Our trip through the Alberta Rockies has been awash with special memories and another week of stunning sites. The years when we lived in Calgary with our young family were filled with fun times as we got out and explored this beautiful province.
So Bernadette and I aimed Ladybug to a place we know and love. As much as visits to Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff are a must do for any new visitor to Alberta, the mountains of Kananaskis have a special place in our hearts and we advise that you also put a visit there on your list.
Mt. Kidd Provincial Park is absolutely breath taking. Not only do you wake up to the sun lighting up the shiny grey slate rock of Mt. Kidd each morning, but exploring Kananaskis is good for the soul. Our hiking shoes were ready. But, there is one little thing you should know about Kananaskis country. As much as there are an abundance of mountains, aqua marine coloured rivers and lakes, and towering green forests as far as you can see, there are also plenty of signs warning of bears.
As we were at the main camp office asking a Mt. Kidd college kid about possible hiking trails, she matter of factly asked, “Umm, do you have bear spray?” And when I answered, that we did not, she very wisely suggested we DEFINITELY NEEDED bear spray. And out came the bear spray. “Have you ever used bear spray before?” she asked. I shook my head no.
“Well neither have I,” she confided. “But you have to know how to use it… just in case.” This is when my lesson became pretty intense. I learned how to carry bear spray like a cowboy carrying a trusty six shooter — on the hip and ready for a quick draw.
For a young lady who had never actually used bear spray, this Mt. Kidd college kid sure knew what she was talking about. “First, flip the safety latch off and aim the bear spray at the bear. One hand on the cannister, the other hand on the trigger. Aim low, below the bear’s head. Walk slowly backwards and keep talking. Don’t make eye contact with the bear. Very importantly, don’t trip walking backwards. Hopefully, the bear will just wander off. But, if it decides to start moving towards you, this is when you will need to use your bear spray.”
By this time, my hair was standing straight up. I asked her how far away should you be from a bear before using the spray. In my head, I was thinking about a football field away. “About two metres or 10 feet,” she said. Matter of factly. “ The closer, the better. Just don’t spray yourself and try not to spray into the wind.”
“Also, since you only have about 8 seconds of bear spray, use short bursts of 2-3 seconds.” That sure surprised me. From what the bear spray and holster cost, I was expecting to spray it all day long. But our lesson was an eye opener for sure. Don’t go hiking in bear country without bear spray. More important, learn about safe hiking in bear country. State or provincial rangers are always great folks to ask about bear safety tips.
As the young Mt. Kidd college kid said, “Remember, you are visiting in their home. It is important to respect that. And always carry bear spray… just in case.” Nice lessons learned about bear smart hiking in Kananaskis country. It must have worked, because all we encountered along our many hikes were beautiful scenery, colourful wild flowers, and most important, no bears.
Beautiful Bragg Creek
A stop in beautiful Bragg Creek was a must do for us. Bragg Creek is not a very big town, but it does pack a wallop featuring fabulous trails and views of the sparkling Elbow River. It was also a treasured ice cream stop for our short adventurers back in the day. So, we knew we had to make a visit. We spent a beautiful day in Bragg Creek Provincial Park hiking along the banks of the Elbow. There Gordie was in his glory and proved to be a water dog at last. He loved getting his paws into the cool river water while endlessly lapping it up. One happy dog for sure.
After our hikes, we enjoyed a picnic of sandwiches and fruit overlooking the river and surrounding forests. Bragg Creek is not a destination that many visitors think of, but it is a shorter drive from Calgary and a place from the maddening tourist crowds where you can enjoy a nice, relaxing hike, or a picturesque picnic. And afterwards, splurge on a waffle cone with two scoops of Rocky Mountain chocolate ice cream. Perfect spot.
Wonders of Waterton
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park is a gem straddling the borders of Alberta and Montana. Years back , over Easter Weekend, we took our four children to Kilmorey Lodge on the shores of Waterton Lake. At dinner, we would look across at the majestic mountains on the Montana side. So Bernadette and I were eager to revisit this magical place.
Waterton village is a very nice place to explore. Great stores, coffee shops and restaurants. But this time, we boarded a fashionable old boat called, The International, for a two-hour tour down the lake and back. At the southernmost tip of the lake, we embarked briefly at the historic Goat Haunt Ranger Post on the Montana side of the border, which was exciting for us because it marked the 12th U.S. state visited during our journey. Each summer a lucky ranger is selected to man this post throughout the summer months. And we were lucky to meet Frank John, a fun ranger with a big burly mustache and two first names.
Ranger Frank shared many insights about Waterton Glacier International Peace Park. Most importantly, his talk underscored the special friendship Americans and Canadians share which is reflected by this unique park. The International Peace Park was established as a welcoming spot not only for Canadians and Americans, but for others from around the world. It is a place where one can find moments of peace among nature, and in meetings with fellow travellers from different parts of the planet.
Back on land, Bernadette and I trekked up to the place where you can see the continental divide stretch off into the distance with miles of mountains unfolding in front of you. And, without a doubt, the best place to see the continental divide is standing on the edge of the cliff on the hilltop outside of the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel. This is likely one of the most photographed spots in Waterton and one of the most picturesque views you will encounter. Opened only during the summer months from May until September, this charming hotel should be a bucket list stay for sure.
One other fascinating story about grit, determination and bravery. Back in 2017, a monstrous wildfire almost swept through the town of Waterton forcing a mandatory evacuation of residents and visitors. For days, firefighters battled to contain the fire even as the winds whipped the flames closer to town. A contingent of fire fighters also fought to keep the flames from the Prince of Wales Hotel. In the end, there was no lives or buildings lost, but the wildfire consumed thousands of acres of lush forest. Today, there are many hopeful signs of recovery in the affected areas as green flora is making a noticeable comeback. It will take decades for the forest to fully recover, but until then, the deep beauty of Waterton remains.
Our visit to Alberta felt a lot like a return home to some of our most treasured memories: babies and baptisms, tenting and teepees, visits from family and friends, Christmas’ in Calgary. There were times during those years that we felt very far away, but we always had each other, sharing moments of laughter, life and love. Today, as we are staring out over the vastness of the continental divide, we may seem far away again, but we know how closely we carry those in our hearts from back home. They are with us always.
Thanks again for the treasured memories, Alberta.
P.S. At the time of this writing we are learning of terrible wildfires in the Jasper Park area and the evacuation of thousands of residents and visitors. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those affected and thanks to those good people helping along their safe routes, especially the many brave fire fighters, police officers and other first responders and volunteers.