For a downloadable PDF version of this guide CLICK HERE!
Tunnel Mountain is an easy hike in the town of Banff that is very popular and accommodating to new hikers. Despite the relatively short hike to the summit, it has incredible views of the town and surrounding Mountains. After hiking Tunnel Mountain another must see is Bow Falls, right in the heart of the town of Banff.
ADVENTURE STATISTICS
Time Required: 0.5-1 Hours
Location: Banff, AB
Distance: Roughly 4km round trip
Highest Elevation:1677m
Elevation Gain:267m
Difficulty:3/10 – Family friendly
Season: Year Round
Additional Requirements: N/A
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From Calgary: Take the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) west approximately 110km and exit into the town of Banff. Follow Banff Ave to Fox St, take a left, then a right onto Deer St, Deer St will turn into Otter St, take a left onto Moose St, which will turn right onto Grizzly St. Take a slight left onto St. Julien Rd and continue for 350m and the Lower Tunnel Mountain Parking Lot will be on your left. This sounds confusing so just plug “Tunnel Mountain Trailhead (Lower Parking Area)” into google maps and you’ll get there no problem.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable Footwear: Hiking shoes. Make sure your shoes are broken in prior to tackling this hike to prevent unexpected blisters. You could get away with running shoes but having extra grip on the rock surfaces will definitely come in handy!
Water: This hike has some elevation gain to reach the summit. Be sure to bring a water bottle or two.
Snacks: Bring some of your favorite snacks to enjoy along the hike or at the summit. Some of our favorite snacks are trail mix, bananas, beef jerky and licorice.
Weather appropriate clothing: You will be exposed to the elements throughout this hike. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Sunscreen: If it is sunny and you’re like Mattson, who easily burns, bring sunscreen!
Insect Repellent: Insect repellent can greatly improve your hiking experience.
Bear Spray: You are in bear country. Always hike with bear spray that is easily accessible.
Camera: There are numerous photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
This Guide: Print a copy of this guide to reference throughout the hike
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Wildlife: You will be hiking in bear country. It is always advisable to check in at the local Visitor Information Center to learn of any trail closures due to wildlife. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location. Travel in groups of multiple hikers and make lots of noise to avoid an unexpected encounter.
Leave No Trace: It is important that we enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Some key principles to consider when hiking to “Leave No Trace” are:
Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning allows adventurers to hike safely while minimizing damage to the land.
Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to the trail when possible. If there is no trail, or you must travel off trail, stay on durable surfaces to reduce your impact.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out.
Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
Be considerate of other visitors: Be courteous to others to allow everyone to enjoy their outdoor experience.
Summary: The hike up tunnel mountain is straightforward and relatively easy. You can start at either the lower or upper trailhead and there is a clearly marked and easy to follow trail that will take you to the summit.
Image 1: Tunnel Mountain Adventure Map
Step-By-Step Guide:
There are two places to park and start this hike from. The lower parking area, and the upper parking area. We were planning on starting at the upper parking lot (Route marker #1 on the map) but the road to it is closed during winter months so we had to park at the gate and walk down the road for a few minutes. It would have been easier to have just gone to the lower parking lot. At both the lower and upper parking area there is signage marking the trailhead.
Image 2: The Upper Trailhead
Image 3: Tunnel Mountain Trail
This trail to the summit is extremely easy to follow and is heavily trafficked. There are a few switchbacks, some elevation gain, and a couple spots to stop and soak in the views looking both east and west. At the summit (Route marker #2 on the map) there are stunning views of the town of Banff and surrounding mountains.
Image 4: Views of the Bow River along the hike
Image 5: The summit of Tunnel Mountain
After our hike up Tunnel Mountain we wandered our way across the river in town to check out Bow Falls (Route marker #3 on the map). It’s a beautiful walk along the river and the falls are stunning. Park on Glen Ave or at the YMCA and enjoy the walk to the falls from there.
Image 6: Bow Falls
Image 7: Bow Falls
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Thank you for choosing Epic Trip Adventures as your guide. We are committed to continually updating our guides to be as relevant and accurate as possible. If you have feedback to improve this guide please leave it in the comments below.
We also want to hear about your Tunnel Mountain adventures. If you have stories, pictures or even a link to your own adventure video please share them below!
For a downloadable PDF version of this guide CLICK HERE!
Iceline Trail is located in Yoho National Park just north of the town of Field, BC. Iceline Trail provides incredible views of the Yoho Valley and Takakkaw Falls. The trail switchbacks up the west side of the valley, then turns north and takes you past a glacier, alpine lakes, and waterfalls. This hike has a little bit of everything and on a beautiful day it can be truly magical.
ADVENTURE STATISTICS
Time Required: 6-8 Hours
Location: 17km north of Field
Distance: 25km round trip
Highest Elevation:2300m
Elevation Gain:800m
Difficulty:7/10 – Rapid elevation gain, long hike
Season: June to September
Additional Requirements: N/A
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From Calgary: Take the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) west approximately 210km to Yoho Valley Road. Turn right off the highway (there will be signs marking Yoho National Park) and follow that road past the Cathedral Mountain Lodge about 15km until you hit the parking lot.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable Footwear: Hiking shoes. Make sure your shoes are broken in prior to tackling this hike to prevent unexpected blisters. You could get away with running shoes but having extra grip on the rock surfaces will definitely come in handy!
Water: This hike is long with lots of elevation gain. Be sure to bring enough water for 6-8 hours of physical exertion.
Snacks: Bring some of your favorite snacks to enjoy along the hike as well as a light lunch. Some of our favorite snacks are trail mix, bananas, beef jerky and licorice.
Weather appropriate clothing: You will be exposed to the elements throughout this hike. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Sunscreen: If it is sunny and you’re like Mattson, who easily burns, bring sunscreen!
Insect Repellent: Insect repellent can greatly improve your hiking experience.
Bear Spray: You are in bear country. Always hike with bear spray that is easily accessible.
Camera: There are numerous photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
This Guide: Print a copy of this guide to reference throughout the hike
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Wildlife: You will be hiking in bear country. It is always advisable to check in at the local Visitor Information Center to learn of any trail closures due to wildlife. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location. Travel in groups of multiple hikers and make lots of noise to avoid an unexpected encounter.
Leave No Trace: It is important that we enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Some key principles to consider when hiking to “Leave No Trace” are:
Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning allows adventurers to hike safely while minimizing damage to the land.
Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to the trail when possible. If there is no trail, or you must travel off trail, stay on durable surfaces to reduce your impact.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out.
Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
Be considerate of other visitors: Be courteous to others to allow everyone to enjoy their outdoor experience.
Summary: Iceline Trail is a large loop with a few different options for routes depending on the distance you want to hike. The route we took, and the one described in this guide, is roughly 25km and hits Takakkaw Falls, the glacier, Celeste Lake, Twin Falls and Laughing Falls.
Image 1: Iceline Trail Adventure Map
Step-By-Step Guide:
Before starting the Iceline Trail we recommend checking out Takakkaw Falls (Route marker #1 on the map). It’s so close to the parking lot that you can’t pass up a chance to check out this behemoth of a waterfall. Pass over the bridge and follow the well-maintained trail to the base of the waterfall.
Image 2: Takakkaw Falls
Image 3: Takakkaw Falls
After checking out the falls you can backtrack to the main trail. Iceline Trail starts on the opposite side of the valley from Takakkaw Falls so you must cross the road to get over there. The Iceline Trail starts by climbing up the side of the valley. Most of the elevation gain for the hike is completed during the switchbacks through the forest until you reach the tree line (Route marker #2 on the map). After that the trail levels out and is more gradual.
Image 4: Switchbacks up the valley wall
Image 5: Views of Takakkaw Falls across the valley
From the top of the tree line we had an incredible view of the Yoho Valley and Takakkaw Falls. As you follow the trail it becomes very clear why it is called Iceline Trail. The trail runs parallel to the glacier and runoff creates waterfalls, streams and alpine lakes. It is quite easy to follow the trail but if you get lost look for inukshuk’s to get you back on track.
Image 6: Streams along the Iceline Trail
Image 7: Alpine lakes from the melting glacier
There are a few different length loops you can take but we took a right at the Celeste Lake Connector and then another right at Little Yoho Valley Trail in order to make our way to Twin Falls (Route marker #3 on the map). The Celeste connector is about 4km and the Little Yoho Valley Trail is roughly 500m before it turns into Marpole Lake Connector which took us to Twin Falls. The trails are all marked very well with signs and distances so navigation is fairly straight forward.
Image 8: Signs marking the trail
Image 9: The trail to Twin Falls
Twin Falls was the highlight of our hike. We climbed right up close to the falls to be able to really appreciate their size and beauty!
Image 10: Twin Falls
Image 11: Views of Yoho Valley
From Twin Falls we made our way back to the main Yoho Valley Trail. On the way back to the car we passed Laughing Falls (Route marker #4 on the map) which is another large waterfall worth checking out.
Image 12: Laughing Falls
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you for choosing Epic Trip Adventures as your guide. We are committed to continually updating our guides to be as relevant and accurate as possible. If you have feedback to improve this guide please leave it in the comments below.
We also want to hear about your Iceline Trail adventures. If you have stories, pictures or even a link to your own adventure video please share them below!
For a downloadable PDF version of this guide CLICK HERE!
Walcott Peak is in Yoho National Park and sits just north of the Trans-Canada Highway about 1km east of the town of Field. Walcott Peak is one of two summits that make up Mount Burgess. With 1300m of elevation and some fun scrambling along the way, summiting Mount Walcott is a challenge! From the summit, at 2575m above sea level, you have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Emerald Lake.
From Calgary: Take the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) west approximately 210km to the trailhead. The parking lot is on the North side of the highway 1km east of the town of Field. Take a quick left after turning off the highway and follow that road to the end. There’s an open area where you can park.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable Footwear: Hiking shoes. Make sure your shoes are broken in prior to tackling this hike to prevent unexpected blisters. A good pair of hiking shoes is important to ensure good grip when scrambling.
Water: This hike is long with lots of elevation gain to reach the summit. Be sure to bring enough water for 5-6 hours of physical exertion.
Snacks: Bring some of your favorite snacks to enjoy along the hike and maybe a lunch to enjoy at the summit. Some of our favorite snacks are trail mix, bananas, beef jerky and licorice.
Weather appropriate clothing: You will be exposed to the elements throughout this hike. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Sunscreen: If it is sunny and you’re like Mattson, who easily burns, bring sunscreen!
Insect Repellent: Insect repellent can greatly improve your hiking experience.
Bear Spray: You are in bear country. Always hike with bear spray that is easily accessible.
Camera: There are numerous photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
This Guide: Print a copy of this guide to reference throughout the hike
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Wildlife: You will be hiking in bear country. It is always advisable to check in at the local Visitor Information Center to learn of any trail closures due to wildlife. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location. Travel in groups of multiple hikers and make lots of noise to avoid an unexpected encounter.
Leave No Trace: It is important that we enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Some key principles to consider when hiking to “Leave No Trace” are:
Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning allows adventurers to hike safely while minimizing damage to the land.
Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to the trail when possible. If there is no trail, or you must travel off trail, stay on durable surfaces to reduce your impact.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out.
Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
Be considerate of other visitors: Be courteous to others to allow everyone to enjoy their outdoor experience.
Summary: Walcott Peak is the northern summit of Mount Burgess. The hike is relatively straight forward but does involve some scrambling and ascending steep scree slopes. After making your way up switchbacks to the tree line there is an obvious gully to ascend to reach the summit.
Image 1: Walcott Peak Adventure Map
Step-By-Step Guide:
From the parking lot (Route marker #1 on the map) head west on the trail into the forest. This hike begins with an easy consistent ascent of switch backs through the tall forest. You will pass a small water source after about 20 mins of walking so fill up while you can.
Image 2: Walcott Peak Trail
Image 3: Ascending through the forest
Soon you will come out of the forest to a wide-open avalanche area. From here you can see the steep walls of Walcott Peak and Mount Burgess. Walcott peak is the northern peak while the high point of Mount Burgess is the south peak. Make note of the gully (Route marker #2 on the map) to the right of a “treed island”, this is where you will want to ascend to reach Walcott Peak.
Image 4: The gully to the right of the “treed” island”
While in the gully, stick to the right hand side. There is some scrambling at this point and lots of loose rock that can be frustrating. We ended up climbing out of the gully to get off of the loose rock but the safer and easier approach would be to stay in the gully.
Image 5: Anderson scrambling up the side of the gully
Once you’re through the gully the hard part is over and there is a scree slope to ascend to the summit! (Route marker #3 on the map)
Image 6: Anderson working his way to the top
Image 7: The scree slope to the summit
At the top you’re treated to panoramic views of the other peaks around Field plus a bird’s eye view of Emerald Lake.
Image 8: Anderson at the summit
Image 9: Mattson at the summit
Image 10: Emerald Lake
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you for choosing Epic Trip Adventures as your guide. We are committed to continually updating our guides to be as relevant and accurate as possible. If you have feedback to improve this guide please leave it in the comments below.
We also want to hear about your Walcott Peak adventures. If you have stories, pictures or even a link to your own adventure video please share them below!
For a downloadable PDF version of this guide CLICK HERE!
Johnston Canyon is close to Banff and rated as an easy hike. The trail is mostly paved, with railings and bridges, and it takes you on a journey through a stunning hundred-foot-high canyon with beautiful trees, streams and waterfalls. Between Upper Falls, Lower Falls and the Ink Pots, there are lots of beautiful sights to see along the way.
ADVENTURE STATISTICS
Time Required: 3-4 Hours
Location: 38km west of Banff, AB
Distance: 11.4km round trip
Highest Elevation:1440m
Elevation Gain:330m
Difficulty:3/10 – easy to follow trail with some elevation gain
Season: Year-Round – May require micro spikes in the winter
Additional Requirements: N/A
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From Calgary: Take the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) west approximately 121km to Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A). Follow Hwy 1A 17.5 km east and the trailhead for Johnston Canyon will be on your right.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable Footwear: Hiking shoes or a comfortable pair of sneakers. The trail has good footing and is easy to follow.
Water: It is always a good idea to bring lots of water when hiking.
Snacks: Bring some of your favorite snacks to enjoy along the hike. Some of our favorite snacks are trail mix, bananas, beef jerky and licorice.
Weather appropriate clothing: You will be exposed to the elements throughout this hike. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Strollers/Wheelchairs: The first part of this hike is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The trail can get very busy so if you can choose a time that’s less busy it may make the hike less stressful. Also note that strollers and wheelchairs can only make it to Lower Falls, the trail from there has uneven terrain and more elevation.
Ice Cleats: If you decide to do this hike in the winter, the trail can become very icy from the change in temperature so ice cleats may be worth considering bringing.
Sunscreen: If it is sunny and you’re like Mattson, who easily burns, bring sunscreen!
Insect Repellent: Insect repellent can greatly improve your hiking experience.
Bear Spray: You are in bear country. Always hike with bear spray that is easily accessible.
Camera: There are numerous photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
This Guide: Print a copy of this guide to reference throughout the hike
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Wildlife: You will be hiking in bear country. It is always advisable to check in at the local Visitor Information Center to learn of any trail closures due to wildlife. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location. Travel in groups of multiple hikers and make lots of noise to avoid an unexpected encounter.
Leave No Trace: It is important that we enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Some key principles to consider when hiking to “Leave No Trace” are:
Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning allows adventurers to hike safely while minimizing damage to the land.
Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to the trail when possible. If there is no trail, or you must travel off trail, stay on durable surfaces to reduce your impact.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out.
Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
Be considerate of other visitors: Be courteous to others to allow everyone to enjoy their outdoor experience.
Summary: Johnston Canyon is a popular, straight forward, out and back hike. There is basically no need for directions as this is one of the most popular hikes in Banff and the trail is very well maintained. The highlights of the hike are Lower Falls, Upper Falls and the Ink Pots.
Image 1: Johnston Canyon Adventure Map
Step-By-Step Guide:
From the parking lot, enter the trail through the pretty obvious wooden arch that says Johnston Canyon at the North end of the parking lot (Route marker #1 on the map). From there you will follow a paved trail, very easy to follow, that has railings and steps and is manageable for all skill levels. The trail follows the canyon and eventually ends up at Lower Falls. The distance from the trailhead to Lower Falls (Route marker #2 on the map) is 1.2km with 50m elevation gain.
Image 2: Johnston Canyon Trailhead
Image 3: The trail to Lower Falls
Image 4: Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
From Lower Falls to Upper Falls (Route marker #3 on the map) the trail gets slightly more challenging with 70m more elevation gain and 1.3km further to walk. Although the trail isn’t wheelchair accessible from Lower Falls on, it is still very manageable for nearly all skill levels. There may be a lineup of people waiting for their turn to take a picture at the Upper Falls.
Image 5: Smaller waterfalls along the way
Image 7: The lineup at Upper Falls
Image 7: Johnston Canyon Upper Falls
If you have the energy and want your adventure to continue it is only another 3.2km and 210m elevation gain to reach the Ink Pots (Route marker #4 on the map). This trail is not paved and travels up through the forest then back down the other side of the ridge. Eventually the trail opens out of the trees to a nice meadow where you’ll find the Ink Pots. The Ink Pots are spring fed mineral pools that will occasionally bubble up and swirl with different colors. The Ink Pots are a great spot for a picnic before you begin your hike back.
Image 8: The trail to the Ink Pots
Image 9: Dirt trail to the Ink Pots
Image 10: Anderson at the Ink Pots
Image 11: Staring at the Ink Pots
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you for choosing Epic Trip Adventures as your guide. We are committed to continually updating our guides to be as relevant and accurate as possible. If you have feedback to improve this guide please leave it in the comments below.
We also want to hear about your Johnston Canyon adventures. If you have stories, pictures or even a link to your own adventure video please share them below!
The Kananskis River cuts through the heart of Kananaskis Country in the Rocky Mountains. The river’s class II and III rapids draw local paddlers and have been on our list to check out for a while. After a brief warm up at Harvie Passage in Calgary we headed to Kananaskis to give the river a go.
Our Tips
If you need gear, rent from Aquabatics in Calgary https://aqoutdoors.com
Warm up and hone your skills at Harvey’s passage in Calgary
Check the flow rate and schedule (Kananskis river is controlled by a TransAlta dam) https://transalta.com/hydro/river-flows/
Our route was from the Widow Maker to Canoe Meadows
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you for choosing Epic Trip Adventures as your guide. We are committed to continually updating our guides to be as relevant and accurate as possible. If you have feedback to improve this guide please leave it in the comments below.
We also want to hear about your Kananaskis River adventures. If you have stories, pictures or even a link to your own adventure video please share them below!
For a downloadable PDF version of this guide CLICK HERE!
Crypt Lake is one of three hikes that make up Waterton’s Triple Crown and in 2014 National Geographic rated it as one of the world’s top 20 most thrilling trails! Highlights are spectacular waterfall views, a 60 ft. cave you will climb through and an exciting cable traverse along a cliff ledge.
ADVENTURE STATISTICS
Time Required: 5-7 Hours
Location: Waterton, AB
Distance: 18km round trip
Elevation Gain:700m
Difficulty:7/10 – Elevation gain and exposure
Season: June to mid-October
Additional Requirements: This hike is accessed by water ferry. Crypt Lake water shuttle tickets are required.
FERRY DIRECTIONS
From HWY 3 West: A dedicated ferry service operated by Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. provides access to the trailhead from Waterton. Park your vehicle at the Waterline Marina and purchase a ticket for the Crypt Lake Ferry. Be sure to check the ferry times.
There are only 1 or 2 ferry drop off and pickup times per day (2 during peak season).
The ferry ride to the trailhead is around 15 minutes and you are provided with some basic information about the hike along the way.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable Footwear: The hike to Crypt Lake and back will take anywhere from 5-7 hours. The trail to the lake is well defined and maintained so true hiking boots are not critical. A comfortable pair of running shoes with good grip will suffice.
Water: This hike is very exposed to the elements and most of the elevation gain is done without any shade. If it is a warm day ensure you have enough water for seven hours of activity in the sun.
Snacks: Bring some of your favorite snacks to enjoy along the hike as well as a light lunch for when you arrive at Crypt Lake. Some of our favorite snacks are trail mix, bananas, beef jerky and licorice (Supernibs! Cause they’re the best).
Weather appropriate clothing: There is little shade on a hot day and little shelter on a windy day. Plan accordingly.
Sunscreen: If it is sunny and you’re like Mattson, who easily burns, bring sunscreen!
Insect Repellent: Insect repellent can greatly improve your hiking experience.
Bear Spray: You are in bear country. Always hike with bear spray that is easily accessible.
Camera: There are numerous photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
This Guide: Print a copy of this guide to reference throughout the hike
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Wildlife: You will be hiking in bear country. It is always advisable to check in at the local Visitor Information Center to learn of any trail closures due to wildlife. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location. Travel in groups of multiple hikers and make lots of noise to avoid an unexpected encounter.
Leave No Trace: It is important that we enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Some key principles to consider when hiking to “Leave No Trace” are:
Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning allows adventurers to hike safely while minimizing damage to the land.
Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to the trail when possible. If there is no trail, or you must travel off trail, stay on durable surfaces to reduce your impact.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out.
Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
Be considerate of other visitors: Be courteous to others to allow everyone to enjoy their outdoor experience.
Summary: The hike to Crypt Lake follows a relatively clear trail passed beautiful waterfalls, through a 60 ft. cave, and along a cliff ledge assisted by a cable. There is an optional detour to Hell Roaring Falls near the beginning of this hike but we recommend saving it till the end if you have extra time. Although the total elevation change from the dock to Crypt Lake is about 700m there is some elevation loss along the way so you will end up climbing close to 1000m in total. It is critical that you budget your time and pace appropriately so that you catch the return ferry to Waterton.
Image 1: Crypt Lake Adventure Map
Step-By-Step Guide:
The Crypt Lake trailhead sign (Route marker #1 on the map) is clearly visible from the boat dock. The trail begins just right of the sign and heads into the forest. If there was a full boatload of tourists we recommend evaluating your hiking ability and either starting off quickly to get ahead of everyone, or hanging back and letting the faster hikers go. This is one of the most beautiful trails in Waterton and is best enjoyed without a boatload of tourists surrounding you.
Image 2: Crypt Lake Trailhead
Initially the trail climbs up gradual switchbacks through the forest. Early in the hike you will come across a sign to Hell Roaring Falls (Route marker #2 on the map). Ignore this sign and continue on the main path. Hell Roaring Falls is a good alternate route down if you have extra time before the ferry arrives.
Image 3: Crypt Lake Trail
Image 4: Hell Roaring Falls Detour
Continue following the trail as it climbs through the forest till the 3.5km point where you will see Twin Falls (Route marker #3 on the map) off to your right down a short steep side path. It can be a bit challenging getting down to the falls as the path can be slippery but it is worth it to be able to walk right up to the waterfall.
Image 5: Twin Falls
Image 6: Twin Falls
Once you depart Twin Falls the trail will leave the forest and become steeper and rockier. The rest of the climb up to Crypt Lake is quite exposed and can be very warm on a hot summer day. As you are climbing the upper switchbacks you will get a great view of Burnt Rock Falls (Route marker #4 on the map) in the distance. Continue traversing along the side of the valley enjoying the spectacular view looking back towards Upper Waterton Lake.
Image 7: Burnt Rock Falls
As you continue along the trail you will come to a ladder bolted into the rock wall. After climbing the ladder there is a 60 ft. natural tunnel (Route marker #5 on the map) you will have to climb through to continue to the lake. The tunnel is no more than 4 feet wide so it must be entered single file. With a large backpack it can take some maneuvering to get through the tightest points.
Image 8: Crypt Lake
Once you emerge from the tunnel you are presented with stunning views of crypt falls (Route marker #6 on the map) as well as an exciting cable walk along the cliff ledge.
From the exit of the tunnel follow the path for 500m along the ledge and into the forest where you will come to a fork in the road. Heading right will take you to the top of Crypt Falls. Heading left will take you to the lake. We recommend checking out the falls for some incredible photo opportunities and then following the path the remaining 200m to the lake for lunch (Route marker #7 on the map).
Image 9: Crypt Lake
Once you have enjoyed the lake and had sufficient rest, return to the boat dock along the path you ascended. If you have time to kill before the ferry arrives, there is an optional detour to Hell Roaring Falls near the end of the return hike.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you for choosing Epic Trip Adventures as your guide. We are committed to continually updating our guides to be as relevant and accurate as possible. If you have feedback to improve this guide please leave it in the comments below.
We also want to hear about your Crypt Lake adventures. If you have stories, pictures or even a link to your own adventure video please share them below!
For a downloadable PDF version of this guide CLICK HERE!
Bear’s Hump is a short, moderately strenuous hike located on the outskirts of the town of Waterton. Once you summit the “hump” you are rewarded with outstanding views of Waterton and the lower and middle Waterton lakes.
ADVENTURE STATISTICS
Time Required: 1 hour
Location:Trailhead begins behind the Waterton Park Information Center
Distance: 2.5km loop
Elevation Gain:240m
Difficulty:5/10 – Rapid elevation gain
Season: June to mid-October
Additional Requirements: N/A
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From Waterton: Bear’s Hump is located on the outskirts of Waterton town on Hwy 5. Park at the tourist information center as the trailhead is directly behind the tourist information building.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable Footwear: Hiking shoes. The trail up Bear’s hump is well maintained so hiking boots are not necessary. We recommend wearing comfortable running shoes because the trail is steep with uneven footing in places.
Water: Although this is a short hike, there is lots of elevation gain in a short amount of time. Bring at least one water bottle per person to stay hydrated on the hike.
Snacks: Bring some of your favorite snacks to enjoy at the top of the hike while you enjoy the stunning views. Some of our favorites are trail mix, bananas, beef jerky and licorice (Supernibs! Cause they’re the best).
Weather appropriate clothing: Although you will work up a sweat on the climb up, it can be windy at the summit so bring a light jacket if you get cold easily.
Sunscreen: If it is sunny and you’re like Mattson, who easily burns, bring sunscreen!
Insect Repellent: Insect repellent can greatly improve your hiking experience.
Bear Spray: You are in bear country. Always hike with bear spray that is easily accessible.
Camera: There are numerous photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
This Guide: Print a copy of this guide to reference throughout the hike
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Wildlife: You will be hiking in bear country. It is always advisable to check in at the local Visitor Information Center to learn of any trail closures due to wildlife. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location. Travel in groups of multiple hikers and make lots of noise to avoid an unexpected encounter.
Leave No Trace: It is important that we enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Some key principles to consider when hiking to “Leave No Trace” are:
Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning allows adventurers to hike safely while minimizing damage to the land.
Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to the trail when possible. If there is no trail, or you must travel off trail, stay on durable surfaces to reduce your impact.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out.
Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
Be considerate of other visitors: Be courteous to others to allow everyone to enjoy their outdoor experience.
Summary: Bear’s Hump is a 2.5 km round trip on a well maintained, easy to follow trail. We rate this hike as moderately difficult due to the rapid elevation gain.
Image 1: Bear’s Hump Adventure Map
Step-By-Step Guide:
The trail begins directly behind Waterton’s Visitor Center (Route marker #1 on the map). Due to this hike’s accessibility and stunning views it is very popular and can get crowded at the top. We recommend doing this hike on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Image 2: Bear’s Hump Trail
Follow the clearly marked trail from behind the visitor center along the switchbacks up to the summit (Route marker #2 on the map).
Image 3: Bear’s Hump Lookout
Image 4: Bear’s Hump Lookout
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The Churchill River system runs from Alberta, across Northern Saskatchewan and into Manitoba where it dumps into Hudson’s Bay. It is over 1600km long and we have had the privilege of exploring it on two separate occasions. The Churchill River has everything from lakes and rapids, to canyons and waterfalls. Don’t forget your camera as the sunsets in North Saskatchewan are incredibly beautiful. If you’re lucky, maybe one night the northern lights will put a show on for you.
Canoe Trip #1: Devil Lake to Corner Rapids
Canoe Trip #2: Stack Lake to Missinipe
Canoe Trip #3: Devil Rapids
ADVENTURE STATISTICS
Time Required: 3 days/3 nights (depending on your itinerary)
From Prince Albert: Head north on the number 2 highway out of Prince Albert. Follow that highway 240km to La Ronge where the highway becomes the 102 and winds its way 78km to Missinipe, SK.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable Footwear: Water shoes. Bring a pair of water shoes for portages and a pair of hikers or running shoes for the nights when you’re outside camping. Your feet will be wet for most of the day so it’s really nice to put on a dry pair of shoes at night.
Water: Having a good water purification pump or purification tabs are a good idea.
Snacks/Food: The amount of people on your trip will determine the amount of food you should bring. Here’s a list of some basic foods we packed for our trip:
Coffee
Powdered milk
Tang powder
Bacon/Eggs
Beef Jerky
Salt/Pepper
Oatmeal/Brown Sugar
Pancake Mix
Fish Beer Batter
Cheese
Syrup
Jam
Ketchup/Mustard
Butter
Potatoes
Rice
Bread
We also had the luxury of having Bush Pie makers with us. If you have access to them or can go buy some, we recommend it! Bush Pies make for a good lunch or evening snack. For our bush pies we had bread, cheese, pizza sauce and salami or sausage and we cooked them over the campfire.
Image 1: Bush Pie Maker
Weather appropriate clothing: Bring a raincoat! Learn from our mistakes. We got poured on and some of us didn’t have anything to keep us dry. A poncho will suffice. Also bring a sweater, toque, long sleeve shirt, T shirt, multiple pairs of socks, sweatpants, swim trunks, and maybe a bug net of some sort. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Camping Equipment: Knife, cutlery, plates, bowls, cups, pots, pans, grill to place over the fire, bush pie makers, camping stove, propane, gasoline, fire starter, matches, lighter, tent/hammock, sleeping bag, tarp, pillow if you have room, Ziploc bags to keep any valuables dry, lantern, compass and first aid kit. Totes and a sealed barrel are good for storing equipment and food. Pack any personal items you want to keep dry in a dry bag. Bring a fishing rod, tackle, and fileting knife. Great fishing up there.
Canoeing Equipment: For every 2 people you need 1 canoe, 3 paddles, 2 PFD’s and 1 bailing bucket. Make sure you have an extra paddle in case you lose one. Even if you aren’t running rapids, you will get water in your boat so bring a bailing bucket. We rented all of our equipment from Churchill River Canoe Outfitters in Missinipe, SK. They were very helpful, reasonably priced, and even provided a shuttle that dropped us off with our canoes at the launching area. They also have experienced guides that will take you out and teach you the basics of whitewater canoeing and outdoor survival.
Insect Repellent: Insect repellent can greatly improve your experience. A hat with a bug screen on it, or even a full mesh jacket is a good idea. The bugs in Northern Saskatchewan are huge and relentless. If you are not prepared for them, your trip may be very unpleasant.
Maps: Take some handheld laminated maps and keep them connected to your canoe You can usually find something applicable to your trip for purchase at your local outdoor recreation shop.
Bear Spray: You are in bear country. Always carry bear spray and keep it easily accessible.
Camera: There are numerous photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
This Guide: Print a copy of this guide to reference throughout the trip!
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Wildlife: You will be camping in bear country. It is always advisable to check in at the local Visitor Information Center to learn of any trail closures due to wildlife. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location. The guides at Churchill River Canoe Outfitters will have the most up to date information on the last bear sightings and where they have been most commonly making visits. Camping on islands is the best way to avoid bear interactions.
Flights: For our second trip we booked flights. We flew into Stack Lake and then paddled back to Missinipe. We booked through a company called Osprey Wings. It is located right in Missinipe and they were very easy to deal with. Phone: (306) 635-2112 Email: Ospreywings@sasktel.net
Leave No Trace: It is important that we enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Some key principles to consider when hiking to “Leave No Trace” are:
Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning allows adventurers to hike safely while minimizing damage to the land.
Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to the trail when possible. If there is no trail, or you must travel off trail, stay on durable surfaces to reduce your impact.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out.
Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
Be considerate of other visitors: Be courteous to others to allow everyone to enjoy their outdoor experience.
ADVENTURE DIRECTIONS: CANOE TRIP #1 (DEVIL LAKE TO CORNER RAPIDS)
Summary: This guide will contain information on what we did on our trip. The beauty of canoeing in North Saskatchewan is having the option to explore hundreds of rivers and lakes. There’s no right or wrong route to choose. Your skill level and physical condition will determine the route that is most suitable for you to take. This route we took is for the intermediate canoer. It requires lining up rapids, portaging, and ferrying across weak class rapids. There is also the option to run some higher class rapids if you want a challenge.
Image 2: Canoeing The Churchill River Adventure Map
Step-By-Step Guide:
Our trip started at Churchill River Canoe Outfitters on a Friday evening. We had 6 guys, 3 canoes, and we got dropped off at Devil’s Lake boat launch (Route marker #1 on the map) at about 5pm. We paddled northwest across Devil Lake and around Manitou Island to our first portage at Mosquito Rapids. This was only about a 4km paddle and took less than an hour. The portage around the rapids is a short 100m on a well trafficked trail. We launched our boats back in the water, continued paddling passed Murray Falls (we could only hear it because we were upstream) and to the end of Muchaye Island where we found an awesome campsite (Route marker #2 on the map).
Image 3: Portaging at Mosquito Rapids
Image 4: Camping at Muchaye Island
The next morning, we took off from our campsite and paddled across Barker Lake and around the north side of Barker Island to a point called Hank’s Hotel. There are nice campsites at Barker Island and at Hank’s Hotel. We continued up the rapids, ferrying across to the North side of the river, and then stopped at a little island before getting out and lining our canoes up the South side of that island. Once passed those rapids it was a straight shot to Surf City (Route marker #4 on the map). Lining our canoes over Surf City was a little more challenging.
Image 5: Lining up Surf City
After passing Surf City we headed North passed Carla’s Rapids and then West toward Scouts Island (Route marker #3 on the map). This was where we spent most of the afternoon. We shot Corner Rapids a few times to get some confidence and practice our white water skills. Then we tried a short set of rapids beside Ric’s Falls that didn’t go as well.
Image 6: Corner Rapids
Image 7: Ric’s Falls
After an afternoon of adrenaline and fun, we decided to head back to Surf City to camp. We found a great campsite above the rapids. After jumping in the rapids and going for a ride a few times, we grabbed our fishing rods to catch dinner. There is an eddy on the North bank of the rapids that was very generous with fish. We had beer battered fish for supper before calling it a night.
Image 8: Mattson catching a fish at Surf City
When we woke up the next morning it was raining. Some of us weren’t prepared for the rain and a raincoat or poncho would have been very nice. We paddled down Surf City, across Barker Lake, then around the South side of Muchaye Island. We portaged our gear around Mosquito Rapids on the same trail we went up the day before, but left our canoes at the top. After transporting all our gear we got back in the canoes and paddles all the way around Muchaye Island to the Murray Channel on the north side of the island. The Murray Channel has four sets of rapids all in a row. The rapids are class 3, then 2, then 3, then 1 and there are little eddies after each set to stop and wait for your comrades. After the second class 3 set of rapids there is a whirlpool as a result of the waterfall and rapids meeting. If you stay left you can avoid it, but paddle hard!
Image 9: Paddling to the Murray Channel in the rain
After coming out of Murray Rapids we headed right around the corner of Muchaye Island to where we had left our gear from the portage. We packed up and continued East across Devil Lake to the top of Otter Rapids. At this point we decided we needed shelter from the rain and found a perfect spot at the Otter Rapids campground (Route marker #5 on the map). There’s a portage on the East side of the river before the rapids begin that will take you up to the bridge. The campground is on the road just passed the east end of the bridge.
Before drying off completely we had one last thing to check off the bucket list. Jumping off of the Otter Rapids Bridge has been on our to-do list for some time, and we did it. There are signs on the bridge written in spray paint pointing out the safest place to jump. This is a dangerous activity and we only recommend jumping if you are a strong swimmer and the water level is high.
Image 10: Otter Rapid’s Campground
Image 11: Otter Rapid’s Bridge
The next morning, we shot the Otter Rapids before getting picked up by the Churchill River Canoe Outfitter’s shuttle. Overall the trip was a huge success and we’d highly recommend this route to anyone looking to go on a Canoe Trip in Northern Saskatchewan.
ADVENTURE DIRECTIONS: CANOE TRIP #2 (STACK LAKE TO MISSINIPE)
Summary: This guide will contain information on what we did on our second trip. The route we took is for the intermediate canoer. It requires navigating through small to medium rapids, portaging, and long lake paddles. There is also the option to run some higher-class rapids if you want a challenge.
Image 12: Canoeing Stack Lake to Missinipe Adventure Map
Step-By-Step Guide:
Our first day began with us hopping into two float planes, getting dropped off in Stack Lake, unloading our gear from the plane, and then loading it into the canoes. We made our way Northwest to our first campsite at the “Slick” or “Rooster Tail Rapids” (Route marker #1 on the map). We dropped our gear off there, launched our canoes and headed Northwest to a portage that would eventually dump us into McIntosh Lake.
Image 13: Boarding the float plane in Missinipe
Image 14: Portaging to McIntosh Lake
We paddled all the way to the South end of McIntosh Lake, where there is a set of Class 2 rapids. These rapids dump into Trout Lake and were a good starter set to run because they were the right mix of challenging yet makeable. From there we passed Trout Falls, Little trout rapids (very easy), and then made our way back to the Slick (our first night campsite). The Slick is a fun set of rapids with minimal risk that is great for beginners to learn on. We played on these rapids a few times before calling it a night and setting up camp.
Image 15: The Slick
Image 16: Camping at The Slick
Day two we set off East and South through some channels and hit Rock Trout Rapids (Route marker #2 on the map). There is a portage that takes you across the first set of rapids. We portaged our gear and then ran the rapids with empty boats. These rapids were a challenge, and we had multiple wipeouts. After Rock Trout Rapids we reached Little Rock Trout Rapids which we shot with gear in our boats. After some more paddling we popped out into Mountney Lake.
Image 17: Paddling across Mountney Lake
We paddled our way to the South end of Mountney Lake. After leaving the lake there were a few small rapids that we shot with gear (Upper and Lower Chief Rapids), both class 1+. After these rapids we were in Nipew (Dead) Lake. Dead Lake is roughly 10km long and can be quite a challenging paddle depending on wind direction. We headed straight East to the end of the lake, keeping Boyes and Boyle Island to the North of us. Straight ahead at the East end of the lake is Devil Rapids Lodge.
Image 18: Planning the route across Dead Lake
Image 19: Paddling Dead Lake
We made our way through the channels at the Northeast end of Nipew Lake to find a campsite for the night. There are two campsites around there. One on the North side of the river on the mainland, and one on an island that we chose to stay at a little bit farther downstream (Route marker #3 on the map).
Image 20: Night two campsite
Image 21: Night two campfire
Day three we set off and paddled around the south side of Two lake Island with the hopes of making it to Sluice Falls for lunch. We made it through Hayman Lake and stopped at the portage trail at the top of Sluice Falls (Route marker #4 on the map). Sluice Falls, and the rapids before it, is a long set of rapids too treacherous for a canoe. Most people portage around this. You’ll find this 850m portage on the West side of the river just before the rapids start and there is a great campsite at the other end.
Image 22: Paddling to Sluice Falls
Image 23: Portaging Sluice Falls
This is where our trip takes a turn. During our lunch break at the Sluice Falls campsite, we were approached by a man in a jet boat telling us that we had to evacuate due to the spreading forest fires and smoke rolling in. We packed up our bags and motored back to Missinipe in the jet boat (Route marker #5 on the map). That was the end of our trip.
Image 24: Sluice Falls
Image 25: Getting evacuated
If our plans didn’t get interrupted by fires, we would have continued to Corner Rapids, Surf City, through Barker Lake and finished with Otter Rapids. During our first trip we made it to Corner Rapids and finished at Otter Rapids, which was the intended last leg of this journey. So, in other words, if you combine Canoe Trip #1 and Canoe Trip #2, we completed everything from Stack Lake to Otter Rapids. It was a little unfortunate as some of our team had never paddled Otter Rapids before, but the positive is that we didn’t get burnt down or caught in a forest fire.
Summary: This guide contains information on where we travelled for our third canoe trip down the Churchill River system. The route is relatively easy, in the same general area as our previous trips, but hits a few different sets of rapids (Great Devil and Little Devil). We would rate this route as beginner to intermediate as far as canoeing skill level.
Image 28: Devil Rapids Adventure Map
Step-By-Step Guide:
We rented our canoes from Churchill River Canoe Outfitters (like every previous year) and got them to drop us off at the Devils Lake Boat Launch (Route marker #1 on the map). We loaded up the canoes, launched, and paddled to the northwest corner of Devils Lake where we entered the river system.
Image 29: Devil Lake Boat Launch
Image 30: Crossing Devil Lake
From Devils Lake we paddled upstream to Little Devil Rapids. Little Devil Rapids consists of three class II rapids. There is a portage on river left at the bottom of the rapids, but the portage trail is long, about 800m, and is often muddy with a lot of mosquitoes. We recommend a quicker and easier alternative route up Little Devil Rapids. When approaching the rapids, there is a little bay on river right and a portage (100m) to the top of the last set of rapids. From there you can paddle upstream to the next set of rapids where you can line the canoe up river right again. From this spot you have two options. 1. ferry across to river left and line the canoes up the last set of rapids or 2. paddle upstream to another (not as travelled) portage trail on river right. We took the portage trail on river right, option 2, because we were worried about flipping our fully loaded canoes on the rapids.
Image 31: Portaging up Little Devil Rapids
Image 32: Lining the rapids
There are two islands between Great Devil and Little Devil Rapids. We found an awesome campsite on the northern one (Route marker #2 on the map) and stayed there for two nights. Great Devil Rapids is very close to that campsite.
Image 33: Our campsite
Image 34: Fishing
The portage trail for Great Devil (Route marker #3 on the map) is on river left about 150m north of the bottom of the rapids. This portage trail is muddy, full of mosquitoes and 1150m long. It was brutal. At the bottom of the rapids there is a waterfall/Class V rapid that can be run but is very challenging in a canoe. The rest of the rapids are rated as Class III. The rapids can be run without hitting the waterfall, but you have to be sure to steer your canoe to river left before the river turns right and heads towards the falls. We ran the class III rapids but did not run the falls.
Image 35: Great Devil Rapids
Image 36: Great Devil Rapids
We ran Great Devil and Little Devil Rapids (Route marker #4 on the map) multiple times before heading back towards Missinipe. On the way back we went the same way as we came, eventually crossing Devil Lake to get back to the boat launch where we had parked. From the boat launch it’s not far to Otter Rapids. Otter Rapids are a long set of class III rapids. You can gain a lot of experience running them while having a lot of fun.
Image 37: Otter Rapids
Image 38: Otter Rapids
For our last night we played around on the rapids and then camped at Otter Rapids Campground (Route marker #5 on the map). Hope this guide helps and hope you enjoy your trip!
Image 39: Otter Rapids Bridge
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you for choosing Epic Trip Adventures as your guide. We are committed to continually updating our guides to be as relevant and accurate as possible. If you have feedback to improve this guide please leave it in the comments below.
We also want to hear about your Churchill River adventures. If you have stories, pictures or even a link to your own adventure video please share them below!
Mclean Creek is considered a “Public Land Use Zone” (PLUZ) in Kananaskis Country just West of Calgary. It is a great spot for anyone wanting to get out of town and ride trails on dirt bikes/quads/side-by-sides. McLean Creek is nice and close to Calgary and has a big parking lot/staging area to unload quads and bikes. There is a campground there that has 96 powered campsites, roughly 70 more unserviced campsites, plus random camping is allowed in the PLUZ. This PLUZ is 202 square km’s so there is a lot of area to explore!
From Calgary: Take AB-8 W for 25km, take your 3rd exit at the round-about, pass Bragg Creek and keep on AB-22 until you reach a T intersection. Take a right at the T onto AB-66 W and follow for 11.7km until you reach the McLean Creek Staging area.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable Footwear: High ankle boots.
Water: Always important
Snacks: Bring some of your favorite snacks to enjoy as a light lunch. Some of our favorite snacks are trail mix, bananas, beef jerky and licorice.
Camping Gear: If you choose to camp, bring your hammock or tent! Also check the links below for booking a campsite.
Proper Riding Gear: Helmet, gloves, goggles.
Sunscreen: If it is sunny and you’re like Mattson, who easily burns, bring sunscreen!
Insect Repellent: Insect repellent can greatly improve your hiking experience.
Bear Spray: You are in bear country. Always hike with bear spray that is easily accessible.
Camera: There are numerous photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
This Guide: Print a copy of this guide to reference throughout the hike
Map: Use the link below to download the map from alberta.ca or, better yet, download the “Maclean Creek Map” from Azenza Maps. More details below.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Wildlife: You will be in bear country. It is always advisable to check in at the local Visitor Information Center to learn of any trail closures due to wildlife. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location. Travel in groups and make lots of noise to avoid an unexpected encounter.
Leave No Trace: It is important that we enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Some key principles to consider when hiking to “Leave No Trace” are:
Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning allows adventurers to hike safely while minimizing damage to the land.
Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to the trail when possible. If there is no trail, or you must travel off trail, stay on durable surfaces to reduce your impact.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out.
Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
Be considerate of other visitors: Be courteous to others to allow everyone to enjoy their outdoor experience.
Random Camping is allowed in the PLUZ (Note** As of 2021 a Public Lands Camping Pass is required). Download a map of the area and learn more about what you can and cannot do on the website below:
Pro Tip – Get the Avenza Maps app on your phone and download “MacLean Creek Map” before you get out there. This will allow you use your phones GPS to know where you are even when you don’t have cell service.
Image 3: Dirt Biking at McLean Creek
Image 4: Dirt Biking at McLean Creek
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you for choosing Epic Trip Adventures as your guide. We are committed to continually updating our guides to be as relevant and accurate as possible. If you have feedback to improve this guide please leave it in the comments below.
We also want to hear about your McLean Creek adventures. If you have stories, pictures or even a link to your own adventure video please share them below!
For a downloadable PDF version of this guide CLICK HERE!
Grey Owl’s Cabin is in the northern part of Prince Albert National Park, north of Waskesiu and Kingsmere Lakes. This is a beautiful, challenging hike that starts at the south end of Kingsmere Lake. The hike follows the east shoreline for 20km to another smaller lake called Ajawaan Lake where lies Grey Owl’s Cabin.
“Far enough away to gain seclusion, yet within reach of those whose genuine interest prompts them to make the trip, Beaver Lodge extends a welcome to you if your heart is right.”
– Grey Owl
ADVENTURE STATISTICS
Time Required: 2 days minimum
Location: 3 hours north of Saskatoon
Distance: 40km round trip
Elevation Gain:minimal
Difficulty:7/10 – Very long
Season: May to September
Additional Requirements: Camping Permit
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From Prince Albert: Take Hwy 2 North for 75km until you see signs for Hwy 264/Waskesiu. Turn left here and follow Hwy 264 for 46km until the road dead ends. It will be gravel for the last 18km and there will be a parking lot and boat launch at the end.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable Footwear: Hiking shoes. Make sure your shoes are broken in prior to tackling this hike to prevent unexpected blisters.
Water: This hike is very long so it’s important to stay hydrated. If you have a small water filter, or purification tablets, they will come in handy as you won’t have to carry as much water.
Meals: This hike is a minimum 2-day hike, so you’ll have to plan some meals. Smokies, sandwiches, oatmeal, veggies, and fruit are easy to pack and full of nutrients.
Weather appropriate clothing: You will be exposed to the elements throughout this hike. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. We would recommend a raincoat just in case…
Extra shoes and socks: Depending on the time of year, the trail can be wet and mucky. A warm pair of socks and shoes at the end of your hike will feel better than you think.
Sunscreen: If it is sunny and you’re like Mattson, who easily burns, bring sunscreen!
Insect Repellent: This area has a ton of mosquitoes. Don’t forget to bring bug spray!
Bear Spray: You are in bear country. Always hike with bear spray that is easily accessible.
Camera: There are numerous photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
This Guide: Print a copy of this guide to reference throughout the hike
Camping Equipment: Tent, Sleeping bag, hammock, pots, pans, plates, and utensils. Anything you think you’ll need for an overnight hike.
Camping permit: This can be purchased at the national park Visitor Center.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Wildlife: You will be hiking in bear country. It is always advisable to check in at the local Visitor Information Center to learn of any trail closures due to wildlife. Carry bear spray in an easily accessible location. Travel in groups of multiple hikers and make lots of noise to avoid an unexpected encounter.
Canoe: Reaching Grey Owl’s Cabin can be done by canoe. There is a boat launch at the trailhead, a rail cart that helps you portage into Kingsmere Lake, and big signs on the shore of Kingsmere Lake to use as landmarks for trails and campsites. This guide will stick to the hike instead of the canoe route, but paddling is an option.
Leave No Trace: It is important that we enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Some key principles to consider when hiking to “Leave No Trace” are:
Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning allows adventurers to hike safely while minimizing damage to the land.
Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to the trail when possible. If there is no trail, or you must travel off trail, stay on durable surfaces to reduce your impact.
Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out.
Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
Be considerate of other visitors: Be courteous to others to allow everyone to enjoy their outdoor experience.
Summary: The trail heads north from the parking lot along Kingsmere River then follows the east side of Kingsmere Lake for 20km passing different campsites along the way. From the north end of the lake, you will hike another 1.5km to Ajawaan Lake where you will find Grey Owl’s Cabin.
Image 1: Grey Owl’s Cabin Adventure Map
Step-By-Step Guide:
In the northwest corner of the parking lot (Route marker #1 on the map) and will see a big sign marking the trailhead. Follow the trail north for a few hundred meters and you will see the Kingsmere River down below. There is a rail cart portage track for canoers.
Image 2: The trail to Grey Owl’s Cabin
Image 3: Wet sections along the trail
Image 4: Kingsmere River
Roughly 300 meters from the trailhead is a branch off to the left to reach the first campsite, Southend Campground. This campground is another 1.2km from the fork. To get to Grey Owl’s Cabin stick to the right and continue following the trail. 3km from that fork, you’ll arrive at Westwind Group Campground (Route marker #2 on the map).
At 6.7km there is another campsite called Chipewyan Portage Campground (Route marker #3 on the map). This is where we stopped for snacks and a break.
Image 5: Chipewyan Portage Campground
Image 6: Anderson continuing along the trail
6km past Chipewyan Portage Campground is Sandy Beach Campground (Route marker #4 on the map). This is where we spent the night. There are no campsites at Grey Owl’s Cabin. We’d recommend camping at either Sandy Beach Campground or North End Campground and doing a day hike from there to the Cabin without heavy gear.
Image 7: Sandy Beach Campground
Image 8: Sandy Beach Campground
There are a couple sections of the hike where you walk along the beach. It’s a nice change of scenery and the views of the lake are beautiful.
Image 9: Kingsmere Lake
Image 9: Kingsmere Lake
The last campground before Grey Owl’s Cabin is Northend Campground (Route marker #5 on the map). It is 16.8km from the trailhead. It includes two double sites and two single sites. Here you will also find a large sheltered area with picnic tables and a wood stove. I wish we would have known about this shelter when we did the hike as we could have taken shelter from the rain.
The last leg of the journey is relatively easy, and most people do it without their packs and gear. 3km north of the Northend Campground the trail will jag to the left and take you along the west shore of Ajawaan Lake to the Cabins. The lower cabin was Grey Owl’s, and the upper cabin was built for his wife, daughter, and visitors. There is a lot of history in these cabins about Grey Owl’s journeys and his message about nature conservation. There are postcards, pictures and books telling stories about Grey Owl inside his cabin. Respect the cabin, respect the site, and have fun!
Image 12: Grey Owl’s Cabin
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you for choosing Epic Trip Adventures as your guide. We are committed to continually updating our guides to be as relevant and accurate as possible. If you have feedback to improve this guide please leave it in the comments below.
We also want to hear about your Grey Owl Cabin adventures. If you have stories, pictures or even a link to your own adventure video please share them below!
