All in all, a breathtaking day, as long as the weather holds out! If you park at the cougar creek lot, walk along the river rockbed, with the river on your right for 5mins, until you enter the forest with an orange fence on the right. The destination doesn’t reward with amazing 360 degree scenery, so our choice of … Hiking poles required for sure. - See 9 traveler reviews, 18 candid photos, and great deals for Canmore, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Great hike! For more information, please see the park page here: https://canmore.ca/projects/mountain-creek-hazard-mitigation/cougar-creek. The way down is much faster, but hard on the joints! just be aware and you'll be fine. This is only the second hike I’ve been on but it was really enjoyable. Follow creek towards mountain until you pass construction and you’ll see a small wooden bridge on the left, crossing the creek. Parked at the Cougar Canyon park lot. Try to get in early as the parking lot fills up with many people using the various trails in the area. Gear Food Wat… Looking at Mount Lady MacDonald from Canmore. Continuing to the true summit involves traversing an extremely narrow knife-edge ridge with big drops on both sides, and some hands-on scrambling moves. we started at 8am on a Friday. Be careful to take your time coming down from the ridge. Lady Macdonald travelled to Vancouver on the new railway with her husband in 1886. This was my first ever scramble, in 2003. Mount Lady Macdonald Kananaskis, Alberta May 27, 2005 . Alternate parking could be on the side streets or nearby business area on Benchlands Trail. The views across the valley toward the three sisters are great, and you can barely see over Chinaman's peak into the spray lakes valley. 2605m. Cougar Creek/Mount Lady MacDonald trail head: Awesome physical hike to Helipad and beyond! Lady Macdonald's southeast ridge is a route that has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to it's proximity to Canmore, alpine feel, and wonderful views. Regular trail head has a closure due to creek bed remediation. Mount Lady MacDonald. On the TransCanada highway heading West, take the off-ramp in Canmore north towards the Silvertip resort on Palliser Trail. This peak is located just north-east of Canmore Alberta. Mount Lady Macdonald is a mountain located within Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park in the Bow River valley at the Town of Canmore, Alberta, which is located just east of Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.. Their endurance depleted due to the heat, some of our group abandoned the idea of summiting at various points along the … More adventurous scramblers will walk the summit ridge, but be warned it's basically a shear drop on one side and a very steep incline on the other. For trad climbers looking to get more into the alpine, this is a excellent place to test skills. Very rewarding views at the Teahouse and summit. Try to stay on pathway, went off route and ended up having to climb a very steep incline to get back on the main trail. We ended up on a well-worn gravel/snow path beside a small stream. Mount Lady MacDonald. Cougar Creek/Mount Lady MacDonald trail head: Great hike - See 8 traveller reviews, 18 candid photos, and great deals for Canmore, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Awesome trail! The hike up Mount Lady MacDonald is short and steep, so you will find yourself zig-zagging up the mountain. Go super early to avoid the crowd. Just before the bridge on the left along Elk Run Boulevard, you'll reach the Parking by Cougar Creek. Views from the ridge were much better than the helipad! Dinah and I first attempted Mount Lady Macdonald but didn't get past the south summit because of rain. WoW! hiking poles were nice for the decent. NTS Map: 82O03Elevation Gain: 1200mMount Lady MacDonald is one of those hikes / scrambles that get you addicted to hiking. Very similar to Mount Sparrowhawk, though I prefer that one for the views. To summit requires a fairly long scramble which I recommend good shoes and poles if you have them. We didn’t want to tackle the scree after the helipad and everyone we saw going up had proper hiking gear. Needless to say we did not hike to the summit! Be prepared for constant climbing uphill, steep at times, for five kilometres. Mount Lady MacDonald Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount Lady MacDonald is: Mostly dryFreeze-thaw conditions (max 5°C on Sat afternoon, min -1°C on Thu night)Winds decreasing (strong winds from the W on Wed night, light winds from the W by Fri morning). Had a bit of trouble finding the path... keep right after the two plywood bridges in the construction zone and double check the maps. I left the parking lot at 2:05 pm and arrived at the tea house/helipad at 4:10 pm. The creek construction meant that we had to take a little shortcut on the right side of where the trail begins, but it meets back up with the trail after crossing a small wooden bridge. In Canmore, drive to the Cougar Creek parking lot, and walk north along the west side of the creek until you reach the trailhead. You can see most of the 18 peaks of Mount Rundle, Ha Ling peak, Miner peak, Lawrence Grassi, the Three Sisters, Rimwall, Mount Lougheed, and to the south, Grotto and Parts of Gap Peak to name just a few. In the fall of 2005 a lady was killed by a grizzly on the Benchlands trails. Continue north past houses in a residential neighbourhood until the trail takes a noticeable bend to the left. challenging, but if you're into that kind of thing, you won't regret it. Took us 11:45am-1:15pm to get back to the bottom. May 14, 2015 - Attempt date: September 22nd, 2012 Start time: 7:10am Completion time: 6 hours Elevation gain: 1200m (3,937 ft) Participants: Sarah Mclean, Patrick Latter Directions From the Canmore centre drive on the 1A south to Elk Run Boulevard and turn left. Lady Macdonald Winter Hike - Duration: 4:31. Mount Lady MacDonald was named in 1886 after Susan AgnesMacdonald, the wife of Canada's first prime minister. Very rewarding trail, also, very steep from start to finish. Finding the trail is the crux of the hike if you only go as far as the heli-pad. it was 32 degrees outside today which was too hot. The Mount Lady Macdonald trail begins at Cougar Creek, starting out as a leg burner through the forest, then meandering through boulders, halfway up. Trail Distance: 9.9 kilometers; Location: Canmore, AB; The Mount Lady MacDonald hike, named after the wife of the first Prime Minister of Canada, is a challenging trail that has breathtaking views start to finish. I can see why it’s rated as ‘difficult’, but we did it in running shoes to the helipad without any problem. Excellent views even from the helipad, so definitely 10/10! When we tried it the second time we did find it and had a great hike up to the tree line on the mountain. Excellent hike! Hit it early otherwise the helipad will be busy and it will be too hot! absolutely amazing trail. For first-timers, follow a trail close to the edge until you see a marked Trailhead sign where Lady Mac trail is to your left. I've climbed the mountain twice now, and all the hard work of getting to the summit is worth it when you see the amazing views from up there.Be prepared for a fairly long day, however I've seen people in great shape run up and down the mountain in a matter of 3hrs or so. We hiked up to the abandoned tea house at 7,560 ft on Mount Lady MacDonald today. If you can, go beyond the helipad and to the top! I highly recommend using trekking poles and proper footwear. We did this hike back on July 30, back when we were stationed out of Kananaskis valley. The views from here are spectacular. This part of the ridge was also slabby. Took us 9:30-11:15am to get to the helipad. Must have good shoes, water, passion! Don't let this deter you, but be smart, and go with some friends! 3,493 ft. ... Lady Macdonald sunset hike. Did this hike today with my girlfriend, who is an avid hiker and we both loved it. The trails are very popular and well used by hikers and mountain bikers.From the Cougar Creek parking area, stay on the West side of the creek and follow the wide trail up into the Benchlands trail system. We took 4.5 hours to get to the heli pad and back to the parking lot. As you may have already read, out first attempt at the summit of Mount Lady MacDonald was not a raging success. A number of hikers end their hike here as it's already been a hard push to get this far, and the scree slope above can be daunting for non-scramblers.Once taking two steps forward and sliding half a step back to the top, you'll be treated to an amazing knife edge summit. Steady inclined hike until helipad with some scrambling areas. there was construction at the beginning which forced us into the left side of the creek bed, which concerned me, but there was an opportunity to get back to the proper side. We definitely would not recommend this hike for beginners, but experienced hikers will absolutely have a blast. Spur Line Trail, Canmore Creek and TransCanada Trail, Higashikawa, Canmore Trail and TransCanada Loop, https://canmore.ca/projects/mountain-creek-hazard-mitigation/cougar-creek. I've climbed the mountain twice now, and all the hard work of getting to the summit is worth it when you see the amazing views from up there. I did this trail with my 16 year old son today. just take a note where you enter the woods as there are few entry points from different communities and lit of trails leading off in different directions. When I decided to try this ascent again, it was to "close the book" on Lady Mac whether I succeeded or not. This is a stunning and exhilarating day hike if the conditions are favourable. the trail wasn't too busy. Doing the false summit and ridge walk to true summit is challenging. With an elevation gain 1300 metres, it’s a good day hike up Mount Lady Macdonald with amazing views of Canmore and the Bow Valley most of the way. I read reviews that made me worried we couldn't do it, but it was fine - There were children on the trail. We left the lot around 10 am and returned to the car at 5:30 pm, including quite a bit of time slowly walking and crawling along the ridge. Please login and have credits (add 1 to get 3) or be a subscriber in order to download GPS. It is a geat place to get some exercise and if the weather cooperates offers a fine view of the mountains on the opposite side of the Bow Valley. That first trail in the woods takes you on t… NTS Map: 82O03Elevation Gain: 1200mMount Lady MacDonald is one of those hikes / scrambles that get you addicted to hiking. The majority of the hike is to the helipad, the summit was only about an hour after that and well worth it, though the shale incline was fairly steep. we were both fine but I wished I had hiking boots. Another 45 steep scree/scramble to the ridge -quite sketchy but gorgeous view. It was hard to find the trail at the beginning because of construction. Lady Macdonald is merely a steep hike on trail and then rock until you reach the false summit, which is a good enough endpoint for most people. You need to walk along this orange fence for a while (passing the Mountain Traverse trailhead). The whole hike is steep. Just before the true summit there’s a slight dip. This was my first hike of the season so I was a bit nervous about my fitness level but still thought it was fine. Have since done it a few more times (last in June 2018), the teahouse is gone now with a helipad in its place. This is a hard trail - use your best judgement when bringing your dog. Perhaps best known for her magnitude, she towers over the Bow River Valley, peaking at a staggering 2,606 m (8,550 ft). Though I did see a sign this trail will be closed August 4th for construction! That should lead you to the correct trailhead. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/mount-lady-macdonald-trail Quite steep and intense up to the helipad took about 2 hours. Amazing hike, well marked to the most part and easy to follow. Soon you'll leave the Benchlands trails behind as you switchback your way up the mountain. To be fair, I don't think I had the head space to deal with the exposure at that time anyway. The boulders, sparse forest, and views of the Bow River Valley make for a classic mountain landscape that isn't always offered by forested walks to lakes, or hikes up scree slopes. It’s a hike commonly talked about in the Bow Valley and offers some stunning views however it isn’t for everyone! The June 2013 flood destroyed the Cougar Creek trail leading to the Lady Mac trailhead, so need to walk on a bed of rocks along the left side passing by houses heading north and just around the bend, head towards the forest where a pink strip tied to a tree leads you to a trail. Time: 6 - 8 hours Distance: 10 km Elevation Gain: 1300 metres Access: Easy parking at Cougar Creek in Canmore.From here the trail start is very obvious, just head north past the Cougar information signs. The average hiker would take about 6-7hrs to complete this hike allowing for some rest stops at the helicopter landing pad, and then at the summit. we both drank 2 litees of water plus a bottle of Gatorade. We opted to try another classic Canmore area hike – to the abandoned, slowly decaying, only ever partially completed tea house perched on the shoulder of Mount Lady MacDonald. The Rockies Central Guidebook has the best images and descriptions of this specific climb. Ahead we could see hikers taking off on a trail into the woods so we checked with someone who looked like a local. The first best thing about the Lady Mac trail is that the trailhead is located right next to the Iron Goat Pub. The scramble at the top was very long and steep, very technical - would recommend hiking poles. 1. Saturday 20/10/2018 Mount Lady MacDonald. 5 hours total. terrain. Mount Lady Macdonald Trail [CLOSED] is a 9.8 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Canmore, Alberta, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Very rewarding views of canmore town, 3 sisters, Ha Ling, EEOR, Grotto, and Quarry lake. This was my first time doing “difficult scramble”, and I chose Lady MacDonald in winter, went soloing. The Lady MacDonald trailhead is one of those The first time we looked for it we missed it and ended up walking up the cougar creek river bed (boulders) past the debris fence and then doubled back to the Mountane Traverse. The ridge walk gives you about a foot to walk along most of the way, not bad at all! ESE Ridge of Lady MacDonald 5.5 - TR A scramble/climb of a 5.5 rock ridge route near Canmore - 1350 m (4400 foot) of elevation gain - Eight hours up 2 hours down- 10 hour RT. Closed beginning Aug 4th https://canmore.ca/projects/mountain-creek-hazard-mitigation/cougar-creek It’s uphill almost all the way, but there are lovey forested areas and rocky sections that were great fun to climb up. It was a long hike up, steady climb all the way to the top. Follow the arrows on trees to stay on the trail. The elevation gain to the summit is 1200m.It would be good to check the Kananaskis trail reports for any bear closures as this is a wildlife corridor and there are some permanent closures in the area, and often there are temporary closures. You literally wont see the helipad until you are 50m infront of it, so keep going and you'll get there eventually! Going up to the helipad is doable for all fitness levels with plenty of breaks, but going to the ridge is a bit more tricky and proper shoes and hiking poles are definitely recommended. NTS Map: 82O03 Elevation Gain: 1200m Mount Lady MacDonald is one of those hikes / scrambles that get you addicted to hiking. I thought the trail was easy to follow, there’s a sign telling you where to go past the construction zone and the rest of the way was well beaten in and easy to follow. Great trail. It would be good to get a map to help find your way among the many trails at the foot of the mountain.Once you leave the Benchlands behind, you'll be switchbacking through steep terrain in forest, then through a few meadows where on both times I've climbed the mountain I've seen bighorn sheep grazing. (if you have a decent fitness level). After a long hike taking gradual switchbacks and then following a ridge up to the col just above the treeline.Just above the treeline you'll find a large helicopter landing pad, a steel ramp for paragliders, and the remains of a teahouse that was being constructed but is now abandoned. On the way up as you find openings in the trees, you can overlook the town of Canmore. Take lots of water as there is quite a bit of exposure and the sun can really heat you up. Note that there are other trails deep in the forest (bike and Montaine Traverse) before the Lady Mac trailhead. Personally would never do this again (it was a hardcore workout with views of Canmore at the top... no extravagant lakes or waterfalls), but would definitely recommend everyone try it at least once! I haven't hiked a mountain in 6 years and he has never hiked a mountain. I DO NOT recommend going left anywhere on the way up - I felt like a mountain goat crawling up big boudlers, so stay on any path to the right if you can. Gear Food Water Warm fleece Hiking … May 19, 2012. 3 Reviews of Mount Macdonald "It was a hot day with hardly any breeze. She enjoyed her time in the Rockies, travelling much of the time on the cowcatcher of the locomotive. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. round trip hike time: 6-7 hours. Follow Palliser Trail road up to the junction and take left to Benchlands Trail road. ... Time. Please note that this trail will be closed from August 4th onward for rock blasting. Mt. you can't do this hike in sandals or crocs. There wasn’t a lot of shade along the way and it was super hot when we hiked and didn’t bring enough water. There will be a paved parking lot on your left; park here. Lady Mac took me by surprise! https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/lady-macdonald-teahouse Logan Gibson 356 views. May not be suitable for all dogs. Apr 5, 2013 - Attempt date: September 22nd, 2012 Start time: 7:10am Completion time: 6 hours Elevation gain: 1200m (3,937 ft) Participants: Sarah Mclean, Patrick Latter Directions From the Canmore centre drive on the 1A south to Elk Run Boulevard and turn left. since the flood in 2013 many of the trailheads are tough to find. Scott, Stuart and Chris drove to Canmore to attempt the station again (this time with a … Mount Lady MacDonald is one of those hikes / scrambles that get you addicted to hiking. Lady Macdonald is located just outside the town of Canmore and is a local favourite because of its convenient location. Mount Lady Macdonald. Sitting just east of Banff, Mount Lady MacDonald is well known among Canmore residents and avid hikers in the region. Amazing hike and views. Difficulty: Difficult Mount Lady MacDonald is one slog of an uphill hike that has so much scenic variety and insane vantage points that will make tomorrow's sore leg muscles totally worth it! It can take anywhere fro… Approx. We don’t follow these smaller paths, preferring to stay on main trail. There will be a paved parking lot on your left; park here. This is a difficult out and back trail to Mount Lady Macdonald in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. The view from the top is well worth it! From the Cougar Creek Trailhead by the parking lot follow the well-defined trail to the left (west) of the river. When we returned two years later almost to the day, we had perfect conditions: dry rock, blue sky and calm winds. It has gotten more and more crowded over the years, still a good early season conditioner. Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Beth Davies. As you rise, you will notice smaller paths go off at times. Great views will peek out regularly, so be prepared to stop and enjoy these wonderful views. I've climbed the mountain twice now, and all the hard work of getting to the summit is worth it when you see the amazing views from up there. You'll know you are starting Lady Mac if you are struggling right away with the steep incline. Hiking mount Lady Macdonald in Canmore Alberta, Canada - Duration: 6:18. gdultra Run 234 views. Banff National Park, Alberta, CANADA . We sweated more in the first part (in the trees), but even the next part in the open/ scrambling was hot (good idea to start early). I've climbed the mountain twice now, and all the hard work of getting to the summit is worth it when you see the amazing views from up there.Be prepared for a fairly long day, however I've seen people in great shape run up and down the mountain in a matter of 3hrs or so. he has runners, i had hiking shoes. I felt ready to tackle the challenge. Mount Lady Macdonald is a technical scramble with a knife edge traverse required to reach the true summit. Copyright © trailpeak.com & trailpeak.ca 2020. The trail becomes harder to follow the closer you get to the top - sort of a choose your own adventure. This was a bit north facing and the narrowest part was double-corniced. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from May until September. A gazebo just to the east of the teahouse sits on the edge of a large cliff. 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