The Go Outside Guide
A handy list of hikes, bikes, wanders and much more
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To close out 2023 we have a gift for you, dear reader! (And yes, we’re sending it a few days late. We’ll be back to our regular Wednesday schedule in the new year.)
We’ve compiled everything we’ve written about this past year — hikes and bikes and wanders and scenic stops and more — into one handy list, organized geographically. Just click the links to learn more.
We hope this helps you as you look ahead to 2024 and plan some adventures. Here’s to more going outside!
For us, making this list was a great reminder of just how much there is to explore in and around Calgary. We truly have a one-of-a-kind backyard. And we can’t wait to share even more adventures with you next year.
Thanks for reading and supporting our newsletter! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
The Ultimate Go Outside Guide
Calgary
Give winter cycling a try
Bike to x-country ski trails in the city at Confederation Park Golf Course
Visit three new city parks: Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park (NW), Pixel Park (SE) and Haskayne Legacy Park (NW)
Head to Sunnyside (NW) for an interpretive walk and an art crawl exploring the neighbourhood’s many incredible garage murals
Take an urban hike on the scenic Douglas Fir Trail (SW)
Bike the expansive Rotary/Mattamy Greenway, a pathway system that circles Calgary
In early May, explore new paths and neighbourhoods on numerous guided Jane’s Walks
Hunt for crocuses in the spring, at parks including Bowmont Park (NW), Nose Hill Park (NW) and Fish Creek Park (SE)
Kananaskis
X-country ski at beautiful Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Skate on wild ice at Barrier Lake, Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, Spray Lake Reservoir and Gap Lake
Hike or x-country ski to Watridge Lake
Walk to Elbow Falls
Hike to stunning lakes like Picklejar Lakes, Chester Lake (larch alert) and Rawson Lake
In the spring, bike Highway 40 and Sheep River while they’re closed to cars and open to people
Hike Rummel Lake Trail (a good shoulder season option)
If you’re looking for views, try ridge hikes like King Creek Ridge, Opal Ridge and Wasootch Ridge
Banff + Area
Hike to an easy and scenic summit on Tunnel Mountain
You don’t have to travel far from town to hike the Surprise Corner to Banff Hoodoos Trail
Bike (or rollerblade or scoot) the Bow Valley Parkway
Take a guided hike to Hidden Lake (larch alert)
Glamp in an OTENTik at Tunnel Mountain Village I Campground
More Alberta Spots
Enjoy informative interpretive trails at Dinosaur Provincial Park
Avoid the crowds while hiking at Brown Lowery Provincial Park
British Columbia
Pull over at the Natural Bridge for a super cool stop in Yoho National Park
Camp and hike at Lake O’Hara (a highlight of 2023 for both of us!)
Walk the short and scenic Marble Canyon loop in Kootenay National Park
Camp at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park Campsite, near Nelson, B.C.
Go backpacking at Numa Creek in Kootenay National Park
Camp and bike at Mount Fernie Provincial Park
