Ridges and valleys: Making the most of summer at Glenbow Ranch

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As summer fades, it can be tough to enjoy the last of the warm weather while juggling the looming return to school and work. It’s a problem that many of us, especially those who enjoy the outdoors, are familiar with; finding time for a good hike is challenging, especially as schedules get busier and days get shorter.

But the solution is easier – and closer – than you might think.

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Located just 10 minutes east of Cochrane (or 30 minutes west of downtown Calgary), Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park offers convenient access to some of the very best trails you’ve likely never heard of.

Despite being one of the newest members of the Alberta Parks family, Glenbow has remained a working ranch for more than 100 years. Also serving as the backbone of the Alberta section of the 28,000-kilometre Trans Canada Trail, this 3,247-acre “midcountry” park is perfect for those who are looking for an unbeatable history, wildlife and outdoors experience.

Here are three trails that are certain to help you make the most of summer on your first, or next, visit:

Tiger Lily Loop

Tiger Lily Loop is one of the most popular hikes in the park, and it is easy to understand why. Located just outside of the parking lot, this 1.8-kilometre gravel trail is simple to access and enjoy.

With a gentle mix of uphill, downhill, and flat terrain, this loop is perfect for those who want a beautiful but relatively easy hike. This trail is surrounded by many different types of wildflowers and native benchland vegetation, making the forest walk scenic, colourful, and calming.

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Wildlife sightings are common, as this forest is home to many animals, including mule deer, whitetail deer, finches, woodpeckers, and birds of prey.

A small glen in the forest provides a perfect lunch spot, and the nearby pond offers a quiet place to rest and see wetland animals like muskrats and red-winged blackbirds.

Badger Bowl

Badger Bowl is a gravel trail found a bit further into the park, and it can be accessed best by walking 1.1 kilometres down the back of Tiger Lily Loop. From the pond, you can begin the 1.4-kilometre hike to the top of Badger Bowl, a consistent uphill that may tire out less avid hikers.

Despite the moderate difficulty, this trail is worth the effort. You’ll walk through a grassy plain with flowers and the chance to spot deer or coyotes. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Alberta’s grasslands, the distant mountains, and the town of Cochrane.

Though it’s windier at the top, the view makes it all worthwhile.

Bow River Loop

The Bow River Loop is a mostly flat, 4.8-kilometre trail. This hike is located deep in the park, reached by a 2.3-kilometre paved path from the Visitor Center; the trip there is mostly downhill, so be prepared to walk back up.

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There are certainly perks to the journey down to the river, including views of the Glenbow general store and post office, the site of the old Glenbow Village schoolhouse, and the Canadian Pacific Railway. Although the loop is easy on its own, the walk there and back can make it more tiring, so pack some extra water for the trip.

The gravel path goes through a grassy clearing that is favoured by deer, coyotes, and birds of prey like eagles, osprey, and hawks. This trail also has access to a rocky bank by the Bow River, making it an ideal spot for lunch and spotting garter snakes.

Summer might be slipping away, but it’s not over quite yet. For an escape from crowds, noise, and worry, look no further than Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.

• Getting there: 30 minutes west of downtown Calgary. Take Highway 1A (Crowchild Trail) northwest out of the city. Before arriving at Cochrane, turn south on Glenbow Road and follow it down the valley to arrive at Glenbow Ranch.

• Difficulty: Easy to medium, with modest elevation gain on paved pathways.

• When to visit: Trails are open year-round. Some sections are occasionally closed due to seasonal conditions and the working ranch operations. Visit www.grpf.ca for up-to-date information.

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• Don’t forget: A full water bottle, snacks, and layered clothing, including a hat and sturdy walking shoes. The pathways have some steep sections, and there can be long distances between parking lots, washrooms and viewpoints.

Final verdict: Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park offers the perfect late summer escape close to home for both families and solo adventurers. Whether you’re after a gentle ridgetop stroll or a more challenging river valley hike, a late summer visit to the ranch is one you’ll remember.

Holly Mylrea served as a Glenbow Ranch camp counsellor this summer and is continuing her studies at Mount Royal University. Former city councillor Jeromy “Pathfinder” Farkas is CEO of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation.

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