Mileage: 11.9 km The storm that is due starts overnight with an impressive show of thunder and lightning. It is still raining by the time we get up, so we get everyone bundled up in rain gear and then pack up and hike off into the rain. By the time we reached Brazeau Lake, it … Continue reading Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 3
Category: Family Hiking
Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 2
Mileage: 18.6 km After tucking into bed last night, I was happy to discover we had pitched the tent in a way that did not result in anyone sliding around during the night. The tent sites in Jasper tend to be lumpy and slanted, so it is always a "fun" puzzle trying to figure out … Continue reading Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 2
Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 1
Gear List Mileage: 10.7 km At the Icefields Campground, we pack up the Jeep and then drive the 10 minutes to the trailhead. The parking lot is pretty full, so I wiggle the Jeep between a pair of vehicles on the side. Kyle and I go through our mental checklist to ensure we have everything, … Continue reading Brazeau Loop with a Toddler: Day 1
Trip Report: Overnight to Kinney Lake
We needed a bit of a shakedown prior to doing the Brazeau Loop, so we opted to do the portion of the Berg Lake trail that had been reopened. According to signage at the visitor centre, the full trail will not be open until 2025. Gear Gear List Key changes to our gear for this … Continue reading Trip Report: Overnight to Kinney Lake
They call me the human toilet seat…
Our trip to Stein Valley was the first trip that Toothless could be hiking without a diaper and without easy (constant) access to a pit toilet. When car camping pit toilets are accessible and the food keeps your tummy on the same schedule but backpacking is different. While he has "standing pee" figured out already, … Continue reading They call me the human toilet seat…
Stein Valley with a toddler: Day 3
Our plan for the day was to hike out to the car We had a similar start to the day as the day before. We woke at around 7:30am and I helped Toothless with breakfast as Natasha broke down the tent. After more chia seed pudding and cookies, a pouch and fruit cup, Toothless was … Continue reading Stein Valley with a toddler: Day 3
Stein Valley with a toddler: Day 2
Our goal for the day was to go as far as possible. We hoped to go as far as the Suspension Bridge which is roughly 9km from Devils Staircase (the trail is closed after the bridge due to flooding damage). However we didn't make it that far. We slept in until 7:30am (due to a … Continue reading Stein Valley with a toddler: Day 2
Stein Valley with a toddler: Day 1
The Canada Day long weekend snuck upon us while Natasha was on a business trip and I was home alone with Toothless for the week. I realized it would be our last opportunity for a shake down hike before August, when we have plans to hike the Brazeau Loop and hopefully several other hikes to … Continue reading Stein Valley with a toddler: Day 1
POV: You are 2 years old and it’s naptime while you are backpacking
Trip Report: GDT Redux Day 4 – Random camping on Howse Floodplain to Mistaya Canyon
Mileage: 15.8km It was a slightly chilly morning and Toothless wanted to walk right away, so we all set off in our puffy jackets to accommodate his pace. He really seems to love floodplains - last year he was also a big fan of the Moose River - and it is truly gratifying to watch … Continue reading Trip Report: GDT Redux Day 4 – Random camping on Howse Floodplain to Mistaya Canyon