Lauren Rodych-Eberle
Calgary, Alberta, CANADA

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Great Toddler-Paced Hikes in Alberta
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Blog, Hiking & The Outdoors

Great Toddler-Paced Hikes in Alberta

July 27, 2022
-
Posted by Lauren Rodych-Eberle

At Kids Who Explore, we always talk about choosing your own summit! I started writing this today after visiting my chiropractor and talking about the strain we put on our bodies – she shared a story about a mama that was doing intense hikes carrying her 4-year-old AND her 2-year-old on her body. Now, if that works for you, I’m celebrating you fully! What I’ve found with my adventures, is that my daughter was more than keen very early on to adventure on her own, and not on mama’s back! That doesn’t mean I never carry her, if she gets exhausted, or if there’s an area I need to keep her a little extra safe, but being pregnant with my second, I’m more than happy that she’s content to do some hiking on her own two little legs. What this often means is adventures may be what we, as adults, deem as “smaller,” even though they are grand to our little ones. I personally love seeing my child thrive in the outdoors and seeing her feel like she has accomplished something huge. I know that our adventures will continue to grow as my kiddos are ready for them to. I like to, as much as possible, go on adventures that end on a high note, where the kids are asking to go hiking again. And how do we accomplish that most often? With letting them lead the way. So, let me share some great Toddler-Paced or Toddler-Lead Hikes in Alberta!

[Feel free to take a look at my VERY Family-Friendly Hikes in Alberta – some of these may still be too long or two hilly for your toddler, depending on their hiking personality, and some you can choose how far to go and then turn back where ever you feel comfortable! Remember, you choose your own summit!

Most hikes mentioned in this post are either in Banff, which will require a National Park Pass or in Canmore/Kananaskis/Bragg Creek, which will require a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.]

.

With Water Falls

For this one, I’m simply going to direct you to my Family-Friendly Waterfalls of Alberta post, as these three waterfalls – Elbow Falls, Bow Falls, and Troll Falls are perfect for all ages!

With Lakes/Ponds

Wedge Pond

Wedge Pond Loop is only 1 kilometre, so you can do the loop as many times as you want, and then enjoy some snacks by the water, or pack a paddle board or kayak to enjoy being on the water. The view payoff from this adventure is both instant and surreal. Plus, this area is great in all seasons, and even somewhat do-able with an all-terrain stroller.

Quarry Lake Loop

Quarry Lake, like Wedge Pond, is perfect in all seasons, do-able with all-terrain strollers and wagons, and just stunning! You’re looking at about 1 kilometre again, so you can make your adventure as long or short as you’d like.

Three Sisters Viewpoint

This one has an interesting starting point. You’ll park across from the dog park and then go down under the bridge to start. Once you’ve got through that little descent challenge for your toddler, you have a flat and rocky wide pathway to wander, until you arrive at water with a perfect view of the Three Sisters Mountains. The destination is a perfect stomping grounds for little feet!

Johnson Lake

If you start the Johnson Lake loop to your right (when initially arriving and looking at the lake), I would suggest turning around half way, as the one side of the loop has a steeper ledge and would be safer if you were carrying your little adventurer. Also, try find the deserted cabin along the way – bonus adventure! This whole adventure adds up to a bit over 3 kilometres.

Cascade Ponds

Cascade Ponds is right off the highway, so a perfect pit stop in or out of Banff. It is also stroller-friendly, and has a great little set up for some day camping! Plus, our kids are fascinated by the gophers…what more could you ask for?

Forgetmenot Pond

Forgetmenot Pond is another perfectly perfect toddler-friendly loop, with water to enjoy, and a great spot to have a picnic!

Nature Walks

Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area

This conservatory is so beautiful and super close to Calgary, for all of you who want to get out in nature without a trek to the mountains. Parking is $10 (cash in envelope) or you can pay online ahead of time. You can also buy a yearly parking pass to support the conservatory. There are many trails to choose from – you can simply do the Mountain View that’s 1km, or take the Aspen Trail for just over a 5km loop. Most trails are relatively flat, and all have super clear trails, so you’ll know where to go. Always remember your bear spray, even this close to the city. Washrooms are available here, if they are open, and there are wonderful picnic tables at two different points to enjoy a snack break with the kids. This is a great spot in all seasons – we can’t ever get enough of it!

Tunnel Mountain Hoodoos

This is a pretty long endeavour, so for that reason, I wouldn’t classify it under toddler-lead, if you’re planning on doing the whole thing (nearly 8 kilometres). But, you really get payoff right from the very beginning of this adventure, so I would say, go, take it at your pace, and go as far as you want and then turn back!

Happy Exploring, Toddler-Paced!

July 27, 2022
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ABOUT ME
I’m Lauren and I have a deep passion for music, food, the outdoors, and travel. I love random questions and fun facts, and am always searching for better ways to bring wellness and health into my life. I am the owner of Miss Lauren’s Music Studio, where I teach voice, piano, ukulele, and preschool music classes – via Skype and within Calgary. I am a Senior Consultant for Pampered Chef, which has inspired me over the years to write two cookbooks (plus one mini ebook cookbook), that have food preparation made easy in the forefront.
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Our beach date turned us into icicles, but it’s Our beach date turned us into icicles, but it’s okay…Collins figured out I make for a pretty good wind and blowing sand blocker. 

Also, we had the beach to ourselves, because other people actually read the wind report. 

What are you doing outside this weekend?!

#kidswhoexplore #windorshine #goldengardens #seattle #seattlebeaches #whattodoinseattle
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Solo parenting. Single parenting. Co-parenting. I’m curious if you say each of those out loud, what comes up for you. 

I solo parent a lot. Meaning, I am parenting without my husband in town, so yes, I carry the majority of the child and household care. But even then, I know I very much have a different amount of emotional and financial support from my spouse that a single parent simply does not have. So when people say, “how is single parenting going this week?” I feel the need to mention I’m not single parenting, because I know enough single parents, that I wouldn’t compare my solo parenting situation to them. I know next week my husband will be home to share some of the load with me, and while he’s gone is able to check in on us!

I think language is so important. What other terms do we need to consider in our daily language?!
Did you hear?! We created a Foundation. I am so pr Did you hear?! We created a Foundation. I am so proud, honoured,  and grateful that this is something we could do, to “build a longer table, rather than a taller fence.” And…it’s all for the kids! Everything that will come of it is all a work in progress, but I so appreciate any and all of your support. If you want to go give our page a follow, you can see all the ways in which we are aiming to support kids (and parents) in raising the next generation!

#sticksandstringsfoundation @sticksandstringsfoundation
When our schedules line up to have time together…🤍 [with our little in tow]

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Also, starting Alphabet Date Night/Day again this spring/summer in Calgary, so taking suggestions as of now! What can’t we miss doing in YYC?!
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Well…it happened….I finally had to buy toilet paper again. 8 months later…🧻
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But for next season, we have decided to bring a yard back into our lives!! So in a month, we are moving all of our stuff into storage until the fall. C has been a complete champ at rental house hunting with me, which has not been easy! Before our move in a month we still have three different groups of visitors, a long weekend trip for C and moi, and of course all the normal life things. So, basically what I’m saying is, “bring it on, April!”

Tell me something you have planned for next month, AKA 2 days away, AKA April!!
Our beach date turned us into icicles, but it’s Our beach date turned us into icicles, but it’s okay…Collins figured out I make for a pretty good wind and blowing sand blocker. 

Also, we had the beach to ourselves, because other people actually read the wind report. 

What are you doing outside this weekend?!

#kidswhoexplore #windorshine #goldengardens #seattle #seattlebeaches #whattodoinseattle
Language is important. Solo parenting. Single pa Language is important. 

Solo parenting. Single parenting. Co-parenting. I’m curious if you say each of those out loud, what comes up for you. 

I solo parent a lot. Meaning, I am parenting without my husband in town, so yes, I carry the majority of the child and household care. But even then, I know I very much have a different amount of emotional and financial support from my spouse that a single parent simply does not have. So when people say, “how is single parenting going this week?” I feel the need to mention I’m not single parenting, because I know enough single parents, that I wouldn’t compare my solo parenting situation to them. I know next week my husband will be home to share some of the load with me, and while he’s gone is able to check in on us!

I think language is so important. What other terms do we need to consider in our daily language?!
Did you hear?! We created a Foundation. I am so pr Did you hear?! We created a Foundation. I am so proud, honoured,  and grateful that this is something we could do, to “build a longer table, rather than a taller fence.” And…it’s all for the kids! Everything that will come of it is all a work in progress, but I so appreciate any and all of your support. If you want to go give our page a follow, you can see all the ways in which we are aiming to support kids (and parents) in raising the next generation!

#sticksandstringsfoundation @sticksandstringsfoundation
When our schedules line up to have time together…🤍 [with our little in tow]

Also highly recommend seeing the cherry blossoms when they are no longer in peak bloom…all the space to yourself!

Also, starting Alphabet Date Night/Day again this spring/summer in Calgary, so taking suggestions as of now! What can’t we miss doing in YYC?!
Did you know peppers have more Vitamin C than oran Did you know peppers have more Vitamin C than oranges?

Now you do. You’re welcome. 

#lepamperedchef
Another round of toilet paper talk! Remember at t Another round of toilet paper talk!

Remember at the beginning of the season when J told my family I was no where near a (wannabe)minimalist, because the amount of toilet paper we moved from New York was outrageous? [Please also note we were one of the households that had no toilet paper in New York when toilet paper was literal gold, but I had peri bottles from postpartum and we happily made homemade bidets].

Well…it happened….I finally had to buy toilet paper again. 8 months later…🧻
When J and I were in grade 10, he kept turning aro When J and I were in grade 10, he kept turning around to me in Math Class and asking me to come watch one of his hockey games. I kept saying something along the lines of, “No, thanks. Can you stop distracting me, please? I’m trying to get my math done.” [So he knew what he was in for when he married me]. Anyhow, one time, I must have been over the requests, and I said, “Okay, sure, ya I’ll come.” I didn’t… I never showed. I got a call from him after the game saying I owed him for my no show, and he asked if I’d come hang out with his team. I agreed if I could bring about 6 friends along. Little did I know that one day I’d make mini versions of him…🤣
This was the end of the season last year, when we This was the end of the season last year, when we took our baby to Montauk!! We thought we’d be returning to New York, so left our house ready to come back in the fall, and then that wasn’t the case. Because we didn’t have time to scout out areas in Seattle, we decided to downsize our belongings (thank you, @anitarusso11 for being my godsend in New York), and rent an apartment for the season in downtown Seattle. Our plan was always one season to try it out. We have absolutely loveddd experiencing every inch of downtown, and experiencing apartment living with a toddler, even though having all our outdoor gear scattering around the apartment is always pure chaos!

But for next season, we have decided to bring a yard back into our lives!! So in a month, we are moving all of our stuff into storage until the fall. C has been a complete champ at rental house hunting with me, which has not been easy! Before our move in a month we still have three different groups of visitors, a long weekend trip for C and moi, and of course all the normal life things. So, basically what I’m saying is, “bring it on, April!”

Tell me something you have planned for next month, AKA 2 days away, AKA April!!
“If I could write a letter to me and send it bac “If I could write a letter to me
and send it back in time to myself at 17… I'd end by saying have no fear, these are nowhere near the best years of your life.” - Brad Paisley

He was right…they just keep getting better with you 🤍

Also, how about that DVD collection?!

#highschoolsweethearts
ABOUT

Owner of Miss Lauren’s Music Studio. Author of the Brownie Pan Every Damn Day Cookbooks. Consultant for Pampered Chef. Lover of Random Questions.

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