How to Hike with Kids in the Canadian Rockies

Wait up! Hiking as a family can be bonding, build confidence and is an easy way to spend time in nature. The best part? You don’t need to be outdoorsy yourself before introducing your kids to adventures on the trail. Even mountains as grand as the Canadian Rockies have hikes suitable for little legs and all ages. Here’s the best way to find and prepare for kid-friendly hikes.

How to choose hikes for kids

Kids aren’t just smaller versions of us when it comes to hiking. There’s more than just the physical aspects to consider. Kids want to feel like they’re working towards a goal, be it a great picnic spot or an exciting lookout point. (Don’t we all?!) 

Tips for choosing kid-friendly trails

• Think about your kids’ ages and whether you’ll be carrying them for part of the hike. You may cover more ground carrying a baby than walking with a three-year-old.
• For kids aged 2-5, go for a test hike of about 1-3 km (0.6-1.9 mi) to determine what’s doable. Start small and increase the challenge next time.
• For older kids, distances are dependent on their experience level. On your first family hike, start with something shorter, about 2-3 hours or 6-10 km (3.7-6.2 mi). Take it slow and note how your kids are feeling.
• Look for hikes with an objective, like a waterfall, canyon, or scenic viewpoint.
• Keep your expectations in check and be ready to turn back or take extra breaks.
• Check the weather and trail conditions before heading out. A snowy hike might be doable for an adult, but extra challenging for small children.
• Pick up a copy of Annika Mang’s Hike for Families or Lynda Pianosi’s Take a Hike With Your Children. The latter features hikes of five kilometres or less within a two-hour drive of Calgary.

How to keep your kids happy on the trail

• Use food as a powerful incentive or cheer-me-up. Bring a lunch to look forward to and snacks they love. Offer treats when you see them hitting a low point.
• Pack a wildflower book to identify flowers as you go. It's fun and everyone will learn something.
• Car games can also be played on the trail. You want to encourage kids to enjoy their time in nature, but the occasional game is an effective distraction.
• Go with friends! Kids rarely notice their hard effort when they're gabbing with buddies.

How to pack

Your backpack has a Mary Poppins effect when treats and that extra layer are pulled out of it. Here are some kid-specific ideas:

• Encourage your kids to help with the packing. Create a list of items for them to collect. 
• Have older kids help to make lunch and pack snacks.
• Get your kids to practice wearing size-appropriate backpacks. Have them carry their own water (but you pack extra), a few snacks, and any personal items they want to bring.
• Don’t let kids carry too much. A heavy backpack will slow them down or worse, end up in your arms.
• Using water bladders with a tube keeps kids hydrated and reduces stopping along the way.
• Use a baby carrier with storage.

Keeping it safe

As the adult on the trail, your kids will look to you for guidance. Brush up on your hiking safety skills in case of an emergency. Part of learning to hike is knowing how to keep things safe. Use this as an opportunity to teach your kids how to be trail-smart. 

Here’s some safety aspects to keep in mind: 

• Stick to busier trails if you’re concerned about wildlife or being alone with your kids in the mountains. 
• Talk to kids prior about not drinking from streams. 
• Hold your children’s hand if trail edges get steep. This seems basic, but it helps them recognize dangers along the way. 
• Don’t let kids out of sight. Make sure small children don’t hike (or run) too far ahead of you. 
• For peace of mind, carry a SPOT or satellite device. A cell phone may work on certain trails, but reception is often minimal in the Rockies. 

As the adult on the trail, your kids will look to you for guidance. Brush up on your hiking safety skills in case of an emergency. Part of learning to hike is knowing how to keep things safe. Use this as an opportunity to teach your kids how to be trail-smart. 

Join a guided hiking group

Interpretive guides ease the stress of managing a hike by yourself, with stories and fun facts along the way. If an established group hike isn’t suitable for children, opt for a private guiding experience that can be catered to your kid's ages. Here’s a selection:

• Three Mountain Family Hikes
• Great Divide Nature Interpretation
• White Mountain Adventures
• Rockies Hiking and Yoga
• Hike Waterton with Tamarack