Backpacker BUZZ: Issue 72 British Columbia and Alberta

hi·ber·nate (hī’bər-nāt’) verb: -nat·ed, -nat·ing, -nates.

To pass the winter in a dormant or torpid state; closely linked with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—where one may feel inclined to go through winter in a semi-reclusive state or to bypass it completely and head overseas to warmer climates. However, with so many breathtaking sites to see and adventures to experience closer to home, the best way to side-step hibernation is to get out and do one of the many winter activities on offer; from watching the dancing aurora borealis light up the northern sky to experiencing a world-class train trip across Canada. After all, hibernating is for bats, bears and post-excessive-Christmas-Day consumption.

WESTERN CANADA
Cross-Country Ski the Icefields Parkway
A popular route during the summer, the Icefields Parkway has the reputation of being one of the most scenic parkways in the world. It stretches 230 kilometres through Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta. In winter, the overwhelming and impressive environmental tableau of the Canadian Rockies is transformed into an awe-inspiring winter scene. Explore the scenery throughout the Parkway more closely on cross-country skis. Whether you enjoy the groomed trails of Lake Louise, following the tracks of earlier skiers up Mosquito Creek or forging your own route through undisturbed powder to access a HI wilderness hostel, cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors.

Try ICE Climbing
Rock climbing is a major summer sport and in winter, frozen
waterfalls provide an ice climber’s dream. There are two main types of ice climbing: alpine and waterfall.  Endless opportunities to develop a passion exist throughout the Rockies—a mecca for ice climbers and its here you can find one of Canada’s most
famous ice climbs—the Weeping Wall. The size of six football fields, it is caused by snow melting high on Cirrus Mountain and resembles a mountain crying a river of tears. The main fall, at more than 100 metres, is known as the Teardrop. Visit HI-Banff Alpine Centre in winter and climb the ice wall right outside the hostel.

Hike through an ice canyon
In winter, an ice-covered canyon is an impressive sight. Maligne, Mistaya, Marble, Johnston and Grotto are all magnificent canyons located throughout the Rockies. Whether you go on a guided
tour or own your own, a canyon hike through ice pillars, frozen waterfalls, crystals and clear springs is not to be missed.

Go snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to see the forest in winter and it’s a great way to keep fit during the colder months. Most of the HI hostels in Alberta will lend you a set of snowshoes for free. You don’t need trails or tickets, just open the door, point toward the woods, and go (with a compass and winter gear). In Vancouver, Cypress Mountain offers interpretive day hikes as well as a popular evening hike that involves après fondue.
(cypressmountain.com)

Magical Lake louise
Lake Louise transforms into an enchanting winter scene, where you can go ice-skating on the frozen lake, see the ice castle built outside the romantic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, enjoy the comfort of a sleigh ride or hike or ski to the end of the lake for a breathtaking view.

Experience Dogsledding
The thrill of being pulled by a powerful pack of racing dogs through snow-covered forests and meadows is a time-old tradition. There are many tour operators throughout Western Canada with dogs ready and eager for a run.

Shred the Slopes
Whether you’re a ‘never ever’ or a ‘shred some gnar’ skier or snowboarder, there’s an abundance of resorts to choose from in Western Canada. Visit hihostels.ca/winter for package deals and outpostmagazine.com for issue #71 of Backpacker Buzz which lists the top resorts in Canada.

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