Photo via Shuttershock
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.
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.
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.
Where: Directions here
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