What is not to love about September? The crowds have gone. The bugs have gone. Although we may have a snowfall or two, good weather abounds this month. The peaks have their snow caps on making for fantastic scenery when paired with the yellow and gold colours of the aspens and larch trees. The elk rut is on, with scenes of jostling elk a common sight around Canmore. But steer well clear, as the males are very aggessive.

September is a fantstic month to enjoy walking, Nordic walking and hiking in Canmore and Kananaskis Country. Active by Nature's schedule of Quick-Start Nordic walking sessions has expanded this fall, as have the walking tours. These activities all start from the Malcolm Hotel in Spring Creek.

The two hour walks and Nordic walking tours will start from various locations, depending on what the weather is like and where the best fall colours can be found. Quarry Lake is a much quiter destination in September. Consider a 2 hour guided tour that starts from the Malcolm, goes through town, across the Bow River, making its way up cascading Canmore Creek for a loop around Quarry Lake before the return trip. Another destination is the pretty little waterfall on Three Sisters Creek along with walks along the pathways of Three Sisters Mountain Village.

The three hour Three Sisters Pathway tour is also a good September choice. It offers Bow River views, two meadows frequented by elk, views of some lovely homes and a forested walk. If you don't see the elk (never guaranteed) you are very likely to hear them. This one-way walk of approximately 6 km ends at the Three Sisters Market Bistro for a refreshing drink before hoping on ROAM transit for a ride back to downtown.

BOOK THE ABOVE TOURS HERE

Active by Nature is offering custom private group hikes throughout the fall. Gather up a few friends and schedule a hike to Chester Lake, Grassi Lakes, Watridge Lake, Troll Falls, the High Rockies Trail or to the Saddle of Ha Ling. One hike, open to a minimum of three and a maximum of six people has been scheduled for Chester Lake on Friday, September 25th. Two metres of physical distancing will be maintained amongst individuals (unless belonging to the same cohort group). This hike of approximately 4 hours will take you to one of the jewels of Kananaskis Country. Surrounded by towering peaks, the hike to turquoise Chester Lake is about 11 km with over 300 m of elevation gain. The trail starts on a logging road and eventually enters a scenic meadow before reaching the lake. Chester Lake is a recommended for those wanting to experience a larch hike. Come, and be active, by nature, this September in Canmore and Kananaskis. REGISTER BELOW: