Powderlicious!

There is something that makes winter an incredible season. Mountains, trees, and snow look amazing together. I hopped in my car and drove about four hours to Canmore, where I love staying. It is also a short 20-minute drive from Banff if you like crowds. I probably made it about 2 minutes into Canmore before the snowstorm started. I looked up at the mountains ahead of me and realized that starting a hike through a blizzard was a terrible idea. So I ended up driving to Sunshine Village and skied my face off instead. Mount Lady Macdonald had to wait.

The Mount Lady Macdonald hike is a real workout. It’s a steep climb that gains elevation quickly. They are boulders to climb around, some scree and a lot of snow. I slipped, I fell, I hit my elbow on the rock, I gasped for air, and my legs did not want to climb after skiing the day before. Anyway, after walking for about ten minutes along the Cougar Creek, the trail splits by turning left. I don’t know what I did, but I ended up at Montane Traverse Trail. This is not where you want to be. So I went back to where the trail splits and paid attention. From there, it was a leg burner through the forest and snow-covered rocky terrain. What I enjoyed about this trail is that within minutes the views of Canmore were spectacular. Bow River Valley makes for a classic mountain landscape.

It took me about 3 hours to get to the helipad, where I was met by extreme wind gusts. Same kind of wind I experienced when summiting Ha Ling. Gross. Going further without being blown away was not an option so I decided to head back down and live my life for another day. The ridge leading to the summit of Lady Mac is called Knife-Edge Ridge. It is less than a meter wide! Suicide. I would leave that to the experts or goats.

Helipad/Teahouse History

The helipad was built to support a teahouse that was to be accessed via a helicopter tour. Fancy. The lease was issued in 1986 to a commercial operation; however, in 2002, the company had abandoned the site, and the Province cancelled the lease due to failed completion of the construction within required timelines. The helipad is a busy place and makes for pretty pictures.

Trail Wisdom

I come back to the mountains frequently and am always amazed. In short, I’ve had some incredible experiences alone, even in the most crowded places. Though crowded is not my favourite. I needed to get away for a few days before the holidays because I felt overwhelmed and didn’t have the energy to plan anything. Still don’t. I also like being alone, in other words, free. There is so much beauty in being alone. I don’t know why solitude gets such a bad rep. Doing things by yourself allows you to enjoy something you love doing at your own pace and in your way. I find it rejuvenating. My personality type is also ISFP-A. If you know, you know.

I deeply love my solitude.

It’s my return to rhythm in a loudly

rushed world.

Both an anchor and ecstasy

when overwhelm rushes in.

-V.Erickson

Where is Mount Lady Macdonald

From TransCanada Highway heading West take exit 91 onto Highway 1A then turn left onto Bow Valley Trail and left onto Elk Run Blvd. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Benchlands Trail. The trailhead begins at the northeast end of Cougar Creek parking lot. The parking lot can get pretty busy in the summer. Alternatively you can park on the side streets.

What to Pack for Lady Mac

• Day Pack
• Puffy Jacket and Shell Jacket (winds are relentless)
• Layers
• Hiking Boots
• Wool Socks
• Mitts/Hat/Neckwear/Hand Warmers
• Hiking Poles
• Icetrekkers (don’t even try without it)
• Snacks (my food froze)
• Water (also froze, electrolytes turned into slush)
• Bear Spray (for cougars)
• Navigation
• Headlamp
• First Aid
• Kleenex (don’t ask)
• Blanket????
• Celebratory drink: Latte at Rocky Mountain Bagel Co.

Hiking Mount Lady Macdonald to Helipad

Distance: 11.5 km out and back (I got lost so it added an extra 0.5 km)

Difficulty: Hard and Cold af

Elevation Gain: 980m

Time: 4 hours and 45 min

LNT

Pack it in, pack it out.

Related

If you like Canmore, you will like reading about the absolute best (and busiest) hike here: https://sylviasomewhere.com/ha-ling-peak-canmore/

Happy Trails and Stay Warm!