Go Outside This Black Friday Week

Two Banff hikes offer an antidote to frenzied consumerism

Anyone else being inundated with Black Friday deals? We sure are, in our inbox, in our social media feeds, from friends texting over hot deals. 

Don’t get us wrong — we love a good sale, especially on outdoor gear. But we’re also feeling a bit exhausted with such heavy and sustained messaging to buy, buy, buy. Black Friday is no longer about a single day of bargains. Instead it’s weeks of frenzied consumerism, and all the negative effects that brings. 

So, an antidote — for you and for us. This Black Friday week, simply go outside! And read on for a few ideas on where to go.

Cailynn was recently in Banff and went on two easy and well-known hikes she had never been on before. She was staying at the Banff Centre and both hikes started within walking distance of there — it was such a treat not to have to drive to a trailhead!

Tunnel Mountain Summit is 2 kilometres one way, with 260 m of elevation gain. It’s easy to see why this is considered Banff’s most popular summit. There’s sweeping views throughout the well-maintained trail, and you reach the summit quite quickly.

The trail is great for beginners, young hikers, or anyone looking for a short but scenic jaunt while in Banff. Cailynn especially liked the views of Mount Rundle, and the TWO signs at the top congratulating hikers on reaching the summit … not many hikes offer such praise. 

Another enjoyable hike starting right near town is Surprise Corner to Banff Hoodoos Trail. This trail is longer, at 9.6 kilometres out-and-back and 355 m elevation gain, but also well-marked and maintained.

The trail meanders near the Bow River and through lush forests, offering a variety of scenes along the way — including mountain vistas and many views of gorgeous Mount Rundle. There’s also a few stretches of trail with some massive Douglas Fir trees.

The trail leads to two viewpoints of the hoodoos, each offering interesting views of the fantastically shaped rocks (spot the hoodoos in the photo below). Note you can drive and park at the hoodoos viewpoint instead of hiking there, but then you’ll miss all the views along the way.

Both these hikes are good options over winter — just check trail conditions before you go, and bring cleats for the icy sections. 

Happy going outside!

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⛰️🥾️ Go Outside is written by Annalise & Cailynn — writers, outdoor enthusiasts and sisters who’ve been hiking, biking and skiing near Calgary since childhood and continue to be happiest outside.

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