New to Canada? Feeling jumpy about the Rocky’s? Just dieseled maple syrup Super Troopers style and starting to feel it? Before heading out on the trail, there’s one thing to remember;
Bring a friend, one who can’t run as fast as you can. Because bears.
Thats really the only advice I have, anything else is just details you’ve probably already figured out on your own. It’s hiking. Not rocket surgery. Lace em up and get going. Now. Don’t think, do. It’s great to bring a friend, and usually a lot safer as well, especially with a champion like Miguel, (pictured above), who has enough outdoor experience and general know how to self sustain for years if he so wanted. What’s the first lesson? Don’t mess with Miguel.
Trail heads can be hard to find at first, and looking online can sometimes lead you nowhere fast, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and ask a local or two about their favourite summits or anything close in the area. On the Eastern side of the mountain range, is an area known as Kananaskis, and is easily accessible from the Calgary and Banff area. This earns top spot due to the fact that it’s not within the Banff National Park, so everything is totally free to use. I’m a cheap old Ukranian so this is just my style. Yamnuska, Ha-Ling, Rundle and many more are waiting to challenge you and your friends, and if you win, you might leave with a blacked out toenail.
Don’t think you have to spend any money to get up there either. I hiked in my steel toed work boots for years until I spent $7 on a pair of Merrells, second hand. I’ve had them a decade now and they’ve had my back from Yamnuska to Machu Picchu and back again. Still got em.
Wear whatever you want. Wear a suit. Wear nothing. Who cares.
Just make sure you get up and get going, I’ve hiked solo a few times because my crew all cancelled and I ended up making friends in the parking lot and snagged onto their hike. Being the seventh wheel works. The main thing is; to decide you’re going to do it this time and stick with it, don’t say you’ll go next weekend, don’t say next time when everyone else can go.
Take the first step. Tie your shoes. Fill a water bottle. Giver.