours.
• Saskatoon Mountain Loop – This 10km loop makes for a lovely afternoon hike for a mid-level hiker. You may even see a waterfall along the way!
• Livingstone South Peak Trail – For the advanced hiker looking for a full day out on the trails. A 15km out and back with some scrambling involved. It can get a bit windy just before the ridge with the open valley, but the views won’t disappoint.
• Chinook Lake Loop – A quick and easy trail, if you’re looking to be close to the water or a nice nature walk with the whole family, this 5km loop takes approx. 1.5 hours and has beautiful 360 views.

Photo: Photo by Ryan Stone on Unsplash

Be sure to check out our blog on where to après-hike!