Sometimes, undiscovered and new outdoor places can almost be in your own backyard! This was the case just last weekend for us. We stayed at a new – to me – campground, and it was a wonderful discovery.
Our short stay at the Tunnel Mountain campground just outside Banff a couple of weeks ago was enjoyable enough for the views and to try the new tent, but it maybe wasn’t the most peaceful of places. When I mentioned this to a colleague, she recommended Beaver Flat campground on the Elbow River in Kananaskis country. I’ll admit to being a bit doubtful, thinking that a site barely an hour from the city couldn’t possibly be tranquil.
The Elbow River – a little bit tranquil?
As is often the case with outdoor related items, I was wrong. Once again. The campground and surrounding area was absolutely delightful, and relatively uncrowded for a warm and sunny weekend. I got the impression that the folks we saw out and about – cyclists, campers, hikers, twitchers, photographers and all – were there for the quiet, and because there isn’t a Banff or a Canmore nearby. I love those mountain towns, but they can fill up fast…
Our weekend patch of the Elbow valley was people quiet but teeming with wildlife – although we didn’t see anything much larger than this little guy: He was busy enough, so we backed away!
Being unfamiliar with the area, we didn’t wander too far, yet uncovered plenty of natural delights. A short ramble from the tent, we saw where beaver activity had created a series of small ponds with dams that provided lovely views:
Several times, a pair of geese flew directly over our tent, heading for the pond pictured below – we saw this single goose bank in and land on the water, an impressive sight! The goose in this photo seemed quite despondent, calling frequently. We wondered, had it lost a mate, was it one of the pair we kept seeing? A lonesome goose?
There was plenty to indicate the presence of beavers:
Didn’t see any beavers, but we did spy a small amphibian: It was tiny!
Quite honestly, walking around and investigating the immediate surroundings, we didn’t get more than an hour from the tent yet really enjoyed our explorations. It was a welcome short break from the city, and a chance to recharge before the final few weeks of a busy school year.
Come the evening, is there a better way to unwind?!
I’m so happy to have had the recommendation about where to camp out in Kananaskis, as it was such a pleasant place to spend a weekend. It’s early in the camping season here, and K-country does get busier as the weather warms up, so I’m passing on the recommendation: if you get the chance, head out to the Elbow valley and stay in one of the campgrounds sooner rather than later – you won’t regret it! You don’t have the enormously epic mountain scenery of the nearby national parks, instead it is gentler, yet still rugged, scenery.
Old and plaid, and enjoying K-country!
I’m hoping the weather remains fine and we manage to return in the next week or two – there were some enticing trails to be explored…
Do you have a favourite camping spot, or a campground recommendation? Thanks for reading, please feel free to share or make a comment, and keep your guy ropes secure.
I remember going camping in Kananaskis in 83. We went to Loomis lake & fished for Cut Throat. Best fishing trip in along time!
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Love the frog shot!
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Goes to show that, with a little effort and inquisitive nature, we can find some beautiful places in our own backyards. Really nice.
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Thanks – it was quick to get there. Probably took almost as long putting up that tent!
Enjoy your weekend!
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Looks like a fantastic place for an outing. As much as I love getting into the deep wilderness, I am always excited about finding nature close to home. Sometimes those lesser known – and often overlooked – campgrounds provide just enough nature to break the monotony of city or suburban life.
Great post, my friend.
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It works when time is short, like on a weekend. I still can’t get over it was less than an hour from home – and we live right in the downtown. Enjoy your weekend!
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What a delight it is to find these quiet, beautiful places not far from home. I have come to prefer the little parks far more than the national parks lately, wildlife is easier to find without the crowds. Lovely post. 🙂
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Looks very peaceful. I understand why you liked it!
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