#AlbertaHikes

[chey-murray]

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Troll Falls: Kananaskis (Alberta)

Location: Troll Falls, Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada

Distance: 2.1 miles

Hike Type: Easy, Out-and-Back

Troll Falls is a waterfall that is dramatically falls over a half-bowl of rock. It is a very easy and well-maintained hike, and likely one of the most popular in the area so expect many people on the trail with you.

I do not recommend climbing to the back of the waterfall. The rockface is very slippery and the fall could be deadly.

This hike is also popular in winter.

Update: Since I was last on this hike, trail additions, including railings, have been added.

[killmotion]

11 Best Hikes In Alberta

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Alberta with these 11 stunning hikes. Lace up your boots and hit the trails today.

[stochastique-blog]

Im Human

Provincial parks seems like it’s a bit popular now… is it because the national parks are not open? . . Swipe to next photo to see what I mean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #exploreab #crescentfalls #nordegg #travelab #travelalberta #travelalbertacanada #albertaparks #provincialparks #albertahikes #albertacanada #albertaviews #albertatourism #travelnaturephotos #travelphotographers #albertaphotography #travelexplore #travelexploring #landscape_gf #landscapes_obsessions #mountainphotos #landscapes_captures #sonyalphashooters #sonya6600 #sonyalphaphotos #sonyalphas (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAWWGOFA1ge/?igshid=a9i0ryf66oa2

[hellohuffypuffs]

Here are some photos from our Canada Day(ish) celebrations! Fox and Mari tagged along with @marleylovesu, @logaarbu, @daniel169ca, Mika and I as we went to the Beaver Mines on Sunday. Fox was more interested in her bag, but Mari seemed to enjoy the hike to our (pretty secluded) location. She walked about 1/3 of the way there, and about 3/4 of the way back before hopping into her bag. Daniel caught a 15” brown fish (I don’t know the species), Logan made some heckin’ good egg salad sandwiches, Marley brought her stunning little girl, and we all enjoyed the view. The water was so incredibly clear. We even filled a bottle of water and you would never have guessed it was from the river. It was amazing. We were all swarmed with mosquitoes (yuck!), and I have about 50+ bites on my legs alone, but it was worth it. My foot was so sore by the time we got home, for it still is not in tip-top shape, but I enjoyed the time up there, and the walk back. Collect moments, not things #foxhedgie #marimeows #thetravellingtripawd #catventureswithmari 🐾 . . . . . . #beavermines #beavermineslake #alberta #albertacanada #albertahikes #hikealberta #albertamountains #canadamountains (at Beaver Mines) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bza2zGKlHJC/?igshid=c70vud2dzk0v

[portraits-of-a-traveler]

Walking among mountains uplifts the soul. Nature smiles and we smile back. #smile #funhikes #dayhikes #lifesanadventure #letsexplore #adventureawaits #yournextadventure #thinkpositive #accentuatethepositive #epichikes #beautifuldestinations #dayhikes #hikecanada #adventuresmith #albertahikes #canada #nationalparksadventure #adventuresafoot #hikingfriends #hikingblogger #travelblogger #adventureblogger #banff #banffnationalpark #explorealways #naturrescape #portraitsofatraveler (at Eiffel Lake Trail) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCookd8FDnO/?igshid=ibfppt46r2i

[imtravelerokay]

Climb 🧗‍♂️ explore 🏔 inspire 🌲 . . . . . . @hikingbangers @nature @nature.geography @vancitynow @naturecanada_ @hikingtheglobe @earthpix @inside_vancouver @alberta_parks @travelalberta @mount.spirit @hellobc @britishcolumbiawow @beautifuldestinations . . . #canadanature #lakelouise #albertatrip #lakelouisecanada #vancouverliving #albertahikes #igersvancouver #explorelakelouise #explorebanffnationalpark #britishcolumbiacanada #banffalberta #banffcanada #banffsprings #banfflakelouise #britishcolumbia #banffnationalpark #mybanff #insidevancouver #explorecanada #vancouvercanada #albertatourism #banffphotographer #albertaviews #vancouver_canada #vancouver_ig #vancouvercanada #albertaparks (at Lake Louise, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPyZCyisRi1/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sparkle-fritz-blog]

#tbt to when I almost slipped of a cliff to "hang" off a cliff hahahha. #hanging #cliffhanging #mountains #mountain #hikingtrails #hikinglove #hiking #hikingadventures #hiking🌲 #hiking👣 #rockymountains #rockymountainhiking #travelalberta #hikealberta #hiker #travelcanada #canadahiking #canadianscenery #albertamountains #albertahiking #albertatrails #albertamountains #mountainmen #outdoors #lovetheoutdoors #risk #risky

[feeliciaday]

I'm a strong believer in the journey more so than the destination. That's probably why I love a good road trip and have no problem driving a few hours just to see something I read about once 3 years ago. . . . Now that I have transport, I'm challenging myself to visit one new town/city/destination a week. Feel free to share if you have any recommendations for trips around NSW, Australia. #roadtrip #vanlife #australia #tourismnsw #nsw #newsouthwales #centralcoastnsw #waterton #watertonlakesnationalpark #travelalberta #hike365 #albertahikes #berthafalls #welltravelled #gltlove #glt #girlslovetravel #wearetravelgirls #wanderwomen #dametraveler #solotravel #sheisnotlost #shedreamsshegoes #worldoftravelistas #radgirlslife #thetravelwoman #headedelsewhere (at Waterton Lakes National Park)

[the-little-apple]

Have you ever completed the Lake Agnes Tea House hike in #LakeLouise? Such a spectacular hike with beautiful views of the rocky mountains, water falls, and pristine blue lakes. Once you are at the top enjoy some tea, coffee, soup, and sandwiches from the family operated #TeaHouse which to this day is operated without electricity! #MustDo #bucketlist #travel #adventure #hiking #AlbertaHikes #LakeAngesTeaHouse #tea #travelAB #outdoors #camping #explore @kwurb #sealwithasmile

[chey-murray]

Located west of Claresholm, Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park is a protected area that has rolling green hills, gorgeous wildflowers, and very few people in comparison to other parks.

Within it is a region called the Whaleback(named due to it's shape) which is a unique area.

"The Whaleback is considered one of the best representations of montane landscape, flora and fauna in Canada, with very high habitat diversity. Montane compromises less than 2% of the province’s land area and occurs only where warm Chinook winds blow away the snow cover for much of the winter. The Whaleback is in fact the largest undisturbed stretch of montane landscape in Canada, and its biodiversity has brought it national significance." Alberta Wilderness Association

The Bob Creek itself is a lazy trickle into a swamp, while the rest of the park is dramatic hilly grasslands.

Much of the land is marred by ATV use, but while it can make for some uneven trails, the ruts did not diminish the beauty of the area.

Notes:

It is an open area, but do keep watch for ATV’s and step off the path if one is coming your way.

There was a bin for maps, but it does not look like it has been filled for a very long time. It is available online.

No outhouses. If you have to go, stop at the Maycroft Provincial Recreation Area

[shopnaqp]

Happy thanksgiving, fellow Canadians! Hope it was full of adventure, food, booze and pie! Thanks for all the support in our first month. #freshtracks #grizz #naqp #adventuring #bearcrossing #thanksgiving #albertahikes #kananaskis #baldypass #thanks

[tjtaligato]

Last one of @rockiesheli experience. . Would I do it again? Yes. Is it going to be anytime soon? Probably not 😅 . But if you would like to see these views, check out @rockiesheli .. they have packages for Heli tours as well as some hiking with incredible views that can only been seen by flying through. @rockiesheli did a great job and we had an amazing experience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #travelalberta #canmorekananaskis #canmorelife #kananaskiscountry #albertaskies #albertahikes #albertaviews #yegviews #yegphotos #yegphoto #edmontonian #landscapephotos #landscape_ #landscape_focus_on #landscape_photo #landscape_mf #lovelandscape #landscape_photos #mountainviewca #albertaphotography #sonyalphagallery #sonyalphacollective #sonyuser #sonygear #sonya6600 (at Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCeIXvMg2sn/?igshid=3afrgoa33lhs

[chey-murray]

 Livingstone Falls | Alberta Waterfall

Hike Type: Not really a hike. More of a swim stop.

Busy? Yes

__

This one is not really what I would call a hike, but more so a place to stop at and enjoy. The falls are pretty much right on the edge of the camground, so the there is no hiking involved.

Is it still worth a stop? I would say so! The falls slide down large slabs of smooth rock (shale?) and you can even spot water winding through the cracks.

Now, I am NOT going to tell you to do this for obvious liability reasons, but this place is a hit on hot days to swim in the creek, and (if the water levels are right) use the rocks as a slide. Try these at your own risk.

This is a popular spot and campground, and can be a lot of fun for kids and adults alike.

So, is it a hike? No. But is it fun? Yes! Just be sure to bring your swimsuit if you are going to do what some people do AT THEIR OWN RISK and not mine.

Keep in mind that water levels can change rapidly, and also do remember that it will be very cold.

[chey-murray]

Heart Creek Bunker | Alberta Hikes

Hike Type: Easy, Busy

Location: Bow Valley Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada

Notes: Bring bear spray and a flashlight.

Within Alberta is a man-made cave known as "Heart Creek Bunker." According to local lore, it was intended to be a nuclear shelter, but was never completed. That is mostly the truth. It was dug out by two brothers, Joe and Stan Rokosh, who had dreams of turning it into a storage facility. While they do mention the possibility of use for disasters, their main goal was storage.

To get there, I first parked at Heart Creek day-use area, and followed the Trans-Canada trail. It has been many years since I was last there (2015), and much of the trail was washed out by flooding, but keeping left on the trails was all it took to reach the cave.

The Caves themselves are shallower than you might expect, with two dead-ends, and the walls were littered with spray-paint and used candles.

If you decide to go yourself, do note that I did spot a bear print, so be sure to bring bear-spray. Also, don’t forget a flashlight!

[chey-murray]

Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park | Alberta, Canada

Location: Writing-On-Stone (Áísínai’pi) Provincial Park Hikes: Easy Notes: Beware of rattlesnakes. Do not walk through brush or reach into holes. Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, bug spray.

Writing-On-Stone is not just a place to visit for the hoodo's, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its long history and sacred status with the indigenous people of the area.

 "The Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksikáíítsitapi) left engravings and paintings on the sandstone walls of the Milk River Valley, bearing testimony to messages from Sacred Beings. Dated in situ archaeological remains cover a period between ca. 4,500 BP - 3,500 years BP and the Contact Period. This landscape is considered sacred to the Blackfoot people, and their centuries-old traditions are perpetuated through ceremonies and in enduring respect for the places." unesco

There are petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) you can see — especially if you take the free guided tour — but because of constant vandalism and defacing, I have to ask that you treat them with respect.

With wildfires burning seemingly everywhere, my trip to Writing-On-Stone (2015) was an eye-stinging event. There was a cloud of thick smoke in the air at all times which gave photos an eerie sunset effect in the middle of the day. Still, I would for sure go back, even if it meant braving more smoke.

[chey-murray]

The Rock-Stacking Controversy

If you visit a riverbank or rocky area, you might see hundreds of them all stacked up like a little army. You might call them rock-stacks(which is what I will call them for this post), inukshuks, cairns, or something else entirely. No matter what you call them, they are an ongoing source of controversy in the outdoors community.

In a video I saw many years ago now, a woman was videoing and yelling at someone who was kicking rock-stacks down, and the comments section could not agree on who was in the right. Since then, I have seen posts of people talking about how a “rock-kicker made their kid cry” as well as posts along the lines of “I tried to explain to this mother why not to stack rocks, and she yelled at me.”

The rock-stacks are now being built in mass amounts(often for a photo), and has created a divide.

Rather than argue about what or what not to allow people to do, in this post I am going to tell you all the sides and facts I can so you can make your own opinion.

The “They Are Fun” Side:

This side argues that they are harmless fun. They say that kids and adults alike need time climbing trees, playing in stream, and exploring, in order to truly learn to appreciate nature.

"Rock stacking is an outdoor activity that promotes motor skills and dirty hands." Fatherly

"In modern times, many people use stacking stones to relax, relieve stress, meditate, create, play, and learn." Rhythms of Play

The “They Are Art” Side:

It takes time and perfect balance to stack the rocks just right, and each rock-stack tells the story of someone who did just that. They are art, and should not be removed because they make this group happy to see.

As it turns out, you don’t need sleight of hand or even mud to design gravity-defying cairns. You do need a bit of patience, though, and a knack for “knowing the rocks,” according to Michael Grab, a land artist who has been balancing rocks since 2008. He builds his sculptures with rocks from the natural landscape, usually alongside water.  Rock balancing is an internationally recognized craft; Grab has been invited to design sculptures at rock balance festivals in Italy, Costa Rica, and Boulder, Colorado, where he spends most of his time“ THE ZEN OF ROCK BALANCING” by Garden Design

The “They Are Ugly” Side:

Yup, the opposite as above. This side says that they hike to be out in nature, not to be reminded of humans by all the “ugly little rock stacks” destroying the natural scenery.

The “They Are Environmentally Bad” Side:

Environmentalists and leave-no-trace hikers argue that removing rocks displaces wildlife who use the rocks as homes or to hide under, as well as helps cause soil erosion.

“When rocks are relocated, this also can destabilize the soil and make the area vulnerable to erosion. In the case of removing rocks from rivers and other water bodies, you may be disrupting aquatic habitats and, in extreme cases, could even be affecting the natural flow.” The Washington Post

The “They Will Get People Lost” Side:

Backcountry hikers argue that they are often used as trail markers for places where trails are not clearly marked, and that making random rock stacks can get people lost.

On the other side of this argument, they also say to be very careful which stacks you kick down, because you could be kicking down a trail marker.

"Stone sculptures are often built to mark trails and to help hikers find their way up and down the mountains." CBC

_____

So, as you can tell, people can be very passionate about what side they are on. What about you? Which side are you on in this controversy?