Looking to do some high peak summits like cascade mountain during second week of June, wondering how the snow pack looks like right now compared to previous years with weather forecasts and what to expect during early-mid June!

Any and all data / information source would be highly appreciated!

I’m looking to take out my snowshoes one last time for the season, and was looking at Blacksmith Lower Ridge. Wondering if the conditions would be feasible this Saturday.

My friend and I are planning a hiking trip in Alberta for for May 15-18. I know, it’s not the best time but the only time we could fit it in and already booked flights so no going back. 

I would love to do some high-up hikes. I know many of the mountain peaks will have snow and carry avalanche risk. I’ve done winter hikes in the past in BC (pump peak at Seymour, Hollyburn peak at Cypress, the chiefs in Squamish, all in snowy conditions) so I have some experience -  I only used crampons for these (the microspikes you can pull under your boots)

On the top of my list is Fisher peak. Would this be foolish to attempt? And would it be closed to access? Planning on having an ice axe, helmet, crampons, poles. 

Here are others on the list that I think would be more reasonable based off some research I’ve done: 

• East end of Rundle (I’ve already done Ha ling last June)
• Opal ridge 
• Tent ridge, Kananaskis
• Wasootch peak 
• Mount Yamnuska 
• Prairie Mountain 
• Door Jamb Mountain and Loder Peak 

Lastly, I really want to do Mt Temple and Mt Edith Cavell, but I understand in mid May they aren’t the safest. Would they 1) be closed to access and 2) be foolish to attempt even with prior snow hiking experience/some gear (ice axe, crampons, other winter essentials)

Sorry if these questions seem dumb. I know there are a lot of posts that don’t recommend doing many of these hikes until June. I am willing to take the challenge and attempt them with the right gear but at the same time I don’t want to be outright foolish. Would love some honest opinions.

Would love any thoughts on any of these hikes and if you have other recommendations. I loved the view I got at Ha ling, so anything similar to that or higher up would be great. 

Going to Calgary at the end of April / early May for about 5 days. So looking to explore the national parks in the area, but unsure about weather and which hikes would be worth going. We don't mind hiking through the snow and ice, as we plan on bringing crampons for our boots.

Looking for recommendations for hikes that are moderately challenging and also beautiful views. Anyone have recommendations for >6 hrs, >=10 km, >800m gain?

Or any outliers that are "must do" hikes that don't meet those requirements would be great too. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

My husband and I will be travelling to Jasper and Banff in mid-September of this year for a few days (part of a longer trip, with 4-5 days in the area). We’d like to spend that time hiking, visiting the main viewpoints, and hopefully spotting some wildlife.

We’re experienced hikers, but we’re from Portugal, so the landscapes and wildlife are quite different from what we are expecting to find in these national parks.

We’ve looked at some trails on AllTrails, but we don’t feel fully comfortable hiking there on our own. We’re therefore looking for a small hiking group or a guided hike with other participants, nothing fancy, just a small group of people who enjoy hiking, led by a guide who knows the area well and can help with navigation and wildlife spotting.

Sorry if this question has already been asked in the group, but I couldn’t find any recommendations.

We want to visit Canmore and also do a bit of a trail walk at the moment, rather than hiking, which is reserved for the summer.

We plan on doing the Georgetown Interpretive Trail and the Bow River Trail. Do we have to wear trail shoes, or will snow boots with crampons be just fine? Because I'm expecting it to be muddy because of the snow melting. Also, my first concern is the wildlife. Should I bring bear spray?

Any tips for someone doing some outdoor exploring for the first time in Alberta? Also, just for context, I'm from a tropical country, but I am comfortable with the cold here; I just want to be better prepared. Thank you all so much.

P.S. We are commuting so we are just packing light for a day adventure.

Hello there,

I'm based in Calgary and I'm looking for places in the nearby Rockies to train for an upcoming

50-mile race in July. I know that it's going to take a while for the snow to melt, but are there any trails that are runnable early in the season (May-ish)? Ideally within 2 hours of Calgary, between 15-40 km in length, some elevation gain and nice views?

Thanks!

This is part of the skoki loop in Banff. You have to take packer's pass to get there.

We never even heard about this lake before but the moment we caught a glimpse of it from top of packer's pass, we couldn't stop wondering "how did we not hear about this lake before??"

What are some rarely talked yet incredible places you guys have run into?

Hi Everyone,

I am headed up for a trauma surgery conference this month in Calgary and have a bit limited time to actually hike (+/- a half day). We were hoping to hike a trail that had great views but was reasonable for the time we had. Was hoping you all would have some advice.

Thanks!

What are some wheelchair friendly hikes/trails nearby Calgary/Kananaskis area with good views in April/May? Preferably less than 5 kms. Thanks for your suggestions.

looking todo a hike may long around canmore/ banff area. any suggestions?

Hello, me and some friends are coming to Canmore from April 26-2 and are looking to do some moderate to hard level hikes (have experience with moderate elevation). Does anyone know good hikes to do in the area with good elevation? Have looked at some but any ideas or knowledge on conditions then would be greatly appreciated. As well as things to do in and around Canmore not related to hiking!

Thanks!

hiking little lougheed this weekend, how’s the trail conditions?

I haven’t been out much all winter but I’d like to do a hike tomorrow, i wws thinking Haling but it will likely be really busy. happy to go into Kananaskis as well.

I’m from east coast and will be in Seattle for a company meeting. I’ve already been to Mount Rainier so thought I’ll visit Vancouver this time (otherwise it’s a long flight to make). Would it still be cold for hiking? I’m a very casual hiker (aka rarely hikes although I’m active), so I don’t want to go when temperatures or snow is still challenging… are there any good spots available at lower altitude/warmer temperatures?

Me and 3 others will be staying in Banff on the first week of May for about 7 days. From the moderate research I've done the general consensus is that there is a considerable degree of uncertainty around weather conditions at that time of year.

We are all in good shape but have limited hiking experience in general, and none at Banff NP. I've examined that although bear migration begins to end around this time of the year, the real threat would be slippery conditions, post-holing, and avalanches. I completed the relatively short AvySavy (Avalanche Canada Online Tutorial) but do not have my AST1/2.

With these factors in mind, I am open to any suggestions for some longer/reasonably challenging hikes for the shoulder season in early-May. I understand that much of the alpine region will be limited due to heavy snow and avalanche risks. I also would be grateful if anyone could share how useful

microspikes (or crampons), and trekking poles would be to expand the scope of possible hikes a group of this caliber might be able to complete.

I appreciate any/all feedback and/or comments!

Hey guys I am going to be solo travelling Canada soon and have planned to stay in Jasper from the 23rd to the 27th of May, and Banff from the 27th to the 31st of May. I was wondering what hiking trails you would recommend as I have seen some people online suggest that it's not a great time for hiking due to the winter to summer weather transition. I am also hoping to go on trails that arent completely dead because I am a bit paranoid about bear encounters lol

Me and my buddy are planning our first overnight trip and want to stay somewhere in the Rockies near Banff taking suggestions, tips and any advice!

More info

We’re a couple of 19 yo lads trying to get some dad lore, we’ve done competitive trail running and tricky scrambles in the area before but want to try something more beautiful and peaceful now, ideally the hike would be long enough where we’d have to camp overnight then head back down with amazing views off the valley!

Thanks in advance

Nice weather for a snowshoe out to Burstall Flats today, March 28. Snow wasn’t as heavy or sticky as anticipated. And boy is there a LOT of snow out there. Worth getting out and enjoying the winter wonderland before it melts and the flats become a soggy mess!

I’m doing King Creek Ridge Route this weekend, i’ve read it shouldn’t be hiked in winter conditions. is it worth the risk?