Bragg Creek is the gateway to Kananaskis adventures

Article content material

The hike to the summit took us a whopping 26 minutes. No Sherpas have been wanted. Ice axes, rope, bottled oxygen? Nope. The scamper to the highest of Two Pines – a 2.3-kilometre round-trip hike with 140 metres of elevation achieve – is about as straightforward as summit sojourns get. My hamster may do it. Nevertheless, for those who’re on the lookout for a super-quick hike near Calgary – and one with a considerable payoff because of the beautiful views on the prime – then this under-the-radar Bragg Creek hike must be in your “listing.” And the very best half? It’s actually in Bragg Creek, which simply occurs to be an superior little city to putter round in after your playtime. 

Article content material

Situated simply half an hour west of Calgary, the hamlet of Bragg Creek is a superb little get-outta-dodge getaway for a number of causes. And short-and-snappy hikes on its doorstep is actually one in every of them. That is, actually, the “Gateway to Kananaskis Nation.” 

Article content material

Like many Calgarians who like to recreate within the mountains, Bragg Creek, for me, is acquainted territory. Over the previous 4 many years, give or take, I’ve been there dozens of instances. Be it a fat-biking trip on the fashionable West Bragg Creek Provincial Recreation Space (the loop round Braggin’ Rights to Merlin View and again is a private favorite), a picnic at Elbow Falls, a thigh-burning hike up White Buddha, an exciting spherical of golf at Wintergreen (it’s extremely underrated), a horseback driving expertise at Moose Mountain Adventures (that is, in spite of everything, cowboy nation), a cross-country glide across the Moose Loop (simply one in every of many fashionable groomed Nordic ski trails at West Bragg), I’ve positively bagged many adventures in these components. It simply is smart. You are able to do all of your death-defying deeds within the morning and nonetheless be again within the metropolis earlier than midday.  

Article content material

Article content material

In fact, after my adventures, I sometimes cease in Bragg Creek as a result of, properly, I’m a sucker for rewarding myself for the exertion. And, whether or not it’s espresso or craft beer, there are various choices. That is, in spite of everything, a “mountain city” with loads of character.  

“The entire enterprise homeowners in Bragg Creek depend on guests, particularly Calgarians,” says Moritz Kniebel, an out of doors journey information and the proprietor of Deal with-Bar, one of many go-to spots in Bragg Creek for not simply nice foods and drinks, however outside gear leases, guided adventures, cross-country snowboarding classes, and way more. “There’s a pleasant and relaxed vibe right here. In contrast to another mountain locations which are ‘efficiency’ based mostly, right here it’s all about family-friendly recreation. Nothing too excessive. This can be a vacation spot for everybody.” 

Not surprisingly, practically each sort of outside exercise – in each season – is doable in and round “Bragg.” And, actually, there are various “hidden gems” within the space as properly. 

“The Hostel Loop at West Bragg is a brief two-km path that takes you close to the location of the primary youth hostel in North America,” says Kniebel. “The hostel burnt down, nonetheless the Barclay sisters of Calgary began the North American hostel motion right here in Bragg Creek in 1934. In these days, they charged 25 cents an evening.” 

Article content material

And there are various different ‘secrets and techniques’ that novice explorers can uncover within the space. Kniebel, who immigrated to Canada from Germany when he was 11, was pleased to level out a couple of extra. (I chatted with Kniebel in his retailer after my spouse and I not too long ago rented Nordic skis at his store enroute to the beginner-friendly West Crystal Line at West Bragg). “The Canyon Creek Ice Cave Path [Ing’s Mine] is a really cool journey. However it additionally requires an 8-kilometre stroll down the highway to get to the steep, 45-minute scramble to the cave. And, within the hotter months, the Forgetmenot Ridge North Summit, whereas not for the faint of coronary heart, is an extremely stunning five-hour hike that’s located proper within the path of the spring eagle migration.” 

In fact, for those who’re extra inclined to pursue “indoor” adventures, Bragg Creek can accommodate. For instance, the non-profit, volunteer-driven Bragg Creek Performing Arts group options a number of stay concert events in numerous venues round city every year. (Take a look at upcoming performances at www.braggcreekperformingarts.com). Additionally, quite a few retail shops – such because the historic Moose Mountain Common Retailer, Bragg Creek Buying and selling Submit, and The Greatest Little Wordhouse within the West – all benefit a go to. 

Article content material

Nice eating places? Don’t know the place to begin. The Italian Farmhouse is hard to beat. 

And for those who’re concerned about sipping a spirit to cap off your journey, Bragg Creek Distillers – their tasting room and gross sales centre is situated in an outdated cabin close to the city’s entrance – is likely one of the new youngsters on the block. Apparently, this hut was the setting for a scene in Fargo (season one) that starred Billy Bob Thornton and Colin Hanks.  

Not surprisingly, many films and TV reveals have been shot on this space. For instance, close by Moose Mountain was prominently featured within the 2005 blockbuster Brokeback Mountain, which starred Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. 

For the document, I do have a hike to the highest of Moose Mountain on my “listing.” The one time I tried it (with my spouse, Daybreak, in 2018), we needed to flip round half an hour, or so, from the summit on account of inclement climate and inadequate gear. Ought to have employed a Sherpa.   

Andrew Penner is a contract author and photographer based mostly in Calgary. You may observe him on Instagram @andrewpennerphotography   

Article content material