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 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)

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).