Currently Closed

Many Springs Interpretive Trail is a beautiful hike in Bow Valley Provincial Park perfect for the littlest feet.  The interpretive trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The beaver dams and bridge are some of the features that make this a  great hike for kids.  On the wooden dock make sure to take a look into the water to see bubbles showing the warm water coming up from the ground. Because of this the springs never fully freeze in the winter.

Many Springs Interpretive Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Distance and Elevation: 2km loop; 18 m

Facilities: Outhouse, Small parking lot. 

Hike Highlights: Springs; Bridge;  Mountain Views ; Beaver Dams

Accessibility: Child Carrier Friendly, Stroller Friendly

Directions:

Just one hour from Calgary. From Highway 1 take exit 114 to continue on the Highway 1X. Take your first left and head west towards the Bow Valley Provincial Park entrance. Drive about 1.8 km to the trailhead that is located at the Many Springs Parking lot.

Trailhead:

The trailhead starts at the end of the parking lot right next to the outhouse. There is a large trail sign that indicates the start of the hike.

Trail:

Many Springs Interpretive Trail was perfect for our 2 and 4 year old and is even a great first hike for those younger 1 and 2 year olds to try to conquer on their own two feet.

The trail starts off on a wide path in the trees. After a short distance head right at the fork to start the loop around the lake. The trail continues through the trees but with little glimpses of the surrounding mountains the lake. The trail moves closer to the lake as you pass a few beaver dams before cross a wooden bridge.

The bridge is a fun feature for little feet but the views from there of Mount Yamnuska are outstanding. On a sunny clear day the mountains will provide a perfect reflection in the water.

After walking across the bridge make sure to keep a lookout for trees that have been chewed down by the beavers. Continue along the trail until you reach the bird walk. In the spring pussy willow trees are growing alongside the boardwalk. Be gentle but allow your children to feel the soft fluffy white blossom.

After the short boardwalk enters into the trails. Before finishing the loop take a break on the creaky wooden dock and enjoy the views. From there enter back into the trees. Head straight at the intersection back to the parking lot where you started.

Want more hikes like this one?

PRE-ORDER the paperback book Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies here.

Purchase (Ebook) Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies here.