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kananaskis

Girl sitting in mist mountain hot springs
Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do, Travel Inspiration

Mist Mountain Hot Springs: Nature’s Serene Oasis

As a lover of natural hot springs and hiking, Mist Mountain Hot Springs has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Located in Kananaskis, Alberta, the hike leads you up a trail that provides gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains before arriving at several warm natural hot springs to soak in and enjoy the spectacular views. If you’re not too tired, you can continue up to the peak of Mist Mountain from here, but we only adventured to the hot springs and it was well worth it.  There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost …

Kelsey Olsen
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The view from the summit of Porcupine Ridge in Kananaskis.
Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Photos, Things To Do, Travel Inspiration

Porcupine Ridge – A Wonderful Hike in Kananaskis

I always feel like the summer flies by in a blink and I am never able to complete as many hikes or camping trips as I would have liked. This year, Garrett and I made it a priority to go hiking whenever we both have a free day or even a few spare hours in the afternoon. It was a surprise when we both realized that we didn’t have plans on a random Sunday in June and we quickly decided to head out to the mountains. Since we made these hiking plans super last minute (that very morning!) We were looking to do a hike near Calgary. I was also wanting to do a hike that I hadn’t done before …

Kelsey Olsen
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A girl looking at the view at the summit of Sarrail Ridge in Kananaskis.
Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do

10 of the All Time Best Hikes in Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in all of the Canadian Rockies and oftentimes it has fewer crowds than many of the hiking trails near Banff or Canmore. Being born and raised in Alberta and living only an hour away from Kananaskis has allowed me to explore the area extensively. I’ve compiled a list of ten of my all-time favourite hikes that you’ve got to add to your hiking list for this summer. The hikes range from beginner to advanced so there is something for everyone. Read on to discover some of the very best hikes in Kananaskis. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander …

Kelsey Olsen
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An image of two women standing on the top of the Grassi Knob Trail hike in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada.
An image of two women standing on the top of the Grassi Knob Trail hike in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada.
Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do

Grassi Knob Trail Happy Dance

My legs burned as I ventured up the Grassi Knob trail near Canmore, Alberta. The thought of reaching the top is what motivated me to keep going. I was so happy my friends Jenna and Claire were along with me to experience this adventure. Grassi Knob is not a super well-known hike, but the views are fantastic and well worth the effort it takes to reach the top. To get to the top involves trail finding as well as a difficult climb, but it is well worth it to enjoy the breathtaking views of Canmore and the Three Sisters mountain range. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander …

Kelsey Olsen
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An image of a young woman watching rock climbers scaling a cliff above the Grassi Lakes in Canmore, Alberta - Grassi Lakes hike.
The Grassi Lakes hike is a fun family hike near Canmore, Alberta that leads to beautiful lakes, Photo by Greg Olsen
Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do

10 Best Easy Hikes in Kananaskis

Some of the best easy hikes in Kananaskis lead to waterfalls, mountaintops and glistening lakes. Kananaskis is a year-round outdoor paradise that runs along the edge of Banff National Park and includes some of the prettiest scenery in the Canadian Rockies. It is a vast recreation area with many incredible hiking trails, so it was difficult to pick a top ten list. There’s a hike for every level of hiker in Kananaskis County and everyone has his or her own idea of what classifies as an “easy hike.” We’ve included some amazing family-friendly hikes on this list – everything from a stroller-friendly lake loop to a short and steep summit hike. If you have suggestions or comments about any of …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of a couple standing in front of one of the Grassi Lakes - Canmore winter hikes and snowshoe trails
An image of a couple standing in front of one of the Grassi Lakes – Canmore winter hikes and snowshoe trails
Alberta, Articles, Canada, Canada Provinces, Experiences, Hike, Outdoor Adventure, Things To Do

Winter Hikes & Snowshoe Trails Near Canmore

Midway between Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park, the charming town of Canmore makes a great base for exploring the Canadian Rockies in winter. It’s a destination that absolutely sparkles when the snow falls. One of the best ways to enjoy the frosty season is to get outside and enjoy Canmore winter hikes and snowshoe trails. There are plenty of wonderful pathways and trails both inside and outside Banff National Park to explore and the scenery can’t be beat. Here are some suggested Canmore winter hikes and snowshoe trails outside the national park. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of a woman taking in the view from the top of Nihahi Ridge in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada.
An image of a woman taking in the view from the top of Nihahi Ridge in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada.
Articles, Outdoor Adventure

Nihahi Ridge – 360-degree Views in Kananaskis Country

The wind picked up as my friend and I made our way to the top of Nihahi Ridge in Kananakis Country and to be honest, I was a bit nervous. I lowered my centre of gravity to keep myself firmly grounded to the ridge and slowly made my way to a quiet spot to take in the view. It felt like I was at the top of the world. The commanding views from this mountain ridge are nothing short of spectacular. It’s one of the top view hikes in the Canadian Rockies for good reason and it’s worth the effort to take in this beautiful panoramic scene.   There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying …

Kelsey Olsen
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An image of Debbie Olsen and family on the Heart Mountain hike near Canmore, Alberta.
The Olsen family on the trail up Heart Mountain.
Articles, Outdoor Adventure

Heart Mountain Hike – Big Adventure Near Canmore

On the Heart Mountain hike near Canmore, an ordinary human can summit up to three mountains in a single day. That’s something worth bragging about, but in all honesty that wasn’t my main motivation for doing it. My son, Brady suggested we do the hike as a family, and I couldn’t resist. I always try to say yes whenever my children ask if I’d like to do something with them. Hiking adventures are better when you share them with people you love. Bragging rights from the Heart Mountain hike were just a bonus. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission …

Debbie Olsen
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Articles, Travel Inspiration

The Best Kept Secrets in the Canadian Rockies

Are there any secrets in the Canadian Rockies? Some descriptive phrases are used so frequently in destination marketing they have become clichés that end up losing all meaning. When you hear them too many times, you stop paying attention. Such is the case with the phrase “the best kept secret.” With all the modes of communication available in our modern world, there are few places that can accurately use this phrase. Despite this, many attractions, hotels, restaurants and destinations have it plastered all over their advertisements, websites and Facebook pages. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra …

Debbie Olsen
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Articles, Outdoor Adventure

Prairie Mountain – Hike a Mountain Before Lunch!

Prairie Mountain is a popular hiking summit, close to the city of Calgary, just West of Bragg Creek in the Kananaskis Country area of Alberta. It is a short yet challenging hike of just under 7 km with about 700 m elevation gain. Due to its popularity, it is a great summit to attempt any time of year and in any season, summer, winter, spring or fall – so long as you come prepared. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Getting to Prairie Mountain: The Prairie Mountain trailhead is on the north side …

Carleigh and Brady Olsen
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