Tag Archives: outdoors

Parks Canada: A Rosy Welcome

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Parks Canada initiated a fun program last year called The Red Chairs Experience. The idea was to place red chairs in special places within Canada. Visitors are then encouraged to discover their locations and share their experiences with others via social media outlets. It’s a cheerful way to help spread the wonder of our landscape.

Imagine my happiness when I stumbled across said chairs in Kootenay National Park. The pop of colour mid-winter is a boon. My guy and I were taking the short, but scenic stroll up Marble Canyon’s interpretive trail to the 40 m/130 ft deep gorge of Tokumm Creek to check out ice formations when we spotted this rosy pair.

A duo of red Adirondack-style chairs at Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park. (Photo Credit: M. Kopp)

A duo of red Adirondack-style chairs at Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park. (Photo Credit: M. Kopp)

Although I was aware of the program before our discovery, this is the first pair of chairs that I’ve come across. Quick research suggested that 11 of these rosy duos can be found in different locations in Banff, 2 along the Icefields Parkway, 2 in Yoho National Park, 2 in Kootenay National Park, and 6 in Jasper National Park (as well as other parks across Canada).

If You Go: Marble Canyon can be accessed off Hwy 93 (17 km/10.5mi south of the Trans-Canada Hwy). The trail which criss-crosses the canyon is a short 0.8 km/0.5 mi one-way. Note: Stairs can be icy in winter; boot grips recommended.

Where have you discovered the red chairs?

Winter Hiking: Alberta’s Boom Lake

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We had to search farther afield than normal – heading out near Lake Louise – to find winter for a mid-week nature fix. But when skis skitter, clatter and refuse to obey direction, I’m more than happy to swap out skinny skis for the hiking boots and ice grips my guy had the foresight to pack. It’s been a strangely warm winter. Recent rain turned the trail rock hard. Winter hiking never looked so good!

Boom Creek running free mid-February is a sure sign of a warm winter! (Photo Credit: M. Kopp)

Boom Creek almost ice-free in February is a sure sign of a warm winter! (Photo Credit: M. Kopp)

Close to the Continental Divide, Boom Lake trail is an easy 5 km (3 mi), gentle jaunt uphill through a thick evergreen forest. Total elevation gain is only 175 m/575 ft, but the resulting lake view is worthy of much steeper ascents.

Soaking up the views at Boom Lake. (Photo credit: M. Kopp)

Soaking up the views at Boom Lake. (Photo credit: M. Kopp)

If You Go:
The trailhead can be found 7 km (4.3 mi) south of the Trans Canada Hwy (#1) on Hwy 93 (heading towards Radium, BC).

Motivation for a natural escape

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“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

— John Muir

It’s true, being outside is good for mind. When I walk, I think. About everything and anything. Walking allows time for reflection. Movement, sights, sounds, smells, thoughts – they all combine to clear the head.

Perhaps more importantly, walking is good for the body. As a writer, I sit – a lot. New research shows that we all need to move more. Looks like I’ll have to walk more than once a day – aw, shucks!

In love with the outdoors. (Credit: M. Kopp)

In love with the outdoors. (Credit: M. Kopp)

What do you get out of walking in nature?

Winter Birds in the Canadian Rockies

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It’s a sad time in the fall, when the last of the migrants head south and the woods become silent. All of a sudden there seems to be a huge void, and I know winter has arrived. But there are a few hardy species of birds that stick around to put a little sparkle in winter outdoor adventures.

House Sparrows haunt feeders and town trails. Chickadees fly in flocks from tree to feeder to tree in search of seeds left untouched. Gray jays perch near skiers’ rest stops, hoping for stray crumbs. Ravens soar the skies from mountain hut to windswept pass and back again, keen eyes always on the lookout for their next meal.

One of my personal favourites is the white-winged crossbill – a backcountry denizen large enough to be spotted on its perch and easily identifiable by its odd-crossed shaped bill (used to pluck seeds from cones).

White-winged crossbill. (Credit: M. Kopp)

Female white-winged crossbill. (Credit: M. Kopp)

What is your favourite winter bird?

Amiskwi: A Backcountry Ski Getaway

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Last year right around this time, we were twiddling our thumbs at the airport. The helicopter was late; something about a rescue. You can’t argue with that. We were itching to hop on our chopper and head in from Golden, B.C. to our home away from home for the next week – Amiskwi Lodge – but patience was required.

Bags and boxes and skis and poles were stacked high in the hangar. We paced a little, chatted a lot, took yet another bathroom break, paced some more – and then it was on. Rush, rush, rush – do this, don’t do this, put skis in here, bags in there, buckle up and we’re off.

Amiski Lodge - the view from afar. (Credit: M. Kopp)

Amiski Lodge – the view from afar. (Credit: M. Kopp)

We flew above the Blaeberry River, all eyes on mountains passes, avalanche paths and snow-covered meadows, as if it were possible to judge the potential for a good week of touring options from the air. It didn’t matter. The trip wasn’t really about the skiing, it was about the journey.

The backcountry retreat. (Photo: M. Kopp)

The backcountry retreat. (Photo: M. Kopp)

It was about forging new friendships over shared meals and dice games. It was exploring the thrills of open slopes, testing skills in treed glades and standing still to soak in views from ridge tops. But most of all, it about escaping the turmoil of the outer world to find a sense of peace – for me, at least.

The inner workings of Amiskwi. (Credit: M. Kopp)

The inner sanctum of Amiskwi. (Credit: M. Kopp)

Such is the magic of getting away, of travelling (near or far), of letting go and finding yourself within.

Alberta’s Mountains: They Have a Way of Putting Life into Perspective

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There is something about being outside that puts everything in its place. I headed out for a four-day ski trip up the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park with a mind full of clutter. I came back home with a clean slate, refreshed and relaxed.

Why?

Take a look at the picture below.

Looking across to Bow Summit. (Credit: M. Kopp)

Looking across to Bow Summit. (Credit: M. Kopp)

Did you spot our vehicles parked roadside near the lower meadow?

“What are men to rocks and mountains?”
― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice