Tag: Itineraries

  • Winter Adventures in the Canadian Rockies

    Winter Adventures in the Canadian Rockies

    DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF OUR FROZEN WONDERLAND

    Find a different kind of Rockies experience as you enjoy 4 days of playing in the snow and relaxing by the fire.

    Winter in Nordegg & Abraham Lake is a spectacular time as the ice bubbles form on Abraham Lake, the waterfalls freeze into amazing formations and the snow-covered mountains provide the awe-inspiring backdrop.

    Head out with your local guide for an ice walk under the stars to the Abraham Lake ice bubbles, explore frozen waterfalls and take in the sights from above on a helicopter tour.

    DAY 1

    Like most great adventures, this one starts with a road trip! The drive from Calgary to Nordegg along the Cowboy Trail and David Thompson Highway offers one of the most scenic approaches to the Canadian Rockies. Plan to stop in Sundre or Rocky Mountain House for a snack along the way and, since we only have limited groceries available in Nordegg, we recommend a quick grocery stop in either town.

    Once in Nordegg, check in at your cabin and enjoy an evening of board games or a good book by the fire. 

    DAY 2

    Start the day with one of Nordegg Canteen’s famous breakfast sandwiches as you check in for your adventure. Choose from a full-day Frozen Waterfalls + Ice Bubbles guided tour with Nordegg Adventures or head out ice climbing with Girth Hitch Guiding.

    The Frozen Waterfalls + Ice Bubbles tour includes a short winter hike along ice-covered canyons to start the day, a picnic lunch and an afternoon ice walk on Abraham Lake. 

    Looking to try something a little different? Get up close to a frozen waterfall as you learn to ice climb. The tour includes all the climbing gear and instruction from an ACMG-certified guide.

    Afterward, it’s time to head back to the cabin for dinner and an evening by the fire.

    DAY 3

    Time to relax and enjoy a quiet morning at the cabin. Grab a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes and head out on the nearby trails in Nordegg for a couple of hours of fun in the snow. 

    After some time on the trail, check out the work of local artists at Beehive Artisans Market. 

    End the day by experiencing the magic of the Abraham Lake ice bubbles under the stars with Nordegg Adventures.

    DAY 4

    It’s time to hit the road for a drive along the Icefields Parkway as you make your way to Lake Louise or Banff for your next adventure.

    Along the way, head up with Rockies Heli Canada for a sightseeing helicopter tour, a snowshoe stop in the alpine and one last look at Abraham Lake, until your next visit.

    From there, make sure to stop at Whirlpool Point, Howse Pass Viewpoint, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake to take in those famous mountain views.

    THE LOGISTICS

    Like most amazing places, we’re a little more remote than your average destination. Here are a few things you should know as you plan your trip:

    • There is no public transportation within the region. You’ll want to either have a car with winter tires or book a guided tour with transportation.
    • We recommend leaving Calgary by noon on day 1 and planning to take 4 hours to get here with a few stops along the way.
    • We’re only 2 hours away from Lake Louise but we recommend planning on 4 hours (in addition to the heli-tour) for the drive on day 4 since you’ll be wanting to stop along the way for the views.
    • Groceries are limited in the townsite. Plan ahead and pick some up on your way here.
  • Family Hiking Weekend on The Kootenay Plains

    Family Hiking Weekend on The Kootenay Plains

    TRAILS, CAMPFIRE AND FAMILY FUN

    Head out for a weekend of easy family hikes, memories by the campfire and a little exploring in David Thompson Country.

    This weekend itinerary is filled with 2 days of hiking, waterfalls and great views on trails that the whole family can enjoy. The Kootenay Plains offers a rustic experience making this a great option for those looking to get away from the crowds.

    While this adventure isn’t far from civilization it will definitely give you a chance to disconnect from the day-to-day as you head out to explore as a family.

    Above: The kids enjoying the hike to Siffleur Falls
    Above: Wood lily along the trail to Whitegoat Falls

    DAY 1

    Start your adventure by making your way to Two O’Clock Creek Campground on the Kootenay Plains, 25 minutes east of the Icefields Parkway or 45 minutes west of Nordeggt depending on where you’re coming from. The drive from Banff is approximately 2 hours, from Calgary 3 hours and from Edmonton 4 hours.

    Two O’Clock Creek is a smaller campground with great views of the surrounding mountains. On summer weekends it can fill up early, with all sites being on a first come first serve basis so you’ll want to arrive before 4 pm if you’re starting your adventure on a Friday or Saturday. If the campground is full nearby options include random camping, David Thompson Resort and Thompson Creek Campground or rustic camping areas like Preacher’s Point or Wildhorse Creek.

    DAY 2

    Today is all about exploring the area on a fun family hike. There are lots of options nearby but if it’s your first visit to the area we recommend Siffleur Falls. The Siffleur Falls Staging Area is a 2 km drive from the campground. On weekends the Siffleur Falls trail and parking lot can be quite busy and we recommend starting the hike by 10:30 am to avoid the crowds.

    The Siffleur Falls Trail is an easy 7 km hike taking you along a canyon, great scenery and up to a waterfall plunging in the gorge below. We wouldn’t recommend going with a stroller but younger kids can usually do the hike in 3 to 4 hours.

    Try something different for dinner today and bake a pizza on the campfire. The kids will love it and it’s much easier than it sounds.

    After dinner head out for a short stroll through the Cavalcade Group Campground. There are many trails linking the two campgrounds and the open meadow makes for great views of Mount Peskett, Tuff Puff Ridge and Mount Ernest Ross in the evening. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the path behind Site 6 in the group camping area where you’ll often find wildflowers and an abandoned car.

    DAY 3

    Start the day with a full breakfast of pancakes and campfire-roasted peaches. Check-out time isn’t until 2 pm, so take some time to enjoy your morning at this pretty campground.

    On the way home make a stop for a short hike. If you’re pressed for time, Flag Hill is a great option to get some good views of Abraham Lake in a hike that will take about an hour as a family. The trailhead is partway down the hill leading to Preacher’s Point when you’re coming from Two O’Clock Creek. The trail isn’t very obvious for the first section but once your reach the ridge you can’t miss it.

    If you have a little more time, head to Whitegoat Falls. You’ll want to plan a couple of hours for this one but the double punch bowl waterfalls make for a great lunch spot before driving back. The trail to Whitegoat Falls starts at the Cline River Waste Transfer Station, a short distance past David Thompson Resort. Don’t let the starting point turn you off, the trail is easy and takes you to one of our kids’ favourite waterfalls.

    After your hike, plan on making a stop at the Nordegg Canteen for some fries and ice cream.

    Book A Guided Hike to Whitegoat Falls


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