Experience the Bow Valley

Heading west into the Bow Valley, trees blanket the land, foothills give way to mountains, and a river runs through it. Named by the Peigan, for bow-making reeds that grow along its banks, the Bow River brings life to the valley and an array of recreational opportunities. Great hiking, rafting, golfing, cave exploring (aka spelunking), camping, and more await - just one hour from Calgary. Here are seven fun things to do in Bow Valley and Bow Valley Wildlands Provincial Parks.

1. Hike Mount Yamnuska

It’s distinctive cliff face on the eastern edge of the Rockies is a beacon for adventurers. Known as “Yam”, or Iyamnathka (“flat faced mountain”) in Stoney, it is a popular hiking and rock climbing destination with several trails and over 100 climbing routes. While the mountain’s short approach and long hiking season play a large part in its popularity, you can’t deny the fun factor of Yam’s varied terrain. The scramble to the summit boasts scree, slab, chains along a ledge, and an epic scree run. Plus, there are the bragging rights of summiting both a well recognizable and seemingly insurmountable peak.

How do you get up the mountain? The typical hiking route is counter clockwise around the back (north) side. At the signed junction, one kilometre from the trailhead, just turn right to stay on the hiking and scrambling trail. From here, you can choose your own adventure depending on how much time and scrambling experience you have:

Raven’s End is a scenic lookout at the northeast shoulder that is hikeable year-round. 7 km round trip, 460 m elevation gain.

Upper Viewpoint offers the classic postcard view at a dizzying break in the cliffs, 125 metres above the mountain base. There is a short section of hands-on scrambling to get here. From the cliff base, follow the painted blue trail markers to stay on track. 8 km round trip, 650 metres elevation gain.

Yamnuska Summit (elevation: 2,240 metres) is an exciting scramble with its notorious rock ledge and scree ski. Above treeline, follow the blue trail markers painted on the rock. For your safety, only attempt the summit in good conditions if you have scrambling experience and proper footwear. An alternate poor weather/conditions ascent - that skips the airy ledge and pitchier terrain - is via the climbing trail and west shoulder of Yamnuska. Mount Yamnuska is typically snow-free from June until October. Put it on your summer bucketlist!

The crux is a narrow 30 metre ledge along an exposed cliff edge, followed by extremely steep terrain with loose rock. While a chain has been bolted to the rock wall along the ledge, the rock is slippery when wet, and a fall here could be fatal. After taking a selfie at the summit, descend to the west shoulder, traverse halfway across the front face, and enjoy a fun 500 metre scree ski which is touted as one of the best in the Rockies! Hiking Boots, rock helmet, and trekking poles recommended. 11 km round trip, 900 metres elevation gain.

Photo Courtesy of AB Parks Ambassador Amanda McNally/ Alberta Parks

2. Whitewater Rafting

Discover the thrill on an Inside Out Experience whitewater rafting tour! Get your feet wet on the Kananaskis River’s class 1-3 rapids, or try Horseshoe Canyon’s Class 4 rapids which are known as some of biggest in province. Swim in the glacial waters or cliff jump - if you dare!

3. Go for a Picnic

Enjoy bird watching, geocaching, and the gorgeous views of Mt Yamnuska from Middle Lake Day Use Area. The 2.5 km interpretive trail around the lake is great for young children.

Mount Lorette Ponds is a picnic area with firepits; a paved, wheelchair accessible trail (approx 1 km loop); and fishing. Or picnic at Grotto Mountain Day Use area before hiking Grotto Canyon or fishing at Grotto Pond.

4. Golfing

Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Course is a scenic 18-hole public golf course at the foot of Mount Yamnuska. Known as “the affordable mountain course”, it is also a great place to view wildlife! Conveniently located 45 minutes from Calgary and 15 minutes from Canmore.

5. Explore a Cave

For an unforgettable experience, descend into Rat’s Nest Cave with Canmore Cave Tours. Explore the subterranean world and ancient stalactites and stalagmites, challenge yourself with a rappel into a deep cavern, or squeeze through the “Laundry Chute.” It’s the most fun you can have with coveralls on!

The Heart Creek Bunker is comprised of manmade caverns you can explore on your own. Rumored to have been built for government officials during the Cold War, it was actually constructed to store sensitive documents, then never used. Find the trailhead at the west end of Heart Creek parking lot, cross two gullies, take your first left, and second left to reach the bunker in the side of Mount McGillivray. Don’t forget a flashlight! 3.8 km return, 94 m elevation gain.

6. Fishing

Grotto Pond, Mount Lorette Ponds, and Sibbald Meadows Pond are great places to learn to fish as they are stocked with rainbow trout a few times a year. Note that an Alberta Fishing License is required for adults 16 - 64 years old and catch limits as per Alberta Fishing Regulations are in effect.

7. Camping

Bow Valley and Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Parks are home to five campgrounds, two backcountry campgrounds, and four group camping areas. Light sleepers may notice some road noise, on the plus side, you have cell phone reception and are a short drive from Canmore or Banff.

By: Karen Ung