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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I’ve very much noticed this be a trigger point for me since having kids, because J and I both have big families, and although their gift giving comes with so much heart and generosity, I’ve tried to find ways to bring in less stuff and to teach my kids to appreciate each gift, sooo less is more. 

Many years ago, my siblings adopted Sibling Christmas where instead of gifts, we have a special night out together! We love this tradition. After the overwhelm I felt this Christmas, being generously gifted Eberle gifts for now TWO kids, I asked J’s siblings if we can adopt a family-friendly event next year and remove all aunt/uncle/cousin gifts. Shout out to all my brother/sister-in-laws for getting on board. 

With C’s birthday party coming up, she asked for no gifts (OR a book as a gift).

Small steps, but always trying!!

Have you found any ways to minimize the stuff chaos in your house?!
You know what’s the trickiest thing to navigate You know what’s the trickiest thing to navigate while solo parenting?

Taking your car to the shop with car seat aged kids. 

Do you hang out in the shop with the kids for hours? Do you bring travel car seats and install them to get them home? Honestly, what have y’all done? Having another human help isn’t the solution here for me this time…😅
There is no one more present than a baby. Our kidd There is no one more present than a baby. Our kiddos have so much to teach us. 

#babyrodycheberle2
🎶’Cause I got a roof over my head I got a war 🎶’Cause I got a roof over my head
I got a warm body in bed
I'm doing alright right where I'm at
With what I have

[I got a Jeep, I got a dog]
I got what they call a dream job
Plenty to want, nothing wrong with that
But I'm happy with what I have

I got the air, good eyes to see
Got so much more than I'll ever need
Even the bad days ain't all that bad
With what I have🎶
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It’s not a competition, but if J was trying to w It’s not a competition, but if J was trying to win at Christmas, he did. For my gift he booked @throughcarrieslens to come follow our family on our Anniversary hike this year and take pictures of our butts…🤣 Maybe it’s because he knows pictures of him wearing our babies has me like…😍

Countdown to see you, @throughcarrieslens!
“Don’t worry so much about raising good kids t “Don’t worry so much about raising good kids that you forget you already have them.”🤍
J: Can we start weekly date night again? Also J: J: Can we start weekly date night again?

Also J: Okay, see you in two weeks after our road trip. 

[A real conversation we had recently…
Appreciate the sentiment, AND weekly may have been a bit ambitious.]
Thank you to @babyknitsco for this toque. Thank yo Thank you to @babyknitsco for this toque. Thank you to @schoenanigans for this onesie that will live on for every kiddo. Thank you to my non-Instagram husband for these babies.
Ready to hear my biggest overwhelm? The stuff. I Ready to hear my biggest overwhelm?

The stuff. I know this is a privileged point, so please be kind. I’ve always attempted to be a wannabe-minimalist (seeing as I have two of everything living between two places, but I want everything to have a purpose and a ‘home.’). 

I’ve very much noticed this be a trigger point for me since having kids, because J and I both have big families, and although their gift giving comes with so much heart and generosity, I’ve tried to find ways to bring in less stuff and to teach my kids to appreciate each gift, sooo less is more. 

Many years ago, my siblings adopted Sibling Christmas where instead of gifts, we have a special night out together! We love this tradition. After the overwhelm I felt this Christmas, being generously gifted Eberle gifts for now TWO kids, I asked J’s siblings if we can adopt a family-friendly event next year and remove all aunt/uncle/cousin gifts. Shout out to all my brother/sister-in-laws for getting on board. 

With C’s birthday party coming up, she asked for no gifts (OR a book as a gift).

Small steps, but always trying!!

Have you found any ways to minimize the stuff chaos in your house?!
You know what’s the trickiest thing to navigate You know what’s the trickiest thing to navigate while solo parenting?

Taking your car to the shop with car seat aged kids. 

Do you hang out in the shop with the kids for hours? Do you bring travel car seats and install them to get them home? Honestly, what have y’all done? Having another human help isn’t the solution here for me this time…😅
There is no one more present than a baby. Our kidd There is no one more present than a baby. Our kiddos have so much to teach us. 

#babyrodycheberle2
🎶’Cause I got a roof over my head I got a war 🎶’Cause I got a roof over my head
I got a warm body in bed
I'm doing alright right where I'm at
With what I have

[I got a Jeep, I got a dog]
I got what they call a dream job
Plenty to want, nothing wrong with that
But I'm happy with what I have

I got the air, good eyes to see
Got so much more than I'll ever need
Even the bad days ain't all that bad
With what I have🎶
-Kelsea Ballerini
It’s not a competition, but if J was trying to w It’s not a competition, but if J was trying to win at Christmas, he did. For my gift he booked @throughcarrieslens to come follow our family on our Anniversary hike this year and take pictures of our butts…🤣 Maybe it’s because he knows pictures of him wearing our babies has me like…😍

Countdown to see you, @throughcarrieslens!
“Don’t worry so much about raising good kids t “Don’t worry so much about raising good kids that you forget you already have them.”🤍
J: Can we start weekly date night again? Also J: J: Can we start weekly date night again?

Also J: Okay, see you in two weeks after our road trip. 

[A real conversation we had recently…
Appreciate the sentiment, AND weekly may have been a bit ambitious.]
Thank you to @babyknitsco for this toque. Thank yo Thank you to @babyknitsco for this toque. Thank you to @schoenanigans for this onesie that will live on for every kiddo. Thank you to my non-Instagram husband for these babies.
In honour of @michaelferraro_music’s birthday, h In honour of @michaelferraro_music’s birthday, here’s a serious throwback. Go give his band @pinebarren.music a follow!

#lebsinging #nashvillecover
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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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