What we’re about
Welcome to Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures!
We are a friendly community committed to exploring the great outdoors, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and building lasting friendships. Our group engages in all things outdoor-related, from hiking and cycling to social events and beyond.
Everyone is welcome! We aim to create an environment where members can share knowledge, enhance skills, and encourage one another.
- Hiking Adventures: Most of our hikes are intermediate level however, we will have easy and hard hikes from time to time to accommodate all fitness levels. We explore the trails of Kananaskis Country, Banff, Canmore, and surrounding areas. We hike in all seasons.
- Cycling Escapades: Our cycling events accommodate different skill levels, ensuring enjoyable rides for all.
- Social Events: Connect with members at our occasional social gatherings, including picnics, barbecues, and campfire nights.
- Outdoor Adventures: Beyond hiking and cycling, we will be organizing a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, camping and other activities. Stay tuned for that.
Respect and Group Guidelines:
- Respect: We foster a respectful and supportive environment. Please be considerate of others' experiences and backgrounds.
- No Dating Requests: Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures is not a dating group. We want our members to feel comfortable and focused on enjoying the outdoor activities.
- Inclusivity: Our group is inclusive, welcoming people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
- Dogs are always welcome.
We look forward to meeting you!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Insight Meditation - A Mindful Walk In NaturePearce Estate Park, Calgary, AB
Date: September 20, 2024
Start Time: 6:30pm
Finish Time: 8:00pmPlease join us as we explore the principles of Insight Meditation in the serene beauty of Pearce Estate Park.
Insight Meditation is the practice of being aware of our experiences in the present moment. It invites us to fully engage with the present moment, cultivating awareness of our emotions, sensations, and experiences. This practice helps us gain a deeper understanding of how we respond to both pleasant and challenging situations.
During our walk, we will focus on embracing our experiences without judgement of fear. Whether you are familiar with meditation or new to the practice, this is an opportunity to connect with stillness and awareness that the present moment offers.
We look forward to sharing this mindful journey with you.
Meeting Spot
Pearce Estate Parking Lot - 6:15pm
Event Waiver
By signing up for this event you acknowledge and accept the following:
"I acknowledge that this activity in which I am participating, organized by Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and/or its members, involves risks which are beyond the control of the group. Notwithstanding the acknowledgement of such risks, I hereby release the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and its organizers from all claims for damage however so arising as a result of my participation in this and any other activity organized by the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures. I affirm that I am aware of the nature of this activity, its length, duration and degrees of difficulty and that I am properly equipped and physically able to participate. I have no medical or other condition which might preclude my participation. I agree to pay the cost of emergency evacuation of my person and/or my belongings that may be necessary. I agree to follow the directions of the organizer(s) and any assistants at all times."
- Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon Bike RideBanff Legacy Trailr, Banff, AB
Date: September 22nd, 2024
Bike Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
Bike Finish Time: 2:00 p.m. (approximate)
Distance: 39 km (approximate)
Elevation Gain: 427 m (approximate)
Difficulty: Moderate (slow/casual pace)Let's go celebrate the Bow Valley Parkway Cycling Experience Pilot and enjoy a scenic and vehicle-free adventure from Vermilion Lakes to Johnston Canyon.
We'll find parking along the Vermilion Lakes road near Banff, ideally as close as we can get to the Banff Legacy Trail, i.e. where this road ends. We'll then meet and begin our journey towards Johnston Canyon. We'll be riding on paved road for the entirety of this trip.
Please be advised that there are bears on this trail and you should keep bear spray accessible and know how to use it.
As usual, it's preferred to stick to the group, though depending on the group size we may split into two smaller groups and let the faster people lead the way. We'll take as many breaks as needed and wait on everyone.
E-bikes are permitted and most recommended for this ride!
Full GPS Route
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48152552
What to bring
- Helmets are mandatory!
- Bear spray 🐻🐻🐻
- Dress in layers - cycling appropriate clothing.
- Gloves to protect your hands from the sun and from blisters :)
- Plenty of water.
- Nutritious snack/lunch.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Bike/tire repair kit (if you have one).
- Bike lock (in case we stop at Banff and/or visit the canyon).
- A backup tube or patch kit.
- Sunscreen & bug repellent.
- Cycling shades or sunglasses.
- Light bag or backpack to carry all of the above comfortably while riding.
Carpooling/Bike Rentals
If anyone needs a ride, please make arrangements through the event messaging. Consider a contribution to your driver for the gas and park pass.
Bikes can be rented from University of Calgary and most towns along the way, but please note that it is your responsibility to arrange and most likely, you will need to secure a bike a day before the event - the group and its organizers are not making arrangements for bike rentals.
Meeting Spot
Banff Legacy Trail (end of Vermilion Lakes Rd) - 8:00 a.m.
References
- GPS Route
- Weather & Smoke Forecast
- Banff National Park Pass
- BVP Cycling Experience 3-Year Pilot
- Be Bear Smart
- The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
- The Ultimate Guide to Biking the BVP
- 20 Tips For Biking The Bow Valley Parkway
Contact
If you have any questions please leave a message in the event discussion below.
Event Waiver
By signing up for this event you acknowledge and accept the following:
"I acknowledge that this activity in which I am participating, organized by Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and/or its members, involves risks which are beyond the control of the group. Notwithstanding the acknowledgement of such risks, I hereby release the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and its organizers from all claims for damage however so arising as a result of my participation in this and any other activity organized by the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures. I affirm that I am aware of the nature of this activity, its length, duration and degrees of difficulty and that I am properly equipped and physically able to participate. I have no medical or other condition which might preclude my participation. I agree to pay the cost of emergency evacuation of my person and/or my belongings that may be necessary. I agree to follow the directions of the organizer(s) and any assistants at all times."
Cover photo: thebanffblog.com
- Pocaterra Ridge - Larch Hike (Hard)Little Highwood Pass Trailhead, Kananaskis, AB
Date: September 28 2024
Hike start time: 7:00am
Hike finish time: Around 3PM (but don't count on it :))
Distance: 10km
Elevation Gain: 720m
Difficulty: Hard
This will be our early attempt to see beautiful larch trees change colour. Based on some reports we may have an early season this year - but it is really a guessing game.
I would love to do this hike point-to-point, south to north, starting at Pocaterra ridge trailhead and finishing at the Little Highwood Pass. To accomplish this we would meet at the Little Highwood Pass trailhead, leave half (or enough) of the cars there and with the other half, shuttle everyone to Pocaterra trailhead. At the end of the hike we would shuttle the drivers back to Pocaterra trailhead to retrieve their cars. The distance between the two parking lots is 6.5km.
Alternatively, we can do this hike as out and back - shorter and less elevation. When signing up for the hike you will have the option to state your preference and I will go with the majority of votes - but it would be so cool to do the entire ridge 😇. There are 4 "summits"; a bit of a struggle to gain the ridge, then lots of ups and downs, some hands on sections (but no drop offs or exposure), and beautiful views along the way.
What to bring
- Hiking shoes/boots with good treads.
- Hiking poles.
- Please dress in layers.
- Plenty of water. At least 2 to 3 leaders 
- Nutritious, energy-boosting snack.
- Bear spray.
- Sunscreen.
- Hat.
- Personal first aid kit.
Carpooling/Park Pass
If anyone needs a ride from the city, please make arrangements through event chat or direct messaging. Please consider a contribution to your driver for gas and portion of the Kananaskis Pass. Suggested amount for this trip $15.
Weather
Pocaterra Ridge Weather (Windy.com)
Meeting Spot
Petro Canada Hwy 1 (If carpooling from Petro Canada, use this link for navigation) - 5:45AM
Pocaterra Trail Parking Lot - 7:00AM (for out & back hike)
Little Highwood Pass Parking Lot - 7:00AM (for point to point hike)
References
Pocaterra Ridge (Point-to-Point) (Alltrails)
South Pocaterra Ridge (Out-and-back)(Alltrails)
Alberta Parks Advisories & Closures
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
Contact
If you have any questions please call/text me at 403-598-1100
Event Waiver
By signing up for this event you acknowledge and accept the following:
"I acknowledge that this activity in which I am participating, organized by Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and/or its members, involves risks which are beyond the control of the group. Notwithstanding the acknowledgement of such risks, I hereby release the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and its organizers from all claims for damage however so arising as a result of my participation in this and any other activity organized by the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures. I affirm that I am aware of the nature of this activity, its length, duration and degrees of difficulty and that I am properly equipped and physically able to participate. I have no medical or other condition which might preclude my participation. I agree to pay the cost of emergency evacuation of my person and/or my belongings that may be necessary. I agree to follow the directions of the organizer(s) and any assistants at all times."
