Best Hiking spots and scenery

[spiceboy]

Any really easy hikes that are suitable for whole family (2 adults + 4 year old + 1 year old strapped to front/back)?

[Gorilla]

Originally posted by spiceboy
Any really easy hikes that are suitable for whole family (2 adults + 4 year old + 1 year old strapped to front/back)?

We have done the tea house's and a few around kanaskis

[adidas]

Originally posted by spiceboy
Any really easy hikes that are suitable for whole family (2 adults + 4 year old + 1 year old strapped to front/back)?

Johnston's canyon.

Doesnt get better then that.

[FiveFreshFish]

Originally posted by adidas


Johnston's canyon.

Lower falls is best for a family. The upper falls and ink pots are more suited for older kids.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/activ1/b.aspx

[SIC1]

Originally posted by spiceboy
Any really easy hikes that are suitable for whole family (2 adults + 4 year old + 1 year old strapped to front/back)?

http://takeahikewithyourchildren.ca/

[Teknix]

Originally posted by in*10*se
mt indefatiguable period.
best hike with views the entire way up.

Has anyone done this hike within the last year or so? I read that its "decommissioned" because of bear activity, but you can just keep going and bypass the sign. We are a moderate (leaning more to the beginner side) is this a good hike for a group like us?

[beyond_ban]

Originally posted by Teknix



Has anyone done this hike within the last year or so? I read that its "decommissioned" because of bear activity, but you can just keep going and bypass the sign. We are a moderate (leaning more to the beginner side) is this a good hike for a group like us?

I did it about two months ago. I carried bear spray but fortunately did not run into any bears until the drive back to highway 40 where i spotted a grizzly cub just off the road.

Overall it is a great hike that i highly recommend.

[Aaaaaron]

Has anyone hike Larch Valley and know if it's started to turn? My folks are in town this weekend and was debating doing Larch or Johnston Canyon.

[msommers]

The larches don't usually turn until mid-late September. Weather really dictates when they do it so keep an eye on updates from the Park, or just call and ask.

Johnston is nice for someone who's never been. It's just so darn crowded.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[msommers]

The Iceline is wonderful and highly recommended. I'd double check on fitness levels to make it most enjoyable

[SIC1]

Originally posted by Aaaaaron
Has anyone hike Larch Valley and know if it's started to turn? My folks are in town this weekend and was debating doing Larch or Johnston Canyon.

Johnston Canyon is always a good backup plan when the weather is foul since it's at a lower elevation but with the amount of tourist traffic I would stay clear on any weekend especially 3 day ones.

If you are looking for "larch madness" , some have started but the best way to check is search for it via instagram hashtags or location of recent posts.

also good reference - http://crowfootmedia.com/2015/09/01/...adian-rockies/

or as stated above, call parks canada. weekends will be high traffic/tourist areas.

[Aaaaaron]

Thanks for the tips. We ended up at Johnston Canyon, called parks Canada and they said it's not quite turning yet.

[chathamf]

Anywhere good to take kids
Ive got a 3 year old and 7 year old. We love getting out hiking, but have no family around anymore to watch the kids so only choice we have to is to take them with us. I dont mind lugging the 3 year old around a bit if need be, but the older one will have to fend for herself, haha.

[ExtraSlow]

Check out Cat Creek, very short, but rewarding. Can be shady, so it's best on a warm day.
http://www.albertaparks.ca/cat-creek...erpretive.aspx

[in*10*se]

Originally posted by Teknix



Has anyone done this hike within the last year or so? I read that its "decommissioned" because of bear activity, but you can just keep going and bypass the sign. We are a moderate (leaning more to the beginner side) is this a good hike for a group like us?

as long as someone has done the route, you should be fine. if not read a guide book. There is an "easy way" and a "more challenging way"

http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Indef...naskis-AB-3181

if you look at the link, the route looks like a lasso. There is a fork in the route. If you go left you will hit the weather station and thats pretty much the top. (easy way) Stop there and turn around.

If you go right, it requires scrambling, and you to be comfortable with exposure as you will be scrambling up a steep rocky area, and then walk along a narrow ridge with lots of exposure to the weather station. It is a funner route and more exciting, however if you are new or uncomfortable with exposure. i do not recommend. This path will lead you to the offical peak with the log book (kinda wet)

I just did the hike a month ago. Bring bear spray. Did not see any bears. but the sign says otherwise.

[suntan]

Originally posted by chathamf
Anywhere good to take kids
Ive got a 3 year old and 7 year old. We love getting out hiking, but have no family around anymore to watch the kids so only choice we have to is to take them with us. I dont mind lugging the 3 year old around a bit if need be, but the older one will have to fend for herself, haha.

Get this book:

http://www.familyfuncalgary.com/take...-and-giveaway/

Even gives you alternatives if things turn south.