Go Climb a Mountain – Family Friendly First Summits

There’s nothing like climbing a mountain to teach a child perseverance, build self-confidence, and drive home the message that “Yes, I Can!”  After all, think of the beloved Children’s Classic with the little engine that pulls the train over the mountain for her first time ever to the mantra of “I think I can, I think I can…”  Well, you can climb a mountain too!  And so can your children!  There are many summits, ridges, and viewpoints in the Canadian Rockies with less than 400m of height gain from top to bottom and many of them are quite do-able by children as young as 3-4 years old.  Some of them even have support to help you access the summit via gondola or aerial tramway.

First Summits in Jasper National Park

In my latest story for Calgary's Child Magazine I tell you about my top picks for first summits that you can do with your family this summer from Waterton National Park in the South up to Jasper National Park in the North.  Make it a goal to try at least one of these hikes with your family and maybe you’ll find that you even enjoy climbing mountains together.  You won’t know unless you try.

Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park

To read the full story and find out which first summits I recommend tackling with your family visit the Calgary's Child website to read my story:   Go Climb a Mountain – Family Friendly First Summits.

The story is also available in print so if you are in the Calgary area, go down to your local grocery store or library to find a copy of the July/August issue of Calgary's Child.  It was released just today.

On top of the Bear's Hump in Waterton Lakes National Park