I received the following article and images from Christina and her friend Gavin today… These guys have recently been taking advantage of the mild summer weather up in the Calgary, Alberta area. Read below to learn more about hiking Lady Macdonald from the perspective of one of Lady Mac’s most recent guests.
The incredible scenery from the hike up Lady MacDonald. Click the image for the Photo Blog!
Christina writes:
Mount Lady MacDonald dominates the northern skyline of Canmore Alberta, the gateway to the Canadian Rockies through Banff National Park.
May 24th we set out to hike Lady Mac and I really had no idea what I was in for. I thought it would be an easy hike for the beginning of the hiking season and I soon found out that I was in for a leg burning excursion! It is a very steep and strenuous hike. Adventure seekers welcome! Getting up to the Tea House near the summit is challenging, yet manageable…
At the Tea House remains, I sat for a bit while taking in the beautiful view of the valley. It is at this point that I realize why I put my body through the pains of getting there it is truly majestic to sit at the top of a mountain breath in the fresh air and absorb the beauty.
Once at the Tea House there is still another 200m of elevation gain to go to get to the Knife-Edge Ridge which is a scramble for the skillful. One wrong move up there and it’s a long drop to the bottom of the mountain! I was enjoying the scenic views and amazing air that day and decided not to conquer the summit and relax at the Tea House.
Gavin, on the other hand, was feeling like giving the summit a go. While he headed off to the summit at Lady Mac, I am reminded of a story surrounding this little Tea House. It’s rumored that the remains of the Tea House are what is left of a boondoggle that reportedly cost a fair number of locals big cash when it failed. As I sit enjoying the views Lady Mac has to offer, I wonder what stories this mountain could tell… Plenty, no doubt.
Sooner rather than later I see Gavin… he had returned fairly quickly apparently deciding to leave the final 200 meters for another day! Lol!
Coming down the mountain is the part that I like the least! It’s a never ending beating to the quads! Definitely worth it though, the view at the top is amazing! It takes my mind off the work my legs are enduring.
This was a magnificent hike and I did enjoy it… and, will do it again this season.
Mount Lady MacDonald Facts
Distance: 10km
Elevation Gain: 1,193m
Trailhead Elevation 1,383m
Highest Point: 2,576m
Panoramic View: Views over Canmore, seeing Knife-Edge Ridge
Difficulty: This is a hike to the teahouse, and a scramble from the teahouse to Knife-Edge Ridge.
To do this adventurous hike: You will need to travel to Calgary, Alberta. From Calgary, its a short drive west to Canmore. You could stay in Canmore or Calgary depending on how close you want to be to the mountain.
Book your accommodations at etraveldealer.com today!
Article and images courtesy Christina Marino.
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