Three Photo-Worthy Mountain Stops That Don't Involve a Long Hike
You don't have to walk far to get magnificent views
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Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park
Sometimes you feel like going to the mountains, or just escaping the city, but you don’t feel like doing a big day of hiking. In recent years (enter babies and toddlers and tough pregnancies), we’ve checked out more of these right-off-the-highway pitstops than ever before.
And, we have to say, some are really, really good! After years of hiking many kilometres to cool destinations, it’s really neat to see how many cool destinations are a quick walk from a parking lot located right near a highway.
This week, we’re bringing you three such stops. If you’re looking for an easy mountain adventure rather than a big hike, do check these out.
Marble Canyon
Where: Near Lake Louise, on Highway 93 a few minutes south of Highway 1 you will find the Marble Canyon parking lot.
Distance: This is an easy (and well-marked) 1.4-km out-and-back trail. It takes around 30 minutes of walking to do the whole loop.
What can I expect? The trail crosses seven bridges with varying views of the spectacular Marble Canyon, the bright turquoise water of Tokumm Creek and the nearby mountains. It’s one of the easiest canyons in the area to access, and as such, tends to be busy. There are interpretative signs on the short trail for those who love learning. We’d recommend leaving strollers behind as the trail isn’t paved and does contain stairs.
Dogs allowed? Yes, but they must be on a leash
Can I go in winter? Yes, the trail is open year-round. (These pictures are from this October.) Microspikes or crampons are recommended in the winter.
All Trails info & reviews: Click here
Elbow Falls
Where: A short distance from south Calgary, near Bragg Creek, you will find the Elbow Falls Parking Lot.
Distance: This is a less than 1-kilometre loop that will take less than 30 minutes to complete.
What can I expect? Elbow Falls provides visitors a nice little walk along the river with calming scenery. It’s a go-to for us for visitors to Calgary who don’t have time for a full day in the mountains. The short, partially paved trail leads to a small picture-perfect waterfall. Given how accessible the walk is (and close to Calgary), the trail and parking lot do tend to get busy. We recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy, or taking a detour to the The Heart of Bragg Creek cafe for a treat.
Dogs allowed? Yes, but they must be on a leash
Can I go in winter? Yes, the trail is open year-round. Microspikes or crampons are recommended in the winter.
All Trails info & reviews: Click Here
The Natural Bridge
Where: Located in Yoho National Park, three kilometres from the Town of Field, B.C. on the Emerald Lake Road. There’s a sign pointing to The Natural Bridge on the Trans Canada Highway and a large parking lot, making it easy to find.
Distance: The jaunt from parking lot to the inside of the Natural Bridge took us less than 10 minutes.
What can I expect? We loved the natural bridge so much, we did an entire newsletter about it last year.
Dogs allowed? Yes, but they must be on a leash
Can I go in winter? Yes (We did!), the trail is open year-round. Microspikes or crampons are recommended in the winter.
Happy exploring! If you have a favourite, easy, off-the-highway adventure spot, let us know in the comments!
P.S. We’ll be taking next week off for the Remembrance Day long weekend. We’ll be back in your inboxes on November 22.
