After a coffee stop at the Coffee Mine in Canmore and with lots of heavy clouds, but no rain, we made a short, interesting and informative stop at the newly opened Mine Museum across the road. From here, we proceeded to Ken’s cottage where we parked our cars and headed out on an urban hike around the Canmore area. For the next couple of hours, we hiked around lakes, climbed stairs, crossed bridges and from our knowledgeable guide, learnt some history of the mining industry in the area. We were also privileged to see abandoned mine sites, the renovated original homes of the first mine’s managers, irrigation and power sites in the area. During our hike we were always in full view of the surrounding mountains and the majestic Ha Ling – Chinaman’s peak. After a couple of hours of hiking we made a lunch stop at the warm Olympic Centre where we enjoyed the use of clean bathrooms and partook of hot soup at the on site café.
After lunch, we continued our urban hike again climbing long stairs, over more bridges and at one point, even had an OT upward hike in search of a new trail, when our trail around the lake suddenly came to an end because of the rising water. We ended a rain-free day of good urban hiking at Ken’s cottage with a delicious BBQ and good wine. Thanks to Ken-our coordinator, Joanne, Linda & Robert, Dusan & Sandy and Emily for the good company and enjoyable day of hiking.