Canmore

Canmore Area Trails Survey needs your input

Canmore Runner

I’m a bit late to the party, having been AWOL for so long, but feel it’s important to mention that the Government of Alberta (GoA) is gathering feedback until July 22nd for the development of the new Canmore Area Trails Strategy (CATS). The strategy will establish an integrated recreational trail system across Crown land within the Bow Valley. The public feedback survey can be found here.

According to GoA, the strategy is designed “to address growing demand for trails in the Canmore area, providing world-renowned recreational opportunities while protecting local wildlife and conserving habitat. This engagement will contribute to a Crown land trails plan for the area and also support an update to the trails plan for the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park.”

Input from trail users, as well as ongoing consultation with an advisory group including Indigenous communities and organizations, leaseholders, area landowners and local community organizations, will support “improved recreational infrastructure and services in the Canmore area and the Bow Valley, ensuring that local trails may be enjoyed now and for years to come.”

In addition to the public survey, there’s also an opportunity to use an interactive map to identify trail-related issues, such as a lack of parking, a lack of signage, the need for toilets, etc. The interactive map can be found here.

The Canmore Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) and the Bow Valley Climbers Access Society are among local groups promoting engagement with the CATS process and survey. Laura Quelch, the executive director of CAMBA has said that CATS is “crucial for enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities while preserving the area’s natural environment.” The strategy will “streamline trail development and management, ensuring responsible practices and diverse trail offerings that meet the community’s needs.”

Ha Ling, Grassi Lakes and a host of other great trails off limits for 2022

Canmore Runner
Grassi Lakes PC: Canmore Runner

Yesterday saw the announcement by the Government of Alberta of both good and bad news for runners, bikers and hikers in the Bow Valley.

The good news is that the province is investing more than $4 million to upgrade the Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek day use areas “to address public safety issues and parking congestion while improving visitor experiences.” More specifically, the work will:

  • Expand and formalize the Grassi Lakes main parking lot. 
  • Refurbish portions of the Grassi Lakes trail. 
  • Formalize the Grassi Lakes overflow lot. 
  • Provide a road crossing and trail connection between the overflow and main lots. 
  • Provide separation and washroom facilities between the climber’s lot and the Smith Dorrien Trail. 
  • Expand and formalize Goat Creek main parking lot. 
  • Replace two bridges on Goat Creek trail. 

According to the Government, the work has become necessary due to the significant – 32% – increase in the number of visitors to Kananaskis Country since 2019. In 2020 and 2021, the region welcomed more than 5 million visitors annually. Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek are two popular areas in the region and the increased visitation has increased the pressure on existing facilities and the landscape. 

The downside of this otherwise good news is that Grassi Lakes (Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park), Goat Creek (Spray Valley Provincial Park) and the surrounding area will be closed while construction is ongoing. 

The closure is scheduled to begin on April 1 and is expected to last until the end of the year.

In practical terms that means the following trails will be closed:

  • Grassi Lakes Trail
  • Junkyard Trail 
  • Ha Ling Trail 
  • Miner’s Peak Trail 
  • Goat Creek Trail 
  • East End of Rundle Route 
  • Reclaimer Mountain Bike Trail 
  • Riders of Rohan Mountain Bike Trail 
  • access to High Rockies Trail from Goat Creek 

That’s whole stack of great trails. It also means that two of the four peaks in the Canmore Quad will be off limits for the rest of the year. And without wanting to rub salt in the wounds, I should mention that a third Canmore Quad peak, Lady Mac – which has been open during the winter following a long closure due to the flood mitigation work at Cougar Creek – will close again at the end of March through to the end of the year as the mitigation work resumes. That leaves Grotto which, like Marmite, you either love or hate. Last but not least, Alberta Parks is also closing the mighty Yamnuska from 31 March for at least 5 weeks due to “unfavourable conditions” and “to protect the environment and conserve the landscape”. After that time, the trails and area will be assessed weekly, so further closures could be in the offing.

It’s probably also worth mentioning, in case you were wondering, that Alberta Parks Conservation Officers will apparently enforce the Grassi Lakes/Goat Creek area closure under the Provincial Parks Act.

After reading the Grassi Lakes/Goat Creek closure notice, a bunch of questions came to mind in terms of why such an extensive closure for so long, why not rolling closures depending on where the work is taking place etc., etc., some of which are addressed in this FAQ provided by Alberta Parks.

It’s a blow to lose access to some really great trails, just as the temperatures begin to rise, the snow and ice begin to thaw, and the mind turns to thinking about summer adventures in the valley. But the work has to happen and will, on hopes, be beneficial in the long run. It’s also only temporary and we’re lucky to have no shortage of amazing alternatives. And on a more personal note, it gives me an excuse to put off the Canmore Quad attempt for another year.

Until next time, happy trails.

An overdue salute to the trail builders

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Ms. Canmore Runner enjoying the superbly built High Rockies Trail – Photo: Canmore Runner

I’ve been remiss. I’ve spent almost two years enjoying spectacular trails in and around Canmore and Kananaskis. And i’ve spent close to 18 months writing about those trails on this blog. But have I once spared a thought – or a word or two – for those that volunteer their time and effort to actually build and maintain these trails? Nope. Time to right that wrong as I wouldn’t be having all this fun and adventure without the vision, dedication and hard work of the trail builders.  Continue reading →

Coming to Canmore: Trails in Motion

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SAVE THE DATE!!!

The world’s trail running film festival, Trails in Motion, is coming to Canmore on Saturday, June 11th, proudly presented by Canmore Trail Culture.

The screening will take place at artsPlace in the centre of Canmore and will begin at 7pm. Doors open at 630pm. Tickets are $15CAD and can be purchased online from artsPlace beginning next week.

There are seven excellent films to enjoy, inspire and motivate and the opportunity to win prizes generously donated by 5 Peaks and Salomon. For a sense of what lies in store, check out the Trails in Motion trailer below:

And if that’s not enough and you really want to make it a trail running weekend spectacular, you could always enter the 5 Peaks race at the Canmore Nordic Centre on the morning of Saturday 11th; and/or join Canmore Trail Culture on the morning of Sunday 12th for a probably more leisurely pot-luck-brunch-run, complete with the opportunity to demo some of the Salomon range of trail running shoes.

Save the date. It’s going to be awesome.

Canmore needs you!

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What’s this? Back again so soon? Two posts in two days!?

So, here’s a great opportunity to influence the planning of the trails and paths in Canmore. The Town of Canmore is actively seeking feedback on its draft Open Space and Trails Plan. Check out the blurb below, visit www.canmore.ca/ostp to read what’s been recommended for particular areas, and let them know what you think… Continue reading →