Thursday, June 29, 2017

Campsite to River! Camping and Floating across Southern Alberta

Summer is here and there's no better way to spend a day at camp than by floating down a calm river in a tube, an inflatable raft, or even on a stand up paddleboard. Add a canoe or kayak, and you can enjoy half-day outings floating down some very relaxed rivers in Southern Alberta.


Floating down the Little Red Deer River, Red Lodge Provincial Park

The three campgrounds I'm featuring in this story all have rivers flowing through them. For Red Lodge and Writing on Stone, you can jump into the river at one end of the campground with your inflatable boat of choice, and easily float to the far end of the campground. For Dinosaur Provincial Park, you'll have to set up a car shuttle and I'd recommend using an actual kayak or canoe (with some introductory paddling experience.)

Paddling down the Red Deer River in Dinosaur Provincial Park


Red Lodge Provincial Park


We just recently camped in Red Lodge Provincial Park and the Little Red Deer River was still a bit high for "lazy floating." Another week or so though, and this will be a prime location for tubes and inflatable rafts.

The Little Red Deer River winds through the campground and families enjoy starting at one end of camp, floating down to the far end, and then repeating - all day long.

At low water levels, there are beach areas and you should expect to find lots of fun mud to play in. (Hopefully your kids like mud more than mine does!)

And for day users, there are plenty of day use picnic areas where you could stage your floating adventures from. 

Floating down the Little Red Deer River, Red Lodge Provincial Park


What to Expect from the Campground:


Honestly,  this is a great campground to visit with friends. We were a little bit lonely camping here by ourselves because everybody else appeared to be in groups.

Unless you're busy hanging out with friends, there is not a whole lot to do at this campground so make sure you bring boats of some sort. Otherwise, there was also a fun little trail along the river that we enjoyed biking, and we saw many kids biking around the campground roads.

There is a great playground in a central field that has a badminton net and plenty of room for a game of soccer. This was definitely the meeting place for families in the campground and was always full of children.

Site selection: Try to book a power site on the river in the C loop near the playground.

Biking along the Little Red Deer River in Red Lodge Provincial Park


Other Water Adventures in the Area: 

We drove to Red Deer while camping at Red Lodge to check out the newly renovated Discovery Canyon. It was a cute park where you can rent tubes (or bring your own) and enjoy a short little float down a small creek. There is also a beautiful white sand beach and plenty of grass for blankets.

Day Trip from Red Lodge Provincial Park: Discovery Canyon in Red Deer

If you have kayaks or canoes, you can also float a longer stretch of the Little Red Deer River from Red Lodge Provincial Park. Check with park staff at the campground for recommended put in or take out spots.

Easy floating through Red Lodge Provincial Park


Writing on Stone Provincial Park


Writing on Stone Provincial Park has a fabulous campground situated in the Alberta badlands with hoodoos everywhere you look. It is a great place to explore and to learn about the history of our First Nation people.

"The spectacular Milk River valley contains the largest concentration of First Nation petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) on the great plains of North America." (Alberta Parks)

While here, I definitely recommend hiking the interpretive trails, signing up for a guided tour to see the rock art, and bringing some boats or inflatable rafts/tubes to enjoy on the Milk River. The river is calm around the provincial park and is great for novice paddlers with some basic river experience.

Stand up paddleboarding down the Milk River outside Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Option one for floating the Milk River: Put in at Weir Bridge above camp and float 9.7 km back to the campground.

Option two:  Float from camp down to Deer Creek Bridge in an easy 7.1 km float.

For both of these options, I recommend using kayaks, canoes, or a stand up paddleboard so that you can paddle rather than just floating down the river.

Option three: Float from one end of the campground down to the camp beach. Repeat as many times as you want. 

Easy floating and paddling down the Milk River


Follow this link to read my full story on Camping in Writing on Stone Provincial Park

And note that you should check the Milk River water levels before planning to paddle. By mid to late summer the river is often too low to paddle. You would still be able to float through camp, but a real trip with kayak or canoe would be impossible at low river levels.

Enjoying the beach in the Writing on Stone Provincial Park campground


Dinosaur Provincial Park


Paddling the Red Deer River is a fun way to spend half a day while camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park.

The river is relaxed and often feels like a very slow moving lake as long as you don't go during spring run off. It is a great float trip for novice paddlers with some basic river experience.

The Red Deer River is great for stand up paddleboarding near Dinosaur Provincial Park

For this one, you won't be able to simply float through camp. You'll have to set up a shuttle and head up river to the Steveville Campground. From the Steveville bridge it is a 14 km paddle so you'll definitely want kayaks, canoes, or even a stand up paddleboard.

If you want a longer trip, you can start at the Emerson Bridge Campground, spend a night at the Steveville Campground, and then end at Dinosaur Provincial Park. Your first day will be 28 km though and personally, I found it to be quite long on a stand up paddleboard.

The family kayak, loaded with kids and gear for an overnight trip down the Red Deer River

For full information on camping, hiking, and paddling in Dinosaur Provincial Park, please read the following stories:


Camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park

Camping in the Alberta Badlands

Wild about Dinosaur Provincial Park

Hiking in Dinosaur Provincial Park 


Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park


Sunset in Dinosaur Provincial Park

And, if you're interested in paddling other sections of the Red Deer River, check out this story: Paddling the Alberta Badlands.

Canoeing down the Red Deer River in Central Alberta

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

First Summits - Heart Mountain Family Scramble

Heart Mountain is a classic summit that many hikers tackle as one of their first climbs in the Canadian Rockies. Located close to Calgary, it is largely just a steep walk up to the top of the mountain and there is no approach. Park on the side of the highway and start walking. Up.

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Heart Mountain Summit, Kananaskis


Introduction to Heart Mountain 

 

The Trailhead for Heart Mountain is the same as for the popular Heart Creek trail (but many people park right beside the highway to cut off a bit of distance at the beginning and end - as we did.)

Heart Mountain is located in the Heart Creek Provincial Recreation Area and is easily found right beside the TransCanada highway 8 km east of the Hamlet of Dead Man's Flats. (opposite Lac Des Arcs)

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Heart Mountain as seen from the far ridge on the Horseshoe Circuit


While many (or most) people hike straight up and back down again, we decided to do the full Heart Horseshoe circuit, ascending and descending different ridges. This put us roughly a kilometre away from where we'd parked our car at the end but it made for an easier descent on a trail that is not quite as steep. (It's still plenty steep, but not "as" steep.)

As a bonus to hiking the full horseshoe circuit, we got to summit two peaks instead of just one on our long ridge walk, hiking up and over Grant MacEwan Peak, actually higher than the Heart Mountain summit.

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
You'll get beautiful views down over the Bow Valley from the summit of Heart Mountain

Stats for our Summit of Heart Mountain (with the Horseshoe Circuit)



Height Gain: 911 metres total height gain with Heart Mountain and Grant MacEwan Peak


Distance: 9.6 km circuit (if you start beside the highway.) 11.1 km circuit from the official Heart Creek Day Use Area.


Time that it took us: 7 hours to complete the full circuit. And if you want a good idea of  how long the circuit really is, it only took us 2.5 hours to get UP. The remaining 4.5 hours were spent on the circuit and the descent.


Age of kids we hiked with: 2 eight-year old boys


Best Guide Book: If you're just climbing up and down Heart Mountain, you'll find the information you need in Alan Kane's "Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies" guide book.

If you want to do the full horseshoe circuit, you'll want to read Gillean Daffern's Kananaskis Country Trail Guide, Volume 3


Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Rest break on the ascent of Heart Mountain


Hiking up the Ascent Route to the Summit of Heart Mountain


I'm not a guide book writer, so I encourage you to do a couple of things before you set out to climb Heart Mountain with kids.

  1. Get one of the guide books mentioned above or head out with a friend who's already done this hike. While there is a very well beaten down path to the summit, one can still take a wrong turn here or there. And wrong turns on Heart can be very dangerous. It is important that you find the correct way up the cliff bands on the front side and that you don't stray too far off course.

  2. Hike Heart Mountain with your partner or a friend first (without the kids.) If you find your way up, have no problems, enjoy the hike, and think your children would enjoy it, then by all means - take the kids. But don't head up this trail thinking it will be a nice pleasant little day hike. It is a scramble on an rough unofficial trail, with hands on moments, one moderate step at a cliff band, and much loose rock. The trail is relentlessly steep and route finding skills are required. 

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
The moderate step that you'll have to scramble up to reach the summit


What to expect from the ascent up Heart Mountain:

  • Very loose rock (worse on descent.) The last time I descended the main route, I swore I'd never go down this ridge again - and we've done the horseshoe circuit ever since.

  • A relentlessly steep hike where you'll gain roughly 800 metres of height in 2.7 km.

  • Plenty of excitement for kids who get bored hiking. Seriously, my son LOVED this hike because there was no boring plodding through the trees for hours on end. There is virtually no approach for this hike. Get on the trail right from the highway and start climbing immediately. You stop climbing when you hit the summit.

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Fun scrambling on the way up Heart Mountain

  • No switchbacks. This is a "climbers" summit - short, quick, and dirty. The trail does not waste time with cute little switchbacks so that your trip is easier or more pleasant. If you want switchbacks, you should hike up Ha Ling Peak instead.

  • One moderate step at a 3-metre high cliff band where you'll have to use your hands, find hand/foot holds, and pull yourself up. A fall here could result in an injury.

  •  Lack of shade. This slope is very warm and dry on a hot summer day so start early. You don't want to be climbing up in the mid-day heat.

  • Rocky slabs near the top that kids will find fun. Parents might not find them as fun because a fall could result in serious injury and kids will be using their hands to scramble up the rock.

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
More scrambling before the summit

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Lots of fun moments en route to the summit of Heart Mountain

If I haven't lost you yet, you've reached your first summit, Heart Mountain. You'll stop here for lunch and a well deserved rest break before continuing on to Grant MacEwan Peak.

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Summit number 1: Heart Mountain
Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
The Summit Star


Going Further to Grant MacEwan Peak


If you've made it to the summit of Heart Mountain, the rest of the trip is a "walk in the park" more or less. You'll enjoy open ridge walking (never alarmingly narrow,) constant views, a breeze (refreshing after the hot ascent up the front side of the mountain,) and plenty of small bumps that beg for candy and snack breaks.

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
There are constant views as you walk the ridge on the Heart Horseshoe
Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Ridge walking around the Horseshoe

The only crux in continuing on to Grant MacEwan Peak is that the kids will be tired by this point, feet might be getting sore, and you'll have to go up and down over multiple small bumps on the ridge. (Each one feeling like another summit!)

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Easy Ridge walking on the Heart Horseshoe Circuit
Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Easy ridge walking and constant views

From the Heart Mountain summit it is another 1.5 km of walking until you reach the summit of Grant MacEwan Peak. Beyond this, it is another 1 km (over another bump) before you begin your looooong descent route. (Trust me, each of those "o"s is warranted!)

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
We're going up there to Grant MacEwan Peak and beyond
Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Grassy meadow section of the ridge walk en route to the final bump
Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
I think I wanted to cry at this point - more UP on the never ending ridge walk


The Descent to the Quaite Valley Trail


There is nothing technical about the descent and it is much easier than the ascent route. There are no cliff bands and the rock is much more stable under foot. However, this doesn't mean it is easy or that it's not still very steep.

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
The descent ridge (steep at the top)
The descent always seems to take forever and you'll be taking many breaks if hiking with kids. (Remember, it only took us 2.5 hours to get up Heart Mountain but it took us 4.5 hours to do the horseshoe and descent!)

My best advice for the descent is to bring bike gloves for the kids (and even adults.) The rock is loose at times and there is the occasional short step where you'll have to put a hand (or bum) down. Gloves save the skin if somebody slips. I've even been known to bring pants for the descent (if hiking in shorts on a hot day) because the more skin covered, the better!

Once you get down to the bottom of the ridge, you'll turn left and follow the powerline back to where you started from. We had intended to leave kids and moms at the highway here, sending dads back for the cars, but in the end, we all just hiked back to the parking lot.



Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Rest break on the way down the circuit

Suggested Family Summits before Attempting Heart Mountain 


I'm not going to suggest a recommended age for this hike because the reality is that I know some 5-year olds who could tackle this hike, and I know plenty of 8-year olds who couldn't. Many adults could not do this hike!

Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
Rugged hiking along the Heart Mountain Horseshoe


Recommended summits to try first:

- Ha Ling Peak, Canmore

- Lady Macdonald to the platform, Canmore

- Nihahi Ridge to the ridge (or beyond to the South Summit), Kananaskis

- Mount Fairview, Lake Louise

- Mount St. Piran, Lake Louise


Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
My boys on the Heart Mountain Horseshoe Circuit


Other Family First Summits


Family-friendly Summits in Jasper National Park

More First Summits - Prairie Mountain, Kananaskis

Ha Ling! My Baby Climbed his First Real Summit

First Summits - The Mighty Yamnuska with a 6 Year Old

First Summits - Barrier Lake Lookout, Kananaskis

The Four Summit Day - Ha Ling Peak to Miner's Peak (and beyond)

First Summits - Forget Me Not Ride, Kananaskis

Copper Mountain from Shadow Lake Lodge, Banff

First Summits - Polar Peak, Fernie Alpine Resort

Family Hiking at the Next Level - Scrambles and Summits (Nihahi Ridge to the South Summit)

5 Summit Day in Canmore (Kid-Friendly) - Ha Ling Peak and Miner's Peak 


First Summits - Table Mountain, Beaver Mines Lake

First Summits - East End of Mount Rundle Summit

First Summits - Tent Ridge Horseshoe, Kananaskis

First Summits - Mount Fairview and Saddle Mountain, Lake Louise

First Summits - Mount Saint Piran, Lake Louise

First Summits - Mount Lady Macdonald Hike, Canmore


Heart Mountain Family Scramble, Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
I hiked up there and around the entire Horseshoe circuit to get here!

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park

We've camped at Dinosaur Provincial Park many times, already hiking every interpretive trail in the park, biking the public loop road, and paddling down the Red Deer River. This year when we made our annual trek south to camp here, we wanted to try something new.

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park

On our quest to do something new and adventurous this year in Dinosaur Provincial Park, we still hiked the public trails, biked around, and floated down the river, but we also signed up for a guided tour with a parks interpreter. We wanted to access the private reserve and we wanted to do some "off the beaten path" exploring through the badlands.

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
The private reserve that you'll only see with a guided tour


Our Centrosaurus Quarry Hike in Dinosaur Provincial Park



There are many tours that you can sign up for in Dinosaur Provincial Park, but we wanted to choose one that was adventurous. We wanted to go for a decent hike and to really do some exploring. We chose the Centrosaurus Quarry Hike because it was aimed at families with kids 7+ and because it sounded like a rugged hike (which is right up our alley!)

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
Exploring the private reserve in Dinosaur Provincial Park on the Centrosaurus Quarry Hike


The Alberta Parks website describes the tour as follows:

"Hike through rugged (dry) streambeds and over sandstone and mudstone ridges to reach a bone bed that contains the remains of hundreds of horned dinosaurs! The Centrosaurus Quarry Hike is your best opportunity to see the unequalled concentration of dinosaur fossils that makes Dinosaur Provincial Park world famous. This former dig site is one of many horned dinosaur bone beds found in this UNESCO World Heritage Site."

I don't know about you, but I thought it was super cool that we were going to hike to an actual bone bed and that we'd get to see fossils out in the wild (rather than seeing them in a museum.)

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
Following our Parks Interpreter to the Centrosaurus Bone Bed

Details on our guided hike:



Our hike was 2.5 hours long and we reserved in advance. You can either make a reservation on the Dinosaur Provincial Park website or you can book your tour in person at the Visitor Centre when you arrive (though they sell out early so I recommend booking in advance.)

We took a shuttle bus to get into the reserve and then started our hike. The hike itself was only a couple of kilometres but we took many stops for interpretive lessons on the landscape around us and the history behind the area. Our guide involved the kids in all of the lessons, getting them to act out situations, and making it always interesting for them.

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
Interpretive guided hike through the badlands

The hiking was generally quite easy but we were fortunate to be doing a morning tour when it wasn't too hot yet. In the summer I imagine the tour would be much more challenging with the heat. And I wouldn't want to do an afternoon tour in the summer!

More information can be found here on the Alberta Parks website including pricing, times, and availability for tours.

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
The Centrosaurus Bone Bed on the Quarry Hike

Our Experience at the Centrosaurus Bone Bed


When we arrived to the Centrosaurus bone bed, we quickly discovered a giant covered box area. Once the lid was removed, we could see an excavation site and the remains of the Centrosaurus horned dinosaurs. We were given a short introduction to the area, discussed theories behind why so many bones would all be found in one spot, and were given some instruction on how to go find fossils and bones on our own next.

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
Centrosaurus bone bed

After looking at the bones in the excavation bed, we got to walk around the area, set up on a bench, where there were seriously hundreds of bones everywhere! We'd find them embedded in the rocks around us and we'd step over them as they sat there, right under our feet, lying all over the place on the ground.

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
Centrosaurus bones we found in the bone bed area on our quarry hike

The bone bed area was also a lovely place to just explore, take photos, and gaze at the badlands scenery all around us. Even without a bone bed, it was worth the hike to this beautiful bench.

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
Surveying the Badlands from the Centrosaurus Bone bed location

Other Guided Tours in Dinosaur Provincial Park


There are other tours for families with younger children including the Explorers Bus Tour.

"Experience the stunning views of the beautiful badlands from the comfort of a park tour bus and during short excursions off the bus (4 stops). You will visit an in-situ Hadrosaur dinosaur display plus you will experience the unquie geology while you learn about the explorers who have travelled to this special place over the past 100+ years."

This tour would be enjoyable in the summer months when it gets crazy hot in the badlands.

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
Guided tours are a great way to get off the beaten path in the badlands

The Fossil Safari is another "all-ages" tour I recommend for families.

"Get a feel for what makes Dinosaur Provincial Park so special. Join us on a safari through the badlands for a chance to observe plants, animals, and dinosaurs! Visit an "in-situ" fossil site where you can discover fossil material on the surface; no digging in this protected area! Take a close look at micro (small) fossils and learn about the diversity of animals that lived here 75 million years ago in the late Cretaceous. All ages are welcome and will enjoy this safari."

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
Find the best places to explore on a guided tour of Dinosaur Provincial Park

Please visit the Alberta Parks website for information on all tours.


And you can visit this following link for more information on Dinosaur Provincial Park.


For More on Dinosaur Provincial Park, check out the following stories I've written: 

- See more at: http://www.rockiesfamilyadventures.com/p/camping-super-guide.html#sthash.LOGRzHeA.dpuf

Camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park


Camping in the Alberta Badlands 



Wild about Dinosaur Provincial Park



Hiking in Dinosaur Provincial Park  



- See more at: http://www.rockiesfamilyadventures.com/p/camping-super-guide.html#sthash.LOGRzHeA.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.rockiesfamilyadventures.com/p/camping-super-guide.html#sthash.LOGRzHeA.dpuf

Fossil Hunting in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies)
Alberta Parks Ambassadors get to explore the coolest places!


Disclaimer: I am an Alberta Parks Ambassador and was given a complimentary tour for myself and my family. All opinions and words are my own.



Wednesday, June 14, 2017

5 Easy Ways to Try Camping for the First Time

Many of us didn’t grow up camping and it can be very intimidating to get started.  Questions might include:  “Do I have to go out and purchase a whole bunch of gear for just one camping trip?”  “What if a bear tries to get into our tent?”  “What do we do if the kids are still awake at midnight or if one of them wakes up in the middle of the night?”  And the questions go on to form a very long, and overwhelming, list.

Easy Ways to Try Camping for the First Time
Easy Ways to Try Camping for the First Time

I myself didn’t grow up camping but have grown to love this popular summer activity over the past several years.  I can assure you that every trip gets a little bit easier and that you’ll become a pro in no time.  First though, you’ve got to get started.

Easy Ways to Try Camping for the First Time
You'll know you have it made when your campsite looks like this

One:  Try Comfort Camping


Parks Canada has started placing tent style cabins called O’TENTiks in some of their more popular campgrounds.  These small cabins offer sleeping for up to six people with comfortable mattresses and a heater to ensure your first camping experience is a pleasant one.

Two Jack Lakeside in Banff is the closest location to Calgary where you can try comfort camping, and it’s one of the best campgrounds in Banff with lakefront camping, showers, and nearby amenities in the town of Banff.   While you’ll still need to bring sleeping bags and food, you won’t need much else so this is a great way to ease into camping without investing in a lot of equipment.

Easy Ways to Try Camping for the First Time
O'TENTiks on Two Jack Lake, Banff

Many Alberta Parks Campgrounds also offer comfort camping in the form of cozy yurts, wall tents, or even cabins.

There are also many private campgrounds in Alberta offering comfort camping options. Sundance Lodges near Calgary is a great local option with wall tents and tipis for families wanting to ease themselves into the whole camping experience.

To read more about comfort camping, check out this popular story I wrote: Alberta Comfort Camping Destination Guide.  

Easy Ways to Try Camping for the First Time
One of the yurts at Pigeon Lake, Alberta Parks (Photo: Alberta Parks)

Two: Book an “Equipped” campsite


If you want to try traditional tent camping but lack the gear, Parks Canada offers a service called “Equipped Camping.”  Together with Mountain Equipment COOP, Parks Canada has equipped 32 campsites at the Two Jack Main Campground in Banff.  Each site comes included with a 6 person tent fully set up, 6 sleeping pads, a stove with propane, and a lantern.  You’ll also get an orientation session upon checking in. Bring your sleeping bags with food for the weekend and you’re ready to go.


5 Easy Ways to Try Camping for the First Time (photo: © Parks Canada / S. Gignac)
Equipped Camping in Banff National Park (photo: © Parks Canada / S. Gignac)


Three:   Rent Gear for Your First Trip


If you enjoy camping, you will want to slowly invest in the best equipment that you can afford because nothing is worse than a tent or sleeping bags that leave you wet and cold.  First though, you want to make sure you actually like camping!

Mountain Equipment COOP and the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre are both great places to pick up tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads to get you started.  Once you try out a few different brands and sizes of tents, you’ll get a better idea of what you eventually want to buy as well.

To further simplify your first trip consider bringing food with you that doesn’t require cooking for breakfasts and lunches. Eat out at a local restaurant for dinner and you won’t need to bring a camp stove at all.

5 Easy Ways to Try Camping for the First Time
Rent or borrow tents and camping equipment for easy camping

Four: Start Close to Home


There’s comfort in camping close to home in case you need to bail and pack up in the middle of the night.  Many families with young children also recommend camping close to a town such as Banff or Jasper.  If camping doesn’t work out, you can always find a hotel room for a night and salvage the trip.

Finally, if you don’t feel up to cooking all of your meals at camp, you can retreat into town for breakfast or for a pizza at dinner time.   The Tunnel Mountain Village Campground is great for this in Banff as it’s located beside the Banff Hostel and Cougar Pete’s Kitchen.


5 Easy Ways to Try Camping for the First Time
Our hammock town at Tunnel Mountain

Five:  Camp with More Experienced Friends 


We regularly invite newbie campers to come and join us on our group camping trips. It makes us feel good because we get to share a passion and favourite hobby with a new family who hasn’t had this experience before, and it helps the new family out greatly.

Camp with experienced friends and they will send you their packing list, they’ll give you suggestions for what to bring, and can maybe even loan you some gear that you are missing.

Other benefits of camping with friends include communal meals, the option of sharing items like camp stoves, and learning the basic skills of camping without having to pay for a guided trip. Friends will happily teach you the tricks of the trade from starting a fire to setting up the tent that you rented. You can also learn cool things from your friends as you watch and learn in preparation for the first solo trip that you’ll take.

To make new "camping friends" if you don't currently have any experienced friends you could go camping with, try joining an online community. On Facebook I always recommend the Calgary Outdoor Playgroup or the Happy Campers Group, both predominantly based out of Calgary.


5 Easy Ways to Try Camping for the First Time
We like to book group campgrounds with friends - and novice campers are always welcome


Camping doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming. Start small with one planned weekend trip for this year and work your way up to bigger, longer trips. Invest in gear gradually and always bring a friend or two to hang out with by the campfire.


Disclaimer: This story is being re-shared for a fresh camping season. It was originally published in a local magazine, no longer in print.