Backcountry Camping in Kootenay National park

Kootenay National Park is one of the lesser visited parks in a chain of spectacular parks in the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Jasper. Straddling the Trans-Canadian Highway, the park offers hot springs, awesome mountain views, and glaciers. As you enter the park, keep an eye out for the grizzly bears that frequent the road sides.Floe Lake is considered the park's "classic" hike and is a gr...

This trek specifically covers the distance from Sunshine Village to Mount Shark. You will need a car at Mt. Shark, as there are no shuttles from that location to Canomre or any local areas. Otherwise, you can try to hitch a ride back – your best bet is to talk with some locals or visit the Canmore visitors' center.  Note: A backcountry permit is mandatory for anyone camping in Banff National P...

If you're looking for an adventure in the Banff area that's not as crowded as the main tourist attractions but offers as spectacular of views, check this gem out.  Make sure to check hours of operation before going, gondola/ ski lift are not always running.  Ride the gondola all the way to the top and enjoy the views.  Once you're as far as the gondola goes you can check out the information cen...

Head up to Healy Pass in late September or early October to check out the beautiful larch trees in their golden glory. Sunshine Meadows, Assiniboine, and other amazing views can be seen from the top of this easy trail. Start your adventure in the Sunshine Village ski resort parking lot. Head behind the lodge where the trail sign is. The first half of the hike winds up gradually through the wood...

Do you like skiing wide open slopes of light, fluffy powder? How about staring off at massive, jagged peaks while you do it? Then do I have the resort for you… Sunshine Village in the heart of Banff National Park offers something for everyone on the slopes. There are ample wide open groomers for those looking to cruise or learn, then there’s Delirium Dive and Wild West where you have to bring a...

Windy Ridge is located by Og Pass in the Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. Whether you start from any of the campgrounds, huts or the lodge, the way to the Windy Ridge Trail is well indicated and the trail itself is well worn. Beware that if you are using the Gem Trek map (1:100,000), the notes at the back indicate a 120m elevation gain. I assume this would be to some point along the trail, po...