Cougar Creek/Mount Lady MacDonald Trail Head is located at 500 Elk Run Blvd, Canmore, AB - T1W 1G7. Also look for bighorn sheep in the meadow on the back side of the ridge. They continued off and on for the duration of the hike. After about 1.75 hours from setting out, we gained the ridge two pictures below. There will be a paved parking lot on your left; park here. Mount Lady Macdonald Trail [CLOSED] is a 6.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Canmore, Alberta, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Previous. LEVEL Expert ALTITUDE 2,606 m ELEVATION GAIN 1200 m DURATION 5-8 Hours GETTING THERE Drive along Bow Valley Trail and turn left onto Benchlands Trail. Please submit any useful information about climbing Mount Lady MacDonald that may be useful to other climbers. Besides this hiking trail, there are two more hiking trails listed in Canmore. - See 8 traveler reviews, 18 candid photos, and great deals for Canmore, Canada, at Tripadvisor. There was a real cool cloud inversion which you can see in the video. Paying attention should keep you on track, but people do get lost, so I must say that there is a bit of route-finding to pick a good trail. This is definitely a good workout and we took 1 hour 45 minutes with a steady pace and no breaks. From the trail head, which is next to Iron Goat Pub, this is 4.5km to the helipad on a very direct route which has some scrambling. I didn’t think scree and knife edge ridges with a large dog would be a great combo. I never fail to leave a hike in the mountains with perspective on whatever issue I’ve been dealing with, and with a fresh and balanced attitude. The trail starts on a paved bike trail that changes to gravel and follows the creek towards Mount Lady MacDonald. From the helipad you can go further up to the summit above, but we did not do that. Mount Lady MacDonald If you’re looking for an early season hike in the Canmore area then you’d do well to choose Mount Lady MacDonald. There is very little access to water so ensure you pack accordingly. The mountain was named in 1886 after Susan Agnes Macdonald, wife of Sir John A. Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada. Today there’s a helicopter pad – minus several boards – so watch where you walk. It’s convenient because the trailhead access is right in the town of Canmore in Cougar Creek. Some folks turn around at this point and head back down, as up and onwards is a steep and rigorous scramble to the ridge over loose rock. May 14, 2015 - Attempt date: September 22nd, 2012 Start time: 7:10am Completion time: 6 hours Elevation gain: 1200m (3,937 ft) Participants: Sarah Mclean, Patrick Latter Directions From the Canmore centre drive on the 1A south to Elk Run Boulevard and turn left. Gear Food Water Warm fleece Hiking … Apr 5, 2013 - Attempt date: September 22nd, 2012 Start time: 7:10am Completion time: 6 hours Elevation gain: 1200m (3,937 ft) Participants: Sarah Mclean, Patrick Latter Directions From the Canmore centre drive on the 1A south to Elk Run Boulevard and turn left. Rather, we stopped at the "Tea House Platform" (They tried to build a tea house up here many years ago before they realized nobody was climbing up 900 metres for a cup of tea I suppose) and sat back to enjoy the views. One of the first big peaks to really dry out is Mt. I've climbed the mountain twice now, and all the hard work of getting to the summit is worth it when you see the amazing views from up there.Be prepared for a fairly long day, however I've seen people in great shape run up and down the mountain in a matter of 3hrs or so. It's an easy hike up to this point, no hands on scrambling required, and most families with experience hiking on steep terrain should have no problems reaching the platform. The hike is very straightforward until you reach a rocky section. If you’re coming from Calgary get off at the main exit into Canmore by the Silver Tip Resort. Her blog: HikeBikeTravel is frequently cited as one of the top travel and outdoor adventure blogs in Canada. Lady MacDonald Sitting just east of Banff, Alberta, Mount Lady MacDonald is well known among Canmore residents and avid hikers in the region. Mount Lady MacDonald, elevation 2,606m and one of the four peaks that make up the Canmore Quad, the others being Mount Grotto, Ha Ling, and the East End of Rundle. Saying the views from the top are magnificent is an understatement, so it’s definitely worth the tricky scramble and steep ascent. NTS Map: 82O03Elevation Gain: 1200mMount Lady MacDonald is one of those hikes / scrambles that get you addicted to hiking. We ended up on a well-worn gravel/snow path beside a small stream. This hike might be a challenge, but oh boy- is the payoff ever worth it. The trail is primarily used for hiking and bird watching and is best used from March until October. You should find signage immediately. Mount Lady Macdonald is a technical scramble with a knife edge traverse required to reach the true summit. MOUNT LADY MACDONALD. Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards. Our scramble of #LadyMacdonald and the summit knife ridge. You’ll have to decide if you’ve got the skill-set and wherewithal to continue. We hiked up to the abandoned tea house at 7,560 ft on Mount Lady MacDonald today. Our scramble of #LadyMacdonald and the summit knife ridge. Mount Lady MacDonald is one of those hikes / scrambles that get you addicted to hiking. It’s a popular trail as we discovered, with most hikers turning around at the heli-pad. Also known as Lady MacDonald Tea House Hike. There is something so special about standing on top of a mountain – it feels like you are on top of the world. Mount Lady MacDonald Weather (Days 0-3): Mostly dry. Lady Mac is no different. Thanks for reading! Leigh McAdam is an award-winning, Calgary-based writer, photographer and social media enthusiast with over 61,000 followers. Mount Lady MacDonald, Bow Valley Provincial Park ” One of my favorite quick hikes is Mount Lady MacDonald. Choose one of the many short paths up through the woods on your left. Soon enough, the trail plateaus into a flat, open shoulder where at 2,300 m (7,544 ft), the foundation still exists for the infamous abandoned teahouse. Mount Lady MacDonald ⛰ Trail running trail in Canmore, Alberta (Canada). May 14, 2015 - Attempt date: September 22nd, 2012 Start time: 7:10am Completion time: 6 hours Elevation gain: 1200m (3,937 ft) Participants: Sarah Mclean, Patrick Latter Directions From the Canmore centre drive on the 1A south to Elk Run Boulevard and turn left. The Mount Lady MacDonald hike out of Canmore is one of a handful of early season hikes that delivers a great workout along with spectacular views. If you were to hike to the summit of Lady Mac and not the helipad you would cover 4.3 kilometres one way over an elevation gain of 905 metres. Just make sure you bring enough water, hydration is key, folks! What I really liked about the Mount Lady MacDonald hike were the views. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Type of Site: Hike & Fly Mountain Site (PG) Total Height: 908m. The first best thing about the Lady Mac trail is that the trailhead is located right next to the Iron Goat Pub. Also known as Lady MacDonald Tea House Hike. The beautiful … As you rise, you will notice smaller paths go off at times. Mount Lady MacDonald is one of those hikes / scrambles that get you addicted to hiking. If its full continue up the hill a short distance and park on the right hand side where parking is allowed. Mount Lady MacDonald Climbing Notes Be the first to submit your climbing note! Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Continuing to the true summit involves traversing an extremely narrow knife-edge ridge with big drops on both sides, and some hands-on scrambling moves. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 5°C on Sat afternoon, min -1°C on Thu night). The trail itself is quite well defined, and climbs to the site of a former, now defunct tea house. Learn how your comment data is processed. MOUNT LADY MACDONALD. Looking back toward Canmore Heading up the scree slopes The ridge is quite exposed, but the adrenaline is great! Start: Drive Elk Run Boulevard to a parking lot on the left (west) side of the bridge over Cougar Creek. But take lots of water with you! Take another right on Elk Run Blvd and take an immediate left turn into the Cougar Canyon trailhead. Continue north past houses in a residential neighbourhood until the trail takes a noticeable bend to the left. Author of Discover Canada: 100 Inspiring Outdoor Adventures Co-author of 125 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta, Yoho National Park in British Columbia isn't very big compared to its next-door neighbour -…, For a take-your-breath-away beautiful multi-day hiking trip in the Canadian Rockies, you must put the…, For a magnificent but long day hike or an outstanding 3 - 4-day backpacking trip…, […] The Mount Lady MacDonald Hike near Canmore […], Your email address will not be published. Perhaps best known for her magnitude, she towers over the Bow River Valley, peaking at a staggering 2,606 m (8,550 ft). Follow it up to a T-junction and take a left onto Benchlands Trail Road. Finding the trail is the crux of the hike if you only go as far as the heli-pad. This short but very steep trails climbs from the Cougar Creek trailhead in Canmore, AB to the ridge of Mount Lady MacDonald, located west of Cougar Creek. One day I’ll do it when I don’t have a dog with me. Her blog: HikeBikeTravel is frequently cited as one of the top travel and outdoor adventure blogs in Canada. Mount Lady MacDonald is one slog of an uphill hike that has so much scenic variety and insane vantage points that will make tomorrow's sore leg muscles totally worth it! Distance: 8.5 km Elevation gain: 935 m Download GPS track With up to a meter of fresh snow blanketing the Rockies, an unacceptably high avalanche risk, and every foothill within 3 hours of Calgary buried under a meter of old snow, Sandra and I were reduced to an exercise hike to the Mount Lady MacDonald helipad today. This peak is located just north-east of Canmore Alberta. It can take anywhere fro… It begins innocuously enough, with a gentle and … Where: Near Canmore Distance: 9.8km Difficulty: Difficult POCATERRA RIDGE. This is definitely not a season opener, but it’s manageable with some effort and determination.​. Look toward the south-facing side of the valley, the mountain to the left of the big gash (Cougar Creek) is Lady "Mac." Anna Rybialek married Jim MacDonald on the Mount Lady MacDonald hike in Canmore, Alta. May 27, 2005 Dinah and I first attempted Mount Lady Macdonald but didn't get past the south summit because of rain. Cougar Creek/Mount Lady MacDonald trail head, Canmore: See 9 reviews, articles, and 18 photos of Cougar Creek/Mount Lady MacDonald trail head, ranked … Continue north past houses in a residential neighbourhood until the trail takes a noticeable bend to the left. Mount Lady Mac is definitely one of the most challenging and beautiful hikes in the area, in my books, and my favourite hike in Canada to date! Nearby I also recommend hiking Ha Ling Peak. Discover Canada: 100 Inspiring Outdoor Adventures, Test Your Mettle on the EEOR Hike near Canmore - Hike Bike Travel. Lady Macdonald; Mount Lady Macdonald from Grotto Mountain (minor summit), October 2009. This trail is located in the Canadian Rockies and is a favorite of many visitors. From the ridge to the heli-pad it took us about 15 minutes. After after a 6-7 hour round trip and 1.2 kms of vertical, a big pint of beer and a burger is a welcome sight! In short order you can see the rest of the mountain unfold above you. It’s tough and you maybe even think about giving up, but you grind through it and feel this HUGE sense of pleasure and accomplishment in achieving your goal. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until September. Cougar Creek/Mount Lady MacDonald trail head: One of my favs! If you’re going to continue past the heli-pad take gaiters and icers. In the event of a discrepancy between rates displayed on TravelAlberta.com and our partner’s website, rates displayed on the partner’s website shall prevail. One of the most popular trails in the Canmore area is the one to Grassi Lakes. Where: Near Canmore Distance: 9.8km Difficulty: Difficult Elevation Gain 895m. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Mount Lady MacDonald, as well as the logistics of climbing to the summit. The first best thing about the Lady Mac trail is that the trailhead is located right next to the Iron Goat Pub. Leigh McAdam is a Calgary based writer, author, photographer and social media enthusiast with over 61,000 followers. Mt. Facebook 0 Twitter Pinterest 0. Cougar Creek/Mount Lady MacDonald trail head: One of my favs! There's also twenty-one attractions listed in this city in other categories. The boulders, sparse forest, and views of the Bow River Valley make for a classic mountain landscape that isn't always offered by forested walks to lakes, or hikes up scree slopes. See photos here for an idea. Be prepared for a fairly long day, however I've seen people in great shape run up and down the mountain in a matter of 3hrs or so. Ahead we could see hikers taking off on a trail into the woods so we checked with someone who looked like a local. Our excuse was Rosie, the Bernese mountain dog. The approach uses the popular trail to the teahouse. There was a real cool cloud inversion which you can see in the video. That first trail in the woods takes you on the Montane Traverse. The Lady MacDonald trailhead is one of those The first time we looked for it we missed it and ended up walking up the cougar creek river bed (boulders) past the debris fence and then doubled back to the Mountane Traverse. Avoid it if it’s the first time you’re hiking Lady Mac as there is a network of trails and it would be easy to start up the wrong one. Scramble: RT 7.0; 4.0 up. Winds decreasing (strong winds from the W on Wed night, light winds from the W by Fri morning). It put the whole prospect of attempting the Canmore Quad at some point in the future in a new, more frightening, perspective. With this view, the shoulder is still a great spot to stop for a snack or water break, perhaps with a mountain goat or two watching you from the distance. Take the 2nd Canmore exit off of the TransCanada as you are heading west (downtown exit). When we tried it the second time we did find it and had a great hike up to the tree line on the mountain. Looking back down the trail, there was a fantastic view of the '3 sisters'. If you aren’t familiar with Canmore the directions to the trailhead may sound confusing but they’re actually straightforward. Your email address will not be published. Northover Ridge - Kananaskis. I was tired and started the ascent late (well, 9:30 am start in December was a … Mount Lady Macdonald Hiking Trail Length: 3.5 kilometers/2.1 miles (90 minutes) one-way Elevation gain: 850 meters/2,790 feet Rating: moderate/difficult Trailhead: corner of Benchlands Trail and Elk Run Boulevard, east side of TransCanada Highway. I've climbed the mountain twice now, and all the hard work of getting to the summit is worth it when you see the amazing views from up there. It is a geat place to get some exercise and if the weather cooperates offers a fine view of the mountains on the opposite side of the Bow Valley. I think Mount Lady Mac is the steepest ridge walk I have done, and rightly so, there is a sheer, vertical drop on either side of the ridge. “A lovely, easy hike with a HUGE beautiful pay off at the end! Distance 9.0 km return, height gain 888 m, strenuous. After all, this isn’t just any mountain top you are about to summit – it is the epitome of mountain tops; it is the quintessential, stereotypical, triangular peaked tip of a mountain top. Lady MacDonald dominates the northern skyline of Canmore, Alberta, gateway to the Canadian Rockies through Banff National Park. Lady Macdonald Teahouse Trail [CLOSED] is a 5.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Canmore, Alberta, Canada that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Stoney Trail. Perhaps best known for her magnitude, she towers over the bow river valley, peaking at a staggering 8,550 feet. It took us four hours of hiking round-trip, not including a leisurely lunch soaking in the sun at the heli-pad. This hike might be a challenge, but oh boy- is the payoff ever worth it. Apparently, the teahouse was meant to serve as a lunch and rest stop, but the construction was abandoned after noise pollution concerns arose for the town of Canmore. You can see most of the 18 peaks of Mount Rundle, Ha Ling peak, Miner peak, Lawrence Grassi, the Three Sisters, Rimwall, Mount Lougheed, and to the south, Grotto and Parts of Gap Peak to name just a few. Hotels near Cougar Creek/Mount Lady MacDonald trail head, Canmore on Tripadvisor: Find 19,820 traveller reviews, 7,225 candid photos, and prices for 72 hotels near Cougar Creek/Mount Lady MacDonald trail head in Canmore, Canada. There’s also a weather station up here. An 8km out-and-back and really quite challenging. The hike up the well-defined, dirt trail rewards you with epic views even from only half way up. Just make sure you bring enough water, hydration is key, folks! It’s free. Then it steepens again and the trail becomes braided. If it’s not steep you’re on the wrong trail. Instead continue almost to the large metal gate across the river. Mount Lady MacDonald (Lady Mac) Canmore, Alberta. Despite the unseasonably warm weather, the signs of fall were there as we made our way up the trail. Elevation Gain 895m. Troll Falls 2 Hiking. There is the option to continue past the heli … Be the first to submit your climbing note! If you don’t mind a little scree – or snow if it’s spring time, then continue up past the heli-pad on the Mount Lady MacDonald hike until you reach the knife-edge ridge. But for the adrenaline junkie, the extra time and effort to climb over the scree is SO worth it! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It put the whole prospect of attempting the Canmore Quad at some point in the future in a new, more frightening, perspective. Hiking up Mount Lady Macdonald Such wonderful views for the majority of the hike The Bow Valley from the helicopter pad Onward and upward! There was quite a bit of snow around in mid-May. The reward for a trudge up Teahouse Ridge on Lady MacDonald is a fabulous view of the Bow Valley. (Days 3-6): Mostly dry. Pass the Summit Cafe and then just before you reach a bridge turn left along Elk Run Boulevard where you’ll immediately see a parking lot on your right. Cougar Creek/Mount Lady MacDonald trail head: #Awesome - See 9 traveler reviews, 18 candid photos, and great deals for Canmore, Canada, at Tripadvisor. As an aside the heli-pad was built to support a teahouse that was to be accessed via a helicopter flight. The main trail heads steeply up the hill. Let me tell you why. Difficulty: A good to fair marked trail with moderately steep grades throughout. Sitting just east of Banff, Mount Lady MacDonald is well known among Canmore residents and avid hikers in the region. Ahead we could see hikers taking off on a trail into the woods so we checked with someone who looked like a local. There is very little access to water so ensure you pack accordingly. NOTE: In mid-May the trail was primarily dirt or rock until we neared the heli-pad and we got into snow. Mount Lady Macdonald Kananaskis, Alberta May 27, 2005 . Trail Guides - Canada Simon Ennals July 16, 2019 lady mac, hike, hikinh, Hike Guide, lady macdonald, mount lady macdonald, hiking, canmore, Kananaskis Comment. When we returned two years later almost to the day, we had perfect conditions: dry rock, blue sky and calm winds. Living in Canmore, and especially this year with our dry winter, some trails are enjoyable almost year round for hiking and scrambling. The Mount Lady Macdonald trail begins at Cougar Creek, starting out as a leg burner through the forest, then meandering through boulders, halfway up. Within 10-15 minutes of hiking we were treated to views of Canmore and the valley. Great views will peek out regularly, so be prepared to stop and enjoy these wonderful views. Find her on twitter: @thepinkbackpack and instagram: @thepinkbackpackblog, Photo Credit: Steph | www.thepinkbackpack.com. There will be a paved parking lot on your left; park here. Travel Alberta and its partners make every effort to provide current & accurate information. You can’t beat the view. This short but very steep trails climbs from the Cougar Creek trailhead in Canmore, AB to the ridge of Mount Lady MacDonald, located west of Cougar Creek. Perhaps best known for her magnitude, she towers over the Bow River Valley, peaking at a staggering 2,606 m (8,550 ft). Turn right on Benchlands Trail and the road will bend back east. The approach uses the popular trail to the teahouse. The stunning panoramic mountain views and the thrill and euphoria as you stand on top of the peak are like nothing else. Lady MacDonald standard scramble route My first attempt was on the Day 4 of my solo Christmas peak-bagging mission. Hiking in Canmore, Alberta: Mt. All in all, Lady Mac is a jaw-dropping, show-stopping, beautiful, one-of-a-kind mountain and hiking experience. Lady Macdonald is merely a steep hike on trail and then rock until you reach the false summit, which is a good enough endpoint for most people. After that it's quite a scramble. Required fields are marked *. - See 9 traveler reviews, 18 candid photos, and great deals for Canmore, Canada, at Tripadvisor. My store contains affiliate links. The beautiful platform that we reached sits perched at 2260 metres on Mount Lady Macdonald overlooking the Town of Canmore and the Bow Valley. These commissions help reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active. From the ridge it’s lovely hiking and a little less steep. Read: The Mount Lady MacDonald Hike near Canmore. First good view of Canmore from the hike The helipad is a great place for lunch Another one of the Canmore hikes with great views but if you’re doing it early in the season bring icers Grassi Lakes – one of the very popular Canmore hikes. Head left up it admiring the mountainscape around you. It’s convenient because the trailhead access … There will be a paved parking lot on your left; park here. Trail Guides - Canada Simon Ennals July 16, 2019 lady mac, hike, hikinh, Hike Guide, lady macdonald, mount lady macdonald, hiking, canmore, Kananaskis Comment Facebook 0 … The trail itself is quite well defined, and climbs to the site of a former, now defunct tea house. We hiked up to the abandoned tea house at 7,560 ft on Mount Lady MacDonald today. This popular hike leads to the teahouse that was never built, few people tackle the true summit. From the helipad you can go further up to the summit above, but we did not do Looking at Mount Lady MacDonald from Canmore. Sitting just east of Banff, Mount Lady MacDonald is well known among Canmore residents and avid hikers in the region. Steph is a Canadian mountain girl with an affinity for travel and adventure! Freeze-thaw conditions (max 4°C on Sat night, min -4°C on Sun night). If you are in the Canmore area, seriously, do yourself a favour and pay her a visit! Lady MacDonald. We all know that feeling…you work really, really hard for something. You’ll be hiking on a dirt trail that starts to rise. From the Cougar Creek Trailhead by the parking lot follow the well-defined trail to the left (west) of the river. Standing high in the sky in solidarity with nature and the mountains, you notice the enormity of the universe and realize just how tiny you and your problems are. Mount Lady MacDonald is one slog of an uphill hike that has so much scenic variety and insane vantage points that will make tomorrow's sore leg muscles totally worth it! Mount Lady MacDonald, Bow Valley Provincial Park ” One of my favorite quick hikes is Mount Lady MacDonald. They continued off and on for the next time I comment trails in the Town of in... Really, really hard for something there will be a great early season hikes in the on... 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