When I was on dating apps in Calgary back in the day, I was shocked by how many people claimed to love hiking. And they had the pictures to prove it! When I admitted I wasn’t much of a hiker myself, would-be matches were incredulous. “The mountains are right there,” they would say. But I was new to the province and didn’t have a car — was I supposed to just go to the mountains and see what happened? How would I even get there?

I now have a partner, a car, and a few entry-level mountain experiences under my belt. When you’re aware of beginner-friendly trips, enjoying the great outdoors can feel a lot less intimidating. My first foray into the mountains was Quarry Lake, and if you’re new to such experiences like I was, it’s a fantastic place to start.

A Canmore oasis

Quarry Lake is located just outside of Canmore, about an hour’s drive from Calgary. The area was once a mining quarry, which is how the small lake got its name. Fed by an underground spring, the crystal-clear waters are perfect for paddleboarding and swimming in July and August.

While the water is a bit chillier for the rest of the year, it’s still a gorgeous area to enjoy a picnic, take a walk, admire the stunning Ha Ling Peak, and maybe even spot some wildlife.

Quarry Lake
Photo via Andre Furtado/Pexels

After a lovely day outdoors, you can head into town for some sightseeing, shopping, and a delicious dinner. There are plenty of charming local shops and sights to explore. I especially love Stonewaters for its unique collection of homewear, accessories, and apparel, and Rythym and Howl for a delicious pasta or shortrib.

Too easy? Next time, kick things up a notch with a more challenging outdoor adventure. But Quarry Lake is an accessible, low-stakes way to dip your toes (both figuratively and literally) into exploring the mountains.

And how do I know? Not because I got brave and ventured out there on my own, but because my mountain-savvy partner took me. I may become a hiker yet.

Quarry Lake

Where: Directions here

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Here are the best urban strolls you can take in Calgary

Kendall Bistretzan

Staff Writer, Alberta – Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.

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