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Meghan J. Ward

Trip Report: Berg Lake, Mt. Robson Provincial Park

Hike into Berg Lake with the lofty height of Mt. Robson and tumbling glaciers towering above you, and you'll be wondering why you've never been there before. Mt. Robson Provincial Park is a backcountry hiker's paradise, with the biggest, wildest and most diverse terrain the Canadian Rockies have to offer. The hiking here is rigorous, but the rewards are as huge as the mountain that makes the region so famous.  [...]

Event Recap: To the Ends of the Earth

On May 21, 2017, 135 people ducked into the cool, dark space of the Heritage Gallery at the Whyte Museum for a memorable night of stories and images with Banff-based photographer, Paul Zizka. Here's a photo recap, thanks to Kahli April Photography.  [...]

ROCKIES 2.0 Recap: Magazine Launch + Shred Kelly

Why wreck a good thing?! You shouldn't, which is why we brought Shred Kelly back for another year! On April 30, 2017, Crowfoot Media gathered with friends, contributors, partners, advertisers and local movers and shakers for Rockies 2.0 to launch the latest volume of the Canadian Rockies Annual. About 350 people gathered at Park Distillery for a night of catching up with friends, tearing up the dance floor with Shred Kelly and getting their hands on a copy of the Canadian Rockies Annual, hot off the press. Thanks to everyone who joined us for this incredible night! Here's a photo recap thanks to Tyler Parker Photography. [...]

Letter From the Editor, Canadian Rockies Annual (Vol. 2)

I recently came across a photograph taken by Byron Harmon in 1920 of a ski jump built on the lower flanks of Tunnel Mountain. In it, a skier is flying midair above a landing slope – a residential street lined by spectators. As I looked more closely at the image, it dawned on me that the building on that street is none other than Mary Schäffer’s historic home. Opposite that home the photograph shows a vacant lot, where today stands another home: the one I live in. [...]

First Bison Calves Born in Banff in Over 140 Years

After a successful translocation of bison from Elk Island National Park to Banff National Park in February 2017, the first calf was born on what is perhaps the most fitting of days – Earth Day. It is the first time bison calves have been born in the national park in over 140 years. [...]

Top 10 of 2016: Our Most-Read Articles of the Year

At Crowfoot Media we’re all about getting mountain culture elevated and sharing that passion with other mountain lovers. From wilderness stories to people profiles, the latest in science and stunning photography, we pump out fresh, web-exclusive content on a monthly basis that you won't find anywhere else. Thanks to a wide range of talented and inspiring contributors, here are the articles that elevated people the most this year. [...]

Truth and Reconciliation: What Does It Mean for the Bow Valley?

On October 29, 2016, 250 Bow Valley residents joined thought leaders from across the nation, Indigenous leaders, and those involved in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada to explore our roles in repairing Canada’s relationship with Aboriginal peoples. And while many of us were left with more questions than answers, the event sparked an important dialogue and one that deserves to continue here in our mountain communities. [...]

Truth and Reconciliation Summit Coming to Banff Centre

On October 29, 2016, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is hosting a day-long summit for Bow Valley residents to learn about and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action that resulted from this process. To learn more about the event, Crowfoot Media's Editor-in-Chief caught up with Banff Centre's Program Manager for Indigenous Leadership and Management, Brian Calliou, who has taken a lead role in organizing the event. [...]

Get to Know the Canadian Rockies Annual

In a digital age, where people value the fast pace of information and 'quick fix' content, it may seem crazy we even set out to print a publication in the first place. More than a few times we asked ourselves if the altitude was getting to us. But printing a magazine isn't crazy; it's our way of reclaiming an important medium and introducing a new publishing style to the Canadian Rockies. Here's a bit more "behind the scenes" with the magazine. [...]

Scrambling Safely: Q+A with a Public Safety Specialist

Not quite hiking, not quite climbing: scrambling, as we call it, is a phenomenal way to reach summits and gain those lofty views. But while scaling certain peaks may not require ropes and harnesses, scrambling takes you into inherently dangerous terrain where a mistake could have enormous consequences. Crowfoot Media's Editor-in-Chief checks in with Paddy Jerome (Public Safety Specialist with Alberta Environment and Parks - Kananaskis Region) for his best scrambling safety advice. [...]

Letter From the Editor, Canadian Rockies Annual (Vol. 1)

At times I feel that I was born a hundred years too late and missed a “Golden Age” in the Canadian Rockies. It must have been an exciting era when first ascents were a dime a dozen and explorers, often led by First Nations guides, initially encountered the lakes and mountain passes we are well acquainted with today. [...]

ROCKIES 1.0 Recap: Magazine Launch + Shred Kelly

May 1st saw over 250 people gather for a sold-out event at Park Distillery, Restaurant + Bar to celebrate the launch of the Canadian Rockies Annual! Trust Shred Kelly to bring the house down and get tons of people on their feet. Thanks to everyone who joined us for this incredible night! Here's a photo recap thanks to Kurtis Kristianson at Spindrift Photography. [...]

Review: The North Face FuseForm Dot Matrix Jacket

If there are two things the outdoor experience in the Canadian Rockies can guarantee, it's wild weather and rough terrain. Here is one place where you really need an outer layer that performs well. For the most part, I haven't had much luck finding a jacket that is truly waterproof and durable. The North Face FuseForm Dot Matrix Jacket (reg. price $259.99 CAD) promises to be both of these things, as well as ultralight and breathable. [...]

12 Astonishing Macro Photos of Water Droplets

We've all heard there is beauty in the details. Lucky for us, Martin van den Akker's macro photographs give us a mindbending perspective on one of the smaller elements of nature: water droplets. Call it a bug's-eye view; these photographs will help you appreciate the things you walk past every day. Here we interview van den Akker about his process and feature 12 of his best macro photos to date. [...]

3 Ways to “Do” Winter at Skoki Lodge

Drop "Skoki" into a conversation around these parts, and you'll be met with some predictable reactions, usually a reminiscent sigh or a sense of deep longing for this near mythical mountain experience. Everybody wants to go to Skoki Lodge and anyone who has been wants to go back. [...]

Hut Etiquette: 10 Things That’ll Get You the Stink Eye

The Alpine Club of Canada's A.O. Wheeler Hut. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.
Ten years ago I was a total mountain newbie. The 'hut life' was the ultimate dream, and one I probably trampled through without knowing it. Here's why: the quintessential hut experience - the kind of backcountry trip we all idealize - depends on a mostly unspoken etiquette in order to retain its sacredness among outdoor enthusiasts. Call these my own hard-learned lessons or (now) pet-peeves, here are ten sure-fire ways to break the code and attract some serious stink eye. [...]

Top 10 of 2015: Our Most-Read Articles of the Year

Call it our 'best of' if you like, but what this list really represents is the collection of stories that resonated the most with our community this past year. They are the most-read on the website and the most-shared on social media, but more importantly, in these articles we are proud to have featured the people, places and projects that are truly elevating mountain culture here in the Canadian Rockies. Read them now or bookmark them for later when you need a good dose of mountain inspiration. [...]

12 Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Mountain Mates

As we creep our way towards the holiday season are you twiddling your thumbs trying to come up with gift ideas for the mountain enthusiasts in your life? Twiddle no more; our team has come up with some clever, useful and unexpected gift ideas that are perfect for the outdoors lover or Rockies dweller. [...]

Recipe: Cranberry Coconut Granola Bars

Search for "granola bars" on the Internet, and you'll get about 2.6 million results. Finding a good recipe is like bushwhacking your way through a thick forest, so we've done your homework for you with these easy-to-make granola bars that are full of truly healthy ingredients. Stick to the recipe as is or get creative and throw in some of your favourite seeds, nuts and dried fruit. [...]

Review: Kelty Trail Logic TN3 Tent

I'm a sucker for smart gear and, in particular, innovative tent technology. I have never tried any products from Kelty - one of the most established brands in the industry. But when I came across the three-season Trail Logic TN3 ($299.95) with a Stargazing Fly™, I had to give it a try. The easy setup and smaller packing size made this my go-to on backpacking trips this summer. Read on for more great features! [...]

8 Larch Hikes in the Canadian Rockies

Larch trees have risen to celebrity status here in the Canadian Rockies, and there's little wonder why. These coniferous trees shed their needles, but before tucking in for the winter, they turn so vibrantly yellow that they light up the landscape. If you're keen to trek amongst the fall's golden glow, branch out with this select list of larch hikes in the Canadian Rockies. [...]

Review: Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed (600 3 Seasons)

When it comes to new gear designs, it takes a lot to 'wow' me. But one innovation by Sierra Designs truly blew me away. A backcountry sleeping bag that comfortably lets you sleep on your side? That doesn't slide off your mattress? Am I dreaming? Probably. The Backcountry Bed concept is so comfortable and accommodating that you're bound to actually get a good night's sleep in the tent. I tried the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed - 600 3 Seasons (reg. price $379 USD), which was the perfect weight for the generally cool nights we find in the Canadian Rockies. [...]

Trip Report: Egypt Lake, Banff National Park

Anyone willing to put in some mileage on their hiking boots should consider a multi-day trip into Egypt Lake in Banff National Park. Forested valleys, striking pinnacles, clusters of small lakes, and exciting alpine passes distinguish this area from its other backcountry counterparts. Hit it up in July to enjoy carpets of wildflowers, and warm weather that'll make you eager to jump into one of the many lakes along the way. [...]

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