Where Locals Hike in the Canadian Rockies 5th Edition

Here’s another guidebook for hikers who don’t have forever. Subtitled The Premier Trails in Kananaskis Country, near Canmore and Calgary, it doesn’t waste your time on any of the inferior options. No wonder: The authors are Kathy and Craig Copeland, who wrote Don’t Waste Your Time in the® Canadian Rockies, the Opinionated Hiking Guide. That book covers the Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks. This one covers an expanse of the Rockies outside the famous parks, including Peter Lougheed and Spray Valley provincial parks. Locals call the region “K-Country.”

Though less known than Banff and Jasper parks, the wilderness here feels just as immense, and the peaks, ridges, meadows and lakes are equally dazzling. The only obvious difference is that K-Country doesn’t attract national-park crowds. Where Locals Hike focuses your attention on the area’s 58 most rewarding dayhikes and backpack trips. All lead to wondrous scenery via compelling routes. 150 colour photos help you choose your adventure. An orientation map for each trail enables you to visualize your journey.

The authors begin each trip with an Opinion section telling you what to expect on that trail and explaining how to enjoy the optimal experience. Each trip also has a Fact section, divided into By Vehicle and On Foot. Here the authors tell you precisely how to drive to the trailhead, then describe in clear, concise detail how to stay on the path to your destination.

This is the 5th edition of Where Locals Hike in the Canadian Rockies, published in 2017, so it’s been completely revised since the 2013 floods. The authors re-hiked much of K-Country, added five new trails, updated their descriptions of a dozen others, and refined their commentary throughout the book.