Twice this past week I hiked Pigeon Mountain – first on Canada Day then on Sunday. The Canada Day hike was a Plan B as the weather was not looking good for my planned hike on Centennial Ridge.
Sunday’s adventure was Amanda’s choice as she wanted to see first hand what I was raving about as opposed to looking at my Instagram photos.
The Pigeon Mountain hike/run is a 15.5 kilometres out and back near Canmore in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. The trailhead is easy to find (see my directions below).
There’s a clear trail map in the parking lot that offers options – Centennial Ridge, Skogan Pass, Pigeon Mountain, Ribbon Creek and Wind Valley. Just a few metres off the connecting trail, take the first left to head to Pigeon Mountain.
We took the left trail – follow the powerline – and began a gradual climb along a well worn trail. At a few spots you will go into the trees on a wide (I am guessing ) fire road before you’re back along the powerline.
Around the 4 kilometre-mark you will head into the woods for about another kilometre along the fire road before you climb up into the trees. You will know where to turn with you see an Alberta government sign for wildlife. We came across another couple who was hiking at the same time so we confirmed the route with them.
The 15.5-kilometre out and back hike is considered “hard” but not “technical.” The hard bit is the steep climb. My Garmin told me I gained 1,076 metres or so on both days.
The climbing begins after you take a left turn past the wildlife sign into the trees. It’s a short (estimated 200 metre) climb through the trees before you hit the meadow before the fun really begins. But you won’t mind because of the views of the surrounding mountains are even more outstanding, the higher you get.
On both days, I was blown away by the stunning displays of green. I counted my blessings of living so close to such unspoiled and picturesque surroundings. So lucky.
Fun fact. A French botanist named Eugene Bourgeau named the mountain – Pic de Pigeons in 1858 (official in 1959) after supposedly seeing flocks of pigeons in the area. But … pigeons were reportedly not present in the Bow Valley at that time. That begs the question – what exactly did he see?
Once again I brought my flag on Canada Day to take photos of strangers on the mountain. Not surprisingly everyone was thrilled to have pictures taken with our country’s flag.
On the way down, we saw others with Canada Day flags and hats. Everyone was so happy. We were lucky because the last few days it was raining in all of Alberta.
After stepping out from the trees, the climb to the summit is another three kilometres. It’s challenging to keep moving because there are glorious views at every angle and you will want to take a photo of everything. iPhones are great but the photos do not do the place justice. You have to see it for yourself.
To the southeast of the true summit, there is a rocky peak with a weather station on it. You will see it as you circle through the green meadows. There are several trails leading up to the top. (We half-heartedly attempted it on Wednesday but lost the trail so we didn’t summit. I read later that it is actually pretty easy to navigate. Next time.)
I was happy to do Pigeon Mountain again on Sunday – only three days after my first time – because our views were obstructed by the fog. It was also very chilly and windy so we did not spend much time taking pictures.
I absolutely loved this hike. I loved the views. I loved the rolling hills and I loved the elevation. Not much to hate on here. We went early both days to beat the traffic and to snag a parking spot. Judging from the parked cars in the ditch beside the parking lot, this seems to be a very popular hiking/running area.
It’s been fun exploring these new-to-me mountains over the last several weeks. My list of places to explore keeps getting bigger every day. But I have to say this one is definitely a highlight so far this summer.
Directions: Take the Trans Canada Highway from Calgary, get off at the Dead Man Flats exit. Head south on the overpass, which turns into a gravel road. Head in the direction of the Banff Gate Mountain resort – about one kilometre. The parking lot is to the left.
Do you research the names of mountains? What was the most interesting thing you have learned? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
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