fall fun
top places to picnic
in the mountains this fall
By Tanya Koob great place to explore. Search for the hidden beach area underneath the suspension bridge. There’s sand and more than enough rocks for the kids to throw in the Elbow River. Beaver Lodge Day-Use Area, Banff Recreational Grounds Elbow Valley, Kananaskis. At Elbow Valley, there are a few picnic spots Elbow Lake, Kananaskis. The trailhead is located and a cute hiking trail that follows along the beaver on Highway 40 to the north of Highwood Pass, and ponds. Kids will love playing in the ponds, and the trail is the hike is 1.4 kilometres one way. The trail is Chariotfun for little ones on run bikes. There is one picnic table friendly, and there is wood at the campground. Bring located near the largest beaver pond. marshmallows and hot dogs, and head here for an This day-use area is located within a kilometre of the enjoyable day. Elbow Falls Day-Use Area, so you can visit both locations Ghost Lake Reservoir. This reservoir is located 20 in the same outing. The kids will have fun playing in the minutes west of Cochrane. My family enjoyed a paddle river below the falls where there are plenty of rocks to up the reservoir and discovered the perfect beach! The keep them busy. beach is located where the Ghost River flows into the Buller Mountain Day-Use Area, Spray Valley, lake after paddling under the bridge and up the narrow Kananaskis. Here you’ll find picnic tables, fire pits, and a part of the reservoir. With wind in your favor, this is an lovely pond. Popular activities include easy family-friendly easy 20- to 30-minute paddle by canoe or kayak. mountain biking from the Mount Shark Day-Use Area to But wind can be a serious challenge on this lake, so Watridge Lake (3.7 kilometres one way on an old gravel choose a calm day for your picnic and plan a backup road) or hiking to Chester Lake (4.6 kilometres one way). option. You don’t want to be stuck at the far end of the lake with a head wind, fighting to get back to your vehicle. Bring sand toys and a change of clothes for the For fun and drive home. innovative virtual Johnson Lake, Banff. The sister to Quarry Lake, this is activities for Banff’s local town beach. Bring your swimsuits, a blanket, families, check and sand toys. There are a few picnic tables on-site but no out the NMC fire pits. As with Quarry Lake, wear your swimsuits under Learning at your clothing or you will be changing in the bathrooms. Home series at While at Johnson Lake, enjoy a peaceful paddle (bring amplify.nmc.ca. your own boat or inflatable raft) or hike around the lakeshore in a 3.5-kilometre loop. Families who enjoy mountain biking will also find the trailhead for the intermediate Water Tower Trail here. The trail begins past the bridge on the right side of the lake. Follow the old road up to the water tower and continue on the FREE ADMISSION COURTESY OF BELL single-track trail from there. It’s best done as an out-andEVERY WEEKEND UNTIL SEPTEMBER 6. back ride. The trail is roughly a 6-kilometre return, if you stop at the high point above Cascade Ponds. Banff Recreation Grounds, Banff. This popular picnic Beginning September 12, area is located near the Bow River in downtown Banff and has picnic tables and fire pits. There is a wonderful admission will be offered playground that will amuse a wide range of ages along at a reduced price. with a bike park for your junior mountain biker. From the Banff Recreation Grounds, you can access the paved Bow River Trail and bike or walk around Every weekend, roaming Banff. You’re also close to the other amenities of Banff performances and including ice cream shops, restaurants, and shopping. Sundance Canyon, Banff. The paved Sundance pop-up experiences Trail leads to a picnic site at the entrance to Sundance courtesy of Scotiabank Canyon. There are bathrooms and picnic tables. The trail is 3.9 kilometres one way to the picnic area and entrance Backbeat. to the Sundance Canyon Loop (1.6-kilometre loop on a moderate trail, which has stairs and a few spots where you’ll want to hold a hand if hiking with young kids). The first part of the trail is Chariot-friendly. This trail is also great for families who enjoy biking. It’s an easy ride up to the picnic area. There are benches along the trail for resting, and you can watch as people canoe down the Bow River beside you.
Visit one of these day-use areas and plan a mountain picnic for the next nice weekend. Many of the picnic areas highlighted here have water features, so bring your swimsuits for a final dip before colder weather sets in! Wedge Pond, Kananaskis. Located just beyond Kananaskis Village on Highway 40, this small pond is great for kids who enjoy playing in water. Spread a blanket out by the lakeshore while the kids play and snack on delicious food you’ve packed. You’ll also find a few picnic tables and fire pits, along with a short walking trail around the pond. For families who enjoy biking, you can also access Wedge Pond via the paved Bill Milne Bike Trail. I recommend starting at the Kovach Day-Use Area below Kananaskis Village and biking to Wedge Pond for your picnic. It’s an easy return ride after playing at the pond. Total distance between the two day-use areas is 17 kilometres return. If this distance is too far to bike, an adult can bike back for the vehicle. Forgetmenot Pond, Elbow Valley, Kananaskis. Drive 10 kilometres farther down Highway 66 toward the Little Elbow Campground where you’ll find this beautiful pond. There are fire pits and picnic tables. The pond is a
NOW OPEN!
Book your timed tickets now at studiobell.ca 14 •
Find us on
Tanya is a freelance writer and mom to an energetic 11-year-old boy. She loves hiking, camping, skiing, and all things mountainrelated. She is the author of the blog, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies, rockiesfamilyadventures.com. CCM
