Local Outdoor Organizations and personal web sites (Non-commercial)

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The following sites have been rated with Bob's Opinionated Rating of 1 to 5 stars. A site is rated on the content available to the public. It does not reflect the organization itself, nor does it consider how 'stylish' a site is.

*	pathetic: barely worth the click getting there
**	below average: who we are, and that's about it - wouldn't visit more than once
***	average: useful current information about the organization, schedules
****	above average: good content on the sport / activity, or online services
*****	excellent: lots of interesting dynamic information, would return here often

Sites do evolve over time, and to be fair, should be re-evaluated annually. These sites were rated during January 2001.

Updated fixing broken links added some comments and some additional sites by John January 2006.

Alberta Hostelling International ****
Details of all the hostels including maps. Make reservations online. Online version of the Alberta Hosteller newsletter with the activity schedule of the Hostel Outdoors Group (HOGs). Schedule not current as of late January 2005 unfortunately.
Alberta Speleological Society ****
A great site to learn about cave formation and the sport of caving. A good article on bats. Several interesting photos of the Castleguard cave.
Alberta Whitewater Association ***
Alpine Club of Canada - Calgary Section ***
Site has undergone an upgrade with an improved calendar etc. Still not much trip / condition reporting though.
Alpine Club of Canada - National ****
Information on huts, membership, national and international trips, and links to local sections of the ACC.
Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area ***
The Cross Conservation Area is just a few km SW of Calgary. Offers tours and educational programs.
Banff Centre for Mountain Culture ***
Home of the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Book Festival, and Photography Competition.
Bivouac Mountaineering Directory *****
Canadian Mountain Encyclopedia - a frequently updated geographic based directory of mountains with route descriptions and reports. Schedules for several Vancouver area outdoor clubs. 2010 update still a great resource for the serious western Canada alpinist. Subscriptin Fee required
Bow Waters Canoe Club ***
Calgary Area Outdoor Council ***1/2
Umbrella organization for many Calgary outdoor groups. Increased Bob's 2.5 stars to 3.5 as site appears to have more up to date information as of January 2006. An example of more current information is information on the formation of an "in-city" Calgary walking/hiking club being formed April 2006.
Calgary Balloon Club *1/2
Increased Bob's 1.5 stars to 2.5 as site does have a 2005 schedule and more recent content. Reduced my 2.5 back to 1.5 as the site is stale.
Calgary Field Naturalists' Society ***
Extensive list of links to wildlife and conservation sites. Action alerts to local environmental issues.
Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance ***
Advocacy group for biking access.
Calgary Mountain Club ***1/2
Informal mountaineering club. Members can submit climbing conditions.
Calgary Outdoor Club ****
Free membership (voluntary donation requested). Schedule seems active with events both outdoor events and social events. Established 2003 and grown very quickly to close to 3,000 members as of January 2006. The largest membership base of any Calgary outdoor club?
Calgary Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts ***
New club, schedule, discussion board. Appendix A is vaguely familiar.
Calgary Roadrunners ***
From fun runs to marathons and training. Lots of links to races and running sites.
Calgary Ski Club ***
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society ***1/2
Extensive review of local environmental issues. Thorough list of links.
Canadian Ski Patrol System - Calgary **1/2
Dave Stephens personal site ****
Personal site with sections on scrambling, skiing and climbing with extensive and detailed trip reports.
Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project ****
How do bears get fat on berries? They can eat over 200,000 per day. Good links list.
Elbow Valley Cycle Club ***
Notice (January 2006) EVCC is no longer organizing any winter cross country ski trips due to "insurance issues".
Vern Dewit ****
Personal site of Vern Dewit - excellent descriptions and great photography.
Foothills Nordic Ski Club ***
Organizers of the "cookie race" in Peter Lougheed provincial park.
Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club ***
Learn about orienteering.
Kane's Scrambles and Peaks ****
Scrambles, climbs and ski ascents. Site is commercially hosted so a lot of advertising and annoying "popups". Due to advertising popups reduced Bob's 4 stars to 3. Trip description content is good.
PeakFinder ****
Rocky Mountain Books Outdoors forum **
Possibly should not be included in this list as it is a commercially sponsored site. Including it as the forum Scrambles section is quite active as of January 2006 and contributions to it appear not to have an objective of commercial gain.
Search and Rescue Alberta Association **1/2
Bob Spirko ****
Personal site of Bob Spirko - excellent descriptions and includes obscure trips that some Ramblers like!
Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies ***
Trout Unlimited Canada - Bow River Chapter ***
Some information on local fish, habitat, and maps of Bow River.
Westman Wilderness Club ***
A new club in Manitoba, try them out if you are passing through. Increased Bob's original 2 stars to 3 stars as site appears to have been improved (January 2006).

Reference - Members' area - Recent trips - Search
Photo Gallery - The Packrat (newsletter) - What's New - Home