Hot selfie spots in southern Alberta’s golden trails

By Pepper Rodriguez
September 21, 2022

Hiking is one of the best pastimes available in Calgary and the fall might be the best season to enjoy it, as the changing foliage provides the perfect backdrop for selfies.

The temperature outside is just right, traffic to the provincial parks isn’t as crazy as it was in the summer, and the hues of green, orange and red add to the already breathtaking scenery of the foothills and the Rockies.

Calgary is blessed to be so close to a mountain getaway, and hiking adventures can be enjoyed less than an hour away from the city. Here are a few of our favourite spots in and around the city and beyond where one can enjoy an afternoon among the pretty colours just walking the dog, embark on an adventurous hike, and take time for an Instagram selfie or two.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Provincial Park covers much of the southern breadth of the city, encompassing 1,348 hectares stretching some 20 kilometres from the T’suu Tina Reserve at 37th Street to the Bow River’s banks in the east and dividing established and newer suburbs that have sprung up beside it. Officially opening in 1975, it has provided countless hours of enjoyment for Calgarians and one of the best spots for a fall hike and photoshoot.

Fullerton Loop, Kananaskis County

The access trail to Fullerton Loop from Allen Bill Day Use was rerouted following the 2013 Flood. The access trail is now located across from the Allen Bill Day Use access road, rather than passing under the Highway 66 bridge. Once on the Fullerton Loop proper, you can either climb the ridge edge or take the more gradual route up the valley behind. On top of the ridge, there are views to Moose Mountain, west down the valley and south across the Elbow River.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Stunning vistas of natural beauty where the prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains are never more realized than in the Waterton Lakes National Park. Clear lakes, awe-inspiring waterfalls, rainbow-coloured streams, colourful rocks and mountain vistas await hikers and sightseers. With an exceptional diversity of wildlife and wildflowers and a cozy little waterfront town to serve as a home base, Waterton packs a big natural punch into a relatively small and accessible area.

With extraordinary natural charms packed into a compact space, Waterton Lakes National Park offers plenty to keep visitors busy – and it’s only a couple of hours south of Calgary.

Sightsee on the park’s scenic roadways, and keep an eye out for abundant wildlife. Explore natural attractions, from a vivid red canyon to mist-cloaked waterfalls. Or check out the postcard-perfect community of Waterton, with great day hiking, a historic 1927 hotel and a range of water activities.

About Pepper Rodriguez

Pepper Rodriguez is a writer, editor of New Home + Condo Guide's Calgary and Edmonton editions.

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