Five Adventures for Those Who Want to Get Their Feet Wet in Alberta’s Foothills

Chill out

A trip to Bragg Creek Provincial Park is a quick one-day getaway. The park is 47 km (30 mi) west of Calgary, but it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The forests offer serenity, while the Elbow River offers watery recreation.

The combination of forests and water means you can work up a sweat on a hike then cool off with a quick dip. (And it will likely be quick; the Elbow River is glacier-fed after all.) Or maybe just dip a toe in. The area is also great for fishing and the park includes a large picnic area for those who want to make a day out of it.

Fall for the falls

Waterfalls are both thrilling and calming. All that rushing water is almost hypnotic. You can contemplate all this at Elbow Falls Provincial Recreation Area. It’s 67 km (42 mi) west of Calgary in Kananaskis Country. It’s a great spot to spend a day in the fresh air, but please note that the road is closed annually from December 1 to May 15. The area has excellent hiking trails, and the Elbow River is great for paddlers and anglers. Of course, there is also a great spot to just sit and stare at the falls. Try it—you’ll find it oddly peaceful.

Saddle up

There’s nothing like seeing the world from a saddle. Moose Mountain Horseback Adventures offers guests the chance to explore 600 km (375 mi) of trails on the ranch and beyond.

If you want to see it all, you’ll have to come more than once. But that’s just fine—the ranch is a peaceful place that you’ll want to revisit. It’s also the perfect weekend getaway. Book a room in the lodge. It’s known as The Barn, but don’t let the name fool you—it’s a bright, airy space that can accommodate groups up to eight people.

Moose Mountain offers lessons, overnight trips and vacation packages. The friendly, knowledgeable staff (two- and four-legged) will ensure that your stay is memorable.

Experience life on the river

Families come first at Riverbend Campground. The campground near Okotoks is family-owned, family-operated and kid-friendly. The little ones can enjoy the many playgrounds and play mini-golf. Families can rent bikes and peddle carts to tour the property.

Riverbend sits on the banks of the Sheep River, giving campers easy access to fishing, paddling and swimming. Riverbend Campground also rents paddle boats for those who want to get out on the water. They also get easy access to Okotoks, which is handy just in case you forget to pack the marshmallows.

The campground has RV sites (50 amp and 30 amp) as well as tenting sites. There is also a general store, laundry facilities and hot showers.

Five-star luxury in the Foothills

Hit the trails around Bragg Creek and then relax in five-star splendour at the Riverside Chateau.

The log mansion offers western-style charm and luxurious touches like king- and queen-size beds, high thread counts and goose down duvets.

Guests can relax on the veranda and listen to the Elbow River as it rushes past. Riverside Chateau is an easy walk to the hamlet of Bragg Creek, which offers fine dining and interesting shops.