Category Archives: spring

Rundle Mountain Helicopter Bombing, Canmore

On Saturday April 10 2010 there were some loud explosions in Canmore in the Canadian Rockies which rattled most of the residents’ windows: they were bombing the east end of Rundle Mountain in Canmore to trigger controlled avalanches. Rundle Mountain is about 25km long and stretches all the way to Banff from Canmore.

Rundle Mountain bombing by helicopter, Canmore

Take a closer look and you can see the helicopter drop the explosives.Rundle Mountain bombing by helicopter, Canmore

The explosives then trigger an avalanche down Mount Rundle’s east end.

Rundle Mountain bombing by helicopter, Canmore

Rundle Mountain bombing by helicopter, Canmore

Rundle Mountain bombing by helicopter, Canmore

Rundle Mountain bombing by helicopter, Canmore

Rundle Mountain bombing by helicopter, Canmore

It took some time for the dust and debris to clear.

Did anyone else here the bombing of Mount Rundle in Canmore on Saturday? I am curious how far away the explosions could be heard. If you did, post a comment below!

Lake Louise Torchlight Dinner 2010

Last one of the season!

Friday April 16 2010 :
Lake Louise Torchlight Dinner and Ski – The Ultimate Après Ski Party

This is the final Torchlight Dinner and Ski event for the 09/10 winter ski season at Lake Louise!

This party is the ultimate way for your group to wrap up a wonderful day on the slopes, or the perfect escape to the mountains after a work week.

Rates: Adult $49, Child $28.

Group rates (>15) and transportation to Banff or Lake Louise available.

Contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays to book!

Prevent conflicts with wildlife

They may sometimes appear unconcerned by our presence, but all park animals are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Keep your distance from wildlife

Always keep your distance.

Do not approach or entice wildlife. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens instead.

Remain at least:

– 100 metres (10 bus lengths) away from BEARS, COUGARS and WOLVES

– 30 metres (3 bus lengths) away from ELK, DEER, SHEEP, GOATS and MOOSE

Never leave food attractants out for wildlife.

Food attractants include:

– coolers (they are NOT bearproof!)

– food scraps or leftovers

– dishwater

– dirty dishes, pots or barbecues

– empty bottles, cans or wrappers

– toothpaste, soap or other toiletries

– pets

– pet food dishes (full or empty)

Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Because it is impossible to predict how wildlife will react in any situation, avoiding encounters is the only sure way to keep people safe and wildlife wild.

– Always be on the lookout for animals or signs of their presence.

– Carefully supervise children whenever outdoors.

Source: Parks Canada

First Bear of Spring 2008 – Banff National Park


Photo Courtesy of Parks Canada

This big male grizzly was photographed on March 16th by a Trans-Canada Highway Project remote camera in the lower Bow Valley. Male grizzlies typically emerge out of their dens in mid-March. Female bears with their cubs tend to emerge mid-April.

This is an indicator that Spring is here and we need to be bear aware! Look out for signs of bears when you are hiking such as diggings and bear scat. If you suspect a bear is in the area it is often best to leave the area immediately. If this is not possible, make plenty of noise so the bear is not surprised. If you make noise during your hike, such as talking loudly, you are very unlikely to see any wildlife including bears.

Organised hikes are a great way to see the wilderness. Include an organised hike on your summer vacation!

Up-to-date trail reports are available at Parks Canada official website.