Family Review of Edmonton's Snow Valley Aerial Park

I have a giant list of  "super cool awesome places" across Alberta that I want to visit with my son - and the list just won't stop growing! Every time I turn on my computer, I'm faced with images of new parks, playgrounds, theme parks, and adventurous activities that beg to be done before my son gets too old to appreciate them.

A giant jungle gym for the whole family! Snow Valley Aerial Park, Edmonton

Fortunately, one of my newest discoveries, the Snow Valley Aerial Park in Edmonton, has no maximum age limit. My son won't turn ten, and suddenly think this playground is "lame." The reverse could actually be said because I can't wait to go back to Edmonton by myself so that I can fully enjoy this new aerial park as an adult!!

One of the intermediate elements at the Snow Valley Aerial Park (a good challenge for kids and adults alike!)

Not a "One-Time" Kind of Experience

I'd secretly kind of hoped that we'd make the trek north to Edmonton, try the aerial park for a couple of hours, check it off our giant list of cool things to do across Alberta, and then be done with it.That way, we could focus on other "big list items" and rest assured that we were happy with our one-time experience at Snow Valley.

Unfortunately (maybe fortunately) the Snow Valley Aerial Park is not a one-time kind of experience. It's a "buy a membership and return often" kind of experience. - which is bad news if you live in Calgary!

Seriously, Snow Valley, can you build us an aerial park too please?

Who wants to build us an aerial park in Calgary? Anybody??

 

Once is Definitely Not Enough with the Snow Valley Aerial Park

On our first visit, we learned how to clip on and off of the fixed lines, we gained some basic confidence, and we tried beginner and intermediate elements on the first two levels. We climbed and played for two hours (you pay for three) before we tired out and left to find lunch.

Were we to return, we'd love starting off with the advantage of already knowing how to work with the carabiners and cables. We'd head straight for the second level, and we'd definitely try to reach the third level! (I will return to cross the kayak!!)

My son was also starting to get more confident by the end of our second hour and I suspect would be willing to try harder elements on a future visit. On my own, I'd definitely try the more challenging activities without having to supervise a child at all times.

My son loved crawling through these wooden barrels on the second level of the aerial park

What to Expect from Your Visit to Snow Valley

This is the first "tower style" aerial park of its kind to be built in Canada (the third across North America.) - Hence, why I screamed when I saw photos of the park for the first time because I knew it was rather exceptional for a city aerial park.

"With a dedicated kids route on the ground level for kids 100 cm and up and over 100 games on the entire structure, there is something for everyone. The theme for the Snow Valley Aerial Park tower is Edmonton’s River Valley along with Snow Valley and Rainbow Valley with themed elements including a ski bridge, snowboard balance bridge, picnic table, bicycle, plus a few surprises. The games are graded like runs on a ski hill; green, blue and black."

Admission includes entrance to the park for up to three hours (including a short introduction on how to work with your carabiners, and an overview of the safety guidelines.)

Children can play on the aerial park if they are at least 3 years old and between 100 cm and 140 cm tall. They get exclusive access to all 19 Ground Level Elements.

Exploring the train, one of the ground level elements (first level climbing wall above)

Juniors under 11 years of age (minimum 125 cm tall) can play on the entire structure but must be accompanied by a harnessed adult and supervised at all times. And adults must pay to be on the structure (even if just supervising.)

Families can save money with a family adventure pass (which includes admission for at least one adult and two minors) or by visiting Sunday to Thursday after 6pm.

Please visit the Snow Valley Aerial Park website for full information on all adventure rates.

Our goal was to make it to the trailer on the second level of the park

Our Personal Experience

My 8 year old son liked the park and had a good time. His attention span lasted for about two hours before he became hungry, hot (it was getting quite warm and sunny by the time we left,) and needed a break. We decided to call it quits at this point, knowing we'd come back again. If you want to climb for the full three hours, make sure you bring water and snacks with you (you can leave them on a ground level platform to access while still wearing your harness.)

My son tried a few of the ground level elements but wanted to explore higher up, so we moved up to the first level. This is where we began to face a few fears, dealt with one bout of nervous tears, and I had to encourage him through a tricky move or two. We mostly stuck to green elements (or some of the easier blue ones,) and I was purely along to assist with clipping, un clipping, and motivation.  If you want to go and really challenge yourself as an adult, you should plan a girls night out, a date night, or grab some of your buddies for a fun couple of hours away from the kids.

Know as well that as an adult, you will be doing a LOT of your child's carabiner work. My son often wasn't tall enough (or coordinated enough) to un clip his carabiners and move them to the next section of fixed cable.

My son found these types of elements quite terrifying so we tried to steer clear of them

We made it up to the second level and realized that this was a great place to start with youth. My son was very comfortable on the climbing wall (being a rock climber,) easily made it across the bench, through the wooden tunnels, and then got into the trailer (or big goal.) From here we back-tracked through these easy elements rather than continue onto harder ones.

While my son was definitely challenged on the course, we found it easy enough to move around on each level if we chose our paths wisely. We stayed away from all black elements, chose our blue ones carefully, and always back-tracked as necessary to avoid getting into places we weren't comfortable with. And that is the brilliance of this park - you can always go back! There are multiple ways to move around every platform and it's like a giant "choose your own adventure" course.

Rest stop on the second level en route to the trailer

Tips for Getting the Most out of your Experience at Snow Valley 

• Go early in the day before it gets too hot or too crowded. While there is a maximum amount of people allowed on the park at any one time, it will feel crowded if there are too many people on your level. We went on a Saturday (over summer vacation) so had to deal with occasional line ups at popular elements, and a few entertaining moments where we had to figure out how to untangle ourselves when passing people going the opposite direction.
  
  
• Arrive 30 minutes early to get ready for your time slot.
  
  
• Bring snacks and water to leave at the bottom. You can go down to the ground level at any time and rest. You just have to stay in your harness and can't leave the structure area (so make sure you go to the bathroom ahead of time!!!)
  
  
• There are no cameras allowed in the park. I was given special permission for the purposes of this story. Make sure you have somebody on the ground with a good camera if you want photos.
  
  
• Reserve online ahead of time and make sure your time slot isn't too crowded. I waited until the day before so I could see which time slot might be best. Pay attention to the time slot before/after you as well because those people will be up on the tower with you.
  
  
• Bring sunglasses or a hat. The sun gets bright when you have to look up a lot to clip/un clip your carabiner constantly.
  
  
• Wear closed toe running shoes or athletic footwear.
  
  
• Know why you are here. Are you here to challenge yourself or are you here for the kids? If I am to be honest, I have to admit that I was hoping to get more of a challenge for myself but had to place my son's enjoyment ahead of mine. I couldn't go up to the third level and spent most of my time following him around the easier elements. If you want an epic experience mastering all of the elements, plan a date night or go with friends. Otherwise, be prepared for a fun casual family outing if you are supervising younger kids.
  
  
• If possible, go as a family and take turns supervising the kids/playing solo. This would be win win for everybody. An adult can supervise two kids at the same time while the second adult tries out harder elements on the same level. This is what we'll do the next time! Can't wait to return!!!

Definitely my son's favourite element in the park!

Want to Visit the Snow Valley Aerial Park with your Family?

The park is open 10am to 9pm Monday to Sunday all summer long. It is located in South Edmonton off of White Mud Drive (and very easy to find if coming from Calgary.) We also discovered that it is very easy to find a last minute hotel room near the park if you want to head down for a night while the kids are on summer vacation.

The park will be open well into October which makes me think you could visit over Thanksgiving too!

For full information on the park, please visit the Snow Valley Aerial Park website. 

And, want to camp nearby? The Rainbow Valley Campground is located right beside the aerial park. You can walk out of your trailer or tent and right up to the tower! How perfect would that be?!!

Registered guests of the Rainbow Valley Campground can also take advantage of getting three aerial adventure visits for the price of two! (talk directly to the campground for full details and conditions.)

The Snow Valley Aerial Park, the first of its kind in Canada

 

Recommended Reading

Field Trippin' to Snow Valley's Aerial Park - Twirls and Travels - For professional photos I wish were mine and a great description of what to expect with younger kids on the lower elements


Snow Valley Aerial Park - Alberta Mamas - For another great family perspective on the park


Explore Edmonton - Official website for Tourism Edmonton 

Snow Valley, we will be back!

Disclaimer: We received free admission in exchange for writing this review. As always all opinions are my own.

Epic Climbing on The Kicking Horse Via Ferrata in Golden, BC

A girlfriend and I took a trip to Golden, BC, this month to try out Kicking Horse Mountain Resort's guided Via Ferrata climbing route. We climbed the North Face of Terminator Peak through a system of steel cables, iron rungs, ladders, and bridges.

Exposed climbing on the North Face of Terminator Peak at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

My initial reaction to the Kicking Horse Via Ferrata can be summed up in the following Instagram caption that I posed immediately following my tour:

"Climbed a mountain today!! And I mean "climbed" a mountain! Absolutely epic with delicious exposure and vertical cliff faces we got to scale! This is the second Via Ferrata Climb I've done in the Canadian Rockies and it made my first one seem like a walk in an alpine meadow. Kicking Horse really knows how to kick everything up a notch!!! I've never been so terrified and happy at the same time."

Delicious exposure and vertical climbing on the Kicking Horse Via Ferrata

First, What is a Via Ferrata?  

 Straight from the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort website:

"Italian for "iron road", a Via Ferrata is a protected climbing route with a steel cable running along the route that is fixed to the rock. Using a Via Ferrata Harness, climbers can secure themselves to the cable, creating a completely safe climbing environment. The cable can also be used as aid to climbing, and additional climbing aids, such as iron rungs (stemples), pegs, carved steps, ladders and bridges."

Fixed lines and iron rungs on the Kicking Horse Via Ferrata

Why I LOVE Via Ferrata Routes

A mountain climber I am NOT. I like scrambling up mountains to the top of easy summits, I like some mild exposure, and I like narrow ridge walks. But to climb up the vertical north face of a mountain, no thanks!!!

Real climbing at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

I leave multi-pitch rock climbing to my husband and only do "easy" mountaineering routes that involve walking up gentle snow slopes.

Thanks to the "aids" provided with a Via Ferrata "iron road" though, I can get out for a day doing the same big stuff my husband would normally do (in a safer method that suits me just fine!) Instead of searching for hand holds in the rock, I get iron pegs and rungs to climb up. Instead of trying to down-climb a steep cliff band on a ridge, I get a suspension bridge across the scary chasm and get to walk straight across.

Via Ferrata climbing routes make alpine climbing feasible for "normal every day people."  - like me. They are awesome for those of us who worry about falling, dying, and of not coming home to our children again after a climb. And they are simply spectacular for outdoor enthusiasts who have the health and physical fitness to climb a mountain (but maybe lack some of the necessary experience.)

Exposed but Safe! Epic Climbing at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

The Kicking Horse Via Ferrata

I've done another Via Ferrata route in the Rockies before (that I loved,) so honestly, I was prepared to be a little "underwhelmed" trying it a second time. The first time doing anything is usually the "best" and I figured all Via Ferrata routes would be similar.

I was so wrong!!!

The Kicking Horse Via Ferrata is nothing like other routes in the Rockies. We did the full Ascension Route to the top of Terminator Peak, and this beast is much more vertical, much more challenging, and much more exposed than I could have ever imagined. It honestly made my first Via Ferrata experience at another resort seem like a guided walk in a park.

Climbing to the summit of Terminator Peak (and the ground is a long ways down!)

Details on the Ascension Route:

the crux move to get onto the guts bridge

"465 meters of pure bliss! Starting off the ridge-line dividing the Rocky Mountain trench from the Purcell range, and exiting at the top of Terminator Peak, the ASCENSION Route is a truly unique beast. From the climbers’ mouth, this course is one of the most technical & scenic in North America. Discover our signature “Guts Bridge” and stand on top of the world, feeling that you summited a giant!"

And I copied the above words right off of the Kicking Horse website because they are pretty bang on! This climb IS a beast. It IS technical. And you WILL feel like you've really summited a giant of a peak after taking the climber's route up. (Thank goodness there's an easy hiking route down the other side though because your legs will feel like jelly by the time you arrive on top!)

Crossing the Guts bridge

This climb also requires some real "rock moves." You can't just rely on the iron rungs and pegs the entire time. I found myself searching for hand and footholds at times, and thinking like a "rock climber" to get over tricky sections. (Quite different from my first Via Ferrata climb where I honestly just followed the iron pieces up the mountain.)

I felt brave, bold, and absolutely "bad ass" on this climb. I had to concentrate the entire time and I certainly had to take a few deep breaths before taking the step over the "crux move" onto the "Guts bridge." - Which made the suspension bridge seem like a cute little thing by comparison!

 My girlfriend is much more of a rock climber than me, and also loved every moment of our climb on the Via Ferrata route. In no way did either of us feel like it was easy with the "iron aids" that we got to use. It was often overhanging and you had to use some good upper body strength to climb the rungs. It was also very exposed so you had to swallow any fear of heights with every move that you took on the route. 

Crossing the Suspension Bridge at the beginning of the Climb

Other Stats:

Average climbing time - 4 hours

Equipment, orientation and guide included

Ratio - 8 clients per guide (though we lucked out and got a private guide because nobody else had signed up for the morning tour)

Gondola and adventure pass is included

Tours depart at 10am and 1pm - and it's advised that you book ahead of time

Standing on the Summit of Terminator Peak

And is it safe??

Yes, it's safe! Once you clip into the fixed cable, you won't be able to un-clip yourself until you get to the summit ridge. In the case of an emergency, your guide can always unclip you but I don't think you'd want to come off the cable!

Sliding my carabiner over a pig tail station

"Our Via Ferrata is equipped with the new "Aeroline" carabiner system. This allows you to stay securely connected to the steel cable at all time! The Climber only has to slide the Carabiner through the plates located at each anchor points, while never have to worry about clipping-unclipping carabiners like a traditional via ferrata system."

You'll slide your carabiner over a "pig tail" every 2 metres or so. This means, if you fall, you won't fall more than 2 metres until your carabiner hits the next pig tail below you. Allow for an extra metre or so due to slack with your climbing system, but you won't die if you fall. You might get a few bruises and be scared, but you will survive any fall to make it home to your family.

To be safe, I made darn sure I didn't fall, but I definitely tested out my system. Any time you want to "rest" or take a photo, you can just clip your second safety carabiner (much shorter in length) to the fixed line and then lean back. You won't go anywhere and you can just focus on getting that awesome photo or relaxing before the next big move.

The carabiners easily slide over the pig tail safety stations

Kicking Horse Alpine Resort - more than a winter ski resort

Kicking Horse is well known for raising the bar for skiable terrain that you can access from a gondola or chair lift. Summer is no different and again, they are kicking things up a notch for adventures that you can do when the snow has melted from the resort.

Hiking at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Visit the resort for a day with the family and ride the sightseeing gondola for lift-accessed family climbing! The same mountain that I climbed on the Via Ferrata route, Terminator Peak, can be accessed via the easy family-friendly Terminator Ridge hiking trail from the top of the gondola. We hiked down this route and it was very easy. My 8 year old would have had zero challenges with the 2 to 3 hour round trip outing. And then when you're done your hike, stop in at the Eagle's Eye Restaurant for lunch (sightseeing combo + lunch packages available.)

And if you aren't up for hiking up a mountain, there are plenty of easier hiking options at the resort too. A full list of hiking trails can be seen here.

Easy hiking down the ridge off of Terminator Peak

The Grizzly Bear Refuge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

The gondola takes you right over the grizzly bear refuge where you can catch glimpses of Boo, the resort's resident grizzly bear.

"This is the largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat in the world. The 20-acre area is the home of our resident grizzly bear, Boo. Within this natural mountainside habitat, Boo hunts, plays, forages, and explores just like his wild cousins. The interpretive centre is open daily during the summer and provides guests the opportunity to observe an adult grizzly bear going about his daily routine. Everyone who comes to visit Boo is fascinated by his strength, agility, intelligence, and personality."

And if you don't see Boo on your visit, ask the resort about a free visit your next time. 

Visitors can also pay for a sightseeing + Grizzly Bear Refuge combo tour if you'd like to see Boo from above and then see him from the ground on a tour of the refuge.

Meet Boo the Grizzly Bear at Kicking Horse (photo: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort)

The Mountain Bike Park at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort 

I'd like to say that next time I visit, I'll return for the mountain biking. However, let's be honest, I could probably never ride at Kicking Horse. That doesn't mean my boys wouldn't love a little lift accessed downhill riding though! (My son would be in Heaven!)

Some stats:

- 3700 foot drop
- 50 kms of trails
- 32 trail runs
- 120+ drops and jumps

Full information on the mountain bike park along with maps and trails can be found on the Kicking Horse website.  And the resort does rent downhill full suspension bikes along with full body armour for those that want to make sure they are fully geared up with the best equipment.

Downhill lift accessed mountain biking at Kicking Horse (photo: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort)

Want to Try the Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort?

The Via Ferrata tours run through September 4th and can be booked on line.

There are two different routes. The Discovery Route crosses the suspension bridge and does a shorter 2-hour version of the Via Ferrata route that I did. It does not cross the "guts bridge" or make it to the summit.

You can also pay to just cross the suspension bridge.

Kids must be 12+ to join a Via Ferrata Tour.

Nothing scary about this, right?

Recommended items to  bring:

Morning light on the Via Ferrata

• A small backpack with a platypus and water hose for hands free access to water on the climb
  
  
• A camera (if you can strap it around your neck and access it without risk of dropping it)
  
  
• A snack for the summit
  
  
• A light pair of gloves for the cables which can be cold on the hands
  
  
• A light long sleeve shirt or rain jacket in case cool or stormy weather blows in on your climb
  
  
• Sun glasses and sun block (apply before you start)
  
  
• Sturdy closed toe light hiking shoes or boots
  
  

And make sure you go to the bathroom before you get attached to the cable! Once you're attached, you're rather committed!

Full information on the Via Ferrata and the two routes can be found on the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort website.

The North Face of Terminator Peak, that we climbed!

Disclaimer: My photos are a little less crisp than normal due to smoke from a forest fire that blew in the morning of our climb. The views are normally quite spectacular!!

We also received a complimentary climb in exchange for this review. As always, all words and opinions are my own.

Find us in the River - Camp Life at Writing on Stone Provincial Park

We decided to plan a long weekend camping trip to Writing on Stone Provincial Park over the Canada Day weekend at the beginning of July. With a 3.5 to 4 hour drive from Calgary, it was an ideal destination for a three-night getaway, and we wanted to spend two days paddling on the Milk River.

Camp Life at Writing on Stone Provincial Park on the Milk River

Our plans for the weekend included two days kayaking and stand up paddleboarding on the Milk River, lots of hiking through the hoodoos and badlands scenery, and a guided tour to see the first nations rock art that has made this park a national historic site.

Hiking in Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Making the Most of a Summer Scorcher - IN the River

What we didn't know when we booked our trip was that it would be 30+ degrees Celsius the whole time we were at Writing on Stone, and that we'd pretty much spend our whole weekend IN the river. It was too hot to be on the river, to spend much time hiking through the badlands, or to take a walking tour. While we still tried to get out for some hikes, and we committed to the tour we'd booked, our favourite highlights were the hours we spent swimming in the river.

Beach life at Writing on Stone Provincial Park

We now know how awesome this campground is for those hot "summer scorchers," and the beach at Writing on Stone has become our new favourite beach in Alberta. We had swim noodles with us and spent a lot of time floating down the gentle river from one end of the beach to the other. The kids also loved the sand and mud at the beach.

Surviving a summer scorcher at the Writing on Stone Beach

While it would have been fun to have been able to spend more time hiking, we loved swimming and floating down the Milk River, playing in the mud, and chilling at the beach. This is how summer camping trips become GREAT and we'll be back for sure!

Floating from one end of the beach to the other with the gentle river current

Paddling the Milk River

We spent two half-days leisurely floating down the Milk River through spectacular sandstone cliffs. We watched cliff sparrows flying out of their nests along the rivers, we stopped to swim and to play in the mud, and we tested just how many different kinds of vessels we could send down the river.

Stand up paddleboarding down the Milk River past Sandstone cliffs

In two days of paddling, we used a combination of  stand up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and tubes. All worked well, but the tubes were definitely the slowest. Aim to have somebody towing kids in tubes if you want to go this route.

This is a great river for kids learning to paddle!

Writing on Stone Campground to Deer Creek Bridge

This was a short 8 km float and was well suited to novice paddlers. We had kids floating in tubes, one paddling his own sit on top kayak, and a mom navigating her first river on a stand up paddleboard. Nobody had any problems, and there were only a couple of "rough" sections where we passed over a few mild rapids/riffles. The tubes were fine and nobody tipped.

River life in Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Expect 3 hours on the river if you want to stop lots and if you aren't paddling much. (Especially if you have tubes with you.)

Relaxing  floating from camp to the Deer Creek Bridge on the Milk River

Weir Bridge to Writing on Stone Campground

This was a 10 km paddle according to maps in the campground and I can't really recommend doing this stretch in tubes. It's best done with an actual boat that you can steer. There were a few sweepers, one side channel you really wouldn't have wanted to go down by mistake, some rough sections with small rapids, and shallow patches with rocks.

Canoeing the Milk River from the Weir Bridge to Writing on Stone

 We did fine on stand up paddleboards but you couldn't just float blindly down the river. The kids also did fine in their own kayaks but a bit of experience paddling on a river would be recommended.  Still, it was a great river trip for novice paddlers wanting to try some easy moving water.

Kids kayaking down the Milk River to Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Both of our paddles took us roughly 3 to 4 hours because we stopped a lot. We also didn't hurry, and we floated a lot.

Weir Bridge to Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Floating the River through the Writing on Stone Campground 

When we weren't paddling down the river, we still enjoyed floating through camp in tubes. The camp store sells small tubes (or bring your own,) and you can jump in at the top of the campground by the playground. Float down to the beach in a leisurely 10 minute float, and then repeat. This could amuse kids ALL day long.

Floating down the river through the campground at Writing on Stone

Hiking through the Badlands in the Writing on Stone Campground

We hiked two trails while camping at Writing on Stone and tried to make sure we were on the trails early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid some of the heat.

Lookout over the Milk River Valley from the Hoodoo Trail in Writing on Stone Provincial Park

The Hoodoo Trail

This trail starts at the Group Campground by the playground and is 2.2 km in length (one way.)

"The Hoodoo Trail winds through various landscapes - hoodoos, sandstone cliffs and rock art, upland prairie grasslands, the Milk River valley and coulees. The trail has undulating terrain, stairs and steep sections. The trail can be very hot. Be sure to wear a hat and carry water. Please stay on the trail. This trail is NOT stroller or wheelchair accessible." (Alberta Parks)

The trail leads you to the Battle Scene viewpoint where you can see native rock art, protected behind a cage. To see more rock art, and to get closer to the petroglyphs and pictographs, you'll need to take a guided tour into the private reserve.

Fascinating scenery on the Hoodoo Trail in Writing on Stone Provincial Park

The Visitor Centre Trail

Scrambling around on the Visitor Centre Trail

This trail starts beside the campground store and takes you up to the visitor centre on a steep trail with plenty of opportunities for scrambling in the hoodoos.

We like this trail because families can climb and scramble all over the cliffs, play in secret little coulees, and explore the rugged terrain. I do encourage caution though with young kids because the rock is slippery. My son has taken a couple of falls while here.

Our Guided Rock Art Tour

This was the third hike that we took, and this one allowed us to go inside the private reserve. I'll be honest and say that we preferred our guided tour in Dinosaur Provincial Park, finding it to be more interesting for children. The rock art tour seemed to appeal to adults with an interest in history and ancient culture.

A friend took the tour and enjoyed it with her children, but they were the only people signed up for their tour, allowing the guide to move at a faster pace. Our tour group was larger and we stopped for at least 10 - 15 minutes at each wall to discuss the rock art, a pace that was too slow for the kids in our group.

I am happy that we got to see some of the ancient petroglyphs and pictographs though, and did find that we got a deeper appreciation for this fascinating park and it's rick history.

Ancient First Nations Rock Art in the Private Reserve

 

Want to Visit Writing on Stone Provincial Park with your Family?

Visit the Alberta Parks website for more information on camping, hiking, and exploring in Writing on Stone Provincial Park. 

You can also read my previous story from our last visit a few years ago:  Camping in Writing on Stone Provincial Park. 

Reservations for camping can be made on line. Guided Tours can also be booked on line.

Finally, the campground also offers comfort camping if you'd rather camp in a canvas wall tent.  Comfort campsites can be booked on the reservation site along with regular campsites.

There are also two group sites here if you'd like to camp with a group of 5+ families.

Playing in the hoodoos along the Visitor Centre Trail

Disclaimer: I am an Alberta Parks Ambassador and receive free camping and guided tours. As always, all opinions are my own.

Moms' Comfort Camping Adventure at Sundance Lodges

I've wanted to do an overnight "moms and kids trip" for a couple of years now but challenges have always gotten in the way. Backpacking was out because I don't have the strength to carry gear for two people into a backcountry campground, and while regular camping was the easier option, I've really come to like my trailer (which I can't tow on my own.)

An overnight trip I can handle on my own at Sundance Lodges, Kananaskis

Sundance Lodges in Kananaskis - Solo "Mom Trip" Perfection

One of the tipis at Sundance Lodges

I've always wanted to stay at Sundance Lodges in Kananaskis and decided it just might be the perfect overnight summer trip that I could do solo with my son. 

Sundance Lodges is a private campground offering comfort camping options in the form of canvas walled trappers tents and canvas tipis. I figured if we stayed in one of the trappers tents, it would make for a very easy camping experience. We'd still be camping without having to haul the trailer out on my own and we'd get to sleep in a tent (which my son would love as a change of pace from the trailer.)

I invited a girlfriend and her daughter to join us for a night at Sundance Lodges and our plan was set into motion for a moms and kids overnight mountain trip. We even planned a very ambitious hike for the following day and my friend lined up child care for her younger son.

As a bonus, we'd get this great camping experience from a campground we could drive up to in a short 45 minute trip from Calgary! We'd save our hiking adventures for the next day when we could travel light with day packs.

Sundance Lodges Takes Most of the Work out of Camping 

We showed up at Sundance Lodges late afternoon and brought a very simple dinner with us that would involve no cooking. My friend brought a rotisserie chicken with her and I brought wraps and some veggies. Chicken burritos were served in minutes and we never needed to pull out a camp stove.

We took "lazy" to a whole new level after that and packed up all of our dishes to take home and wash the next day. After all, it was only one night!

Entertainment was easy with the beaver ponds day use area next door. A short walk took us over to a creek where the kids happily played in the shallow water.

Playing in the creek at the Beaver Ponds, Sundance Lodges

We went back to camp and made a small fire, roasted a few marshmallows, and went to bed - in our tent that was already set up for us when we arrived! My girlfriend is a regular tent-camper and said it was the easiest camping trip she'd ever done. No tent to set up, no mattresses to blow up, and no set up of any kind at all. You won't even need a screen tent because there's a lovely canvas awning in front of the tent with a picnic table underneath in case it rains.

Camping at Sundance Lodges with our cozy trappers tent

Our tent had a double bed and two single beds in it (all with vinyl mattresses.) Bring sleeping bags and you're good to go. There was also a heater inside which we should have honestly used because it gets chilly in Kananaskis at night.

The next morning we built a small fire to warm up, had a simple breakfast of cinnamon buns and fruit (no cooking being a goal on our short trip,) packed up our dishes again to wash at home, and then headed out for our day hike.

A look at the inside of our trappers tent at Sundance Lodges

It was the easiest camping trip ever.

And the kids have asked for a repeat trip next summer. Success!!

Morning at camp. Experience EASY camping at Sundance Lodges in Kananaskis

A Beautiful Area for a Campground 

Whether you want to try comfort camping in a trappers tent or in a tipi, you want to bring your own tent, or you want to bring your trailer, Sundance Lodges has options for all styles of camping.

Sundance Lodges has over 20 trappers tents, over 10 tipis, and over 25 normal campsites.

Sundance Lodges is located in Evan Thomas Provincial Recreation Area along Highway 40, minutes away from Kananaskis Village.  It is set beside the Kananaskis River which is ideal for evening or morning walks!

Sundance Lodges is located beside the scenic Kananaskis River

In the nearby vicinity you can find the following areas to explore:

Beaver Ponds Day Use Area, Sundance Lodges

• Beaver Ponds Day Use Area (cute little creek area for kids to play in)
  
  
  
• Kovach Pond Day Use Area (starting point if you want to bike the paved Bill Milne Trail to Wedge Pond and back)
  
  
  
• Ribbon Creek Day Use Area (access for hiking Ribbon Creek or for hiking to Troll Falls) - you can also start from the Stoney Trailhead for hiking to Troll Falls
  
  
  
• Kananaskis Village (dining, a playground, walking paths, and mountain bike trails) 

Playing in the Beaver Ponds at Sundance Lodges

And if you want to read about the hike we did after staying overnight at Sundance Lodges, this is the epic trip report from our hike up Grizzly Peak. 

Day hiking in Kananaskis up the Grizzly Peak Trail

For More Information 

Please visit the Sundance Lodges website for more information on camping, reservation, rates, and season dates.

Wild children at play at Sundance Lodges

Disclaimer: We received complimentary camping for a night at Sundance Lodges. As always, all words and opinions are my own and I was not paid to write this review.

We would happily stay at Sundance Lodges again.

Thank you to Sundance Lodges for the great trip and for making a solo trip possible for two moms and our kids.

Evening at Sundance Lodges, Kananaskis