Posts By Cody Pierce
30+ TOP Things To Do in Vancouver & Nearby
I lived in Vancouver, a world-class, culturally vibrant city, for close to 10 years and enjoyed a wide variety of the sights, attractions, and things most visitors want to see and do. Most people don’t spend a week in a city these days, but if you even have three days, you can cover off a huge selection of my picks of top things to do in Vancouver. A week will give you enough time to include a variety of activities in Whistler as well.
Vancouver is truly a wonderful city to visit but access between the north shore and downtown, especially if you’re driving, can be a royal pain. Avoid rush hour at all costs as it can easily take an hour to drive from West Vancouver to downtown Vancouver. Lion’s Gate Bridge gets backed up, but the First Narrows Bridge is no picnic either. I would recommend splitting your time between the downtown core including Stanley Park, the north shore from Deep Cove to West Vancouver, and the outlying areas like Bowen Island and Squamish and Whistler if you have time.
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Best time of year to visit Vancouver
I think most visitors will want to avoid the rainy season – which lasts from November well into April. However, Vancouver does get some high-pressure systems in winter moving in for extended periods of time, so you can get weeks of sunny weather. Unfortunately, it’s not the norm. There was one stand-out February for me that had three plus weeks of sunshine. With flowers blooming, that period was pure magic. You’ll need Lady Luck on your side or the ability to do a last-minute trip.
Most of you will want to visit from May until October. A common saying in Vancouver is that summer doesn’t start until mid-July – and that usually holds true if you’re coming for warm or hot weather. It’s also the busiest time in the city. I personally love the spring for the flowers and early fall for the decrease in crowds.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the quintessential experience to enjoy in Vancouver, no matter what the season or your age. Here’s a selection of ways to do just that.
- Spend a good part of a day in Stanley Park. The best way to experience is on foot or by bike. You don’t have to be a regular cyclist to enjoy the bike ride around Stanley Park. It’s easy, flat and can be done over a 1 -2 hours, depending on how many stops and detours you make. (Rent a bike at one of four stores clustered around Denman Street.) I would recommend trying to bike at a less busy time of day so you can take your eyes off the path and enjoy the view! Walking will take you two to three hours if you do the entire seawall.
- Short on time? Drive around Stanley Park, pulling off at viewpoints to take in the best sights like Prospect Point and Second and Third Beaches. Second Beach is home to a heated outdoor pool, that is perfect for sunny days.
- Visit the Vancouver Aquarium. There are no longer any whales at the aquarium but there are many more marine animals on display as well as an Amazon exhibit. Animals are shown in ‘natural’ habitats and won’t be doing any tricks or acrobatics to music, and the general presentation is of education and interest – not entertainment.
- If you’re feeling lazy or romantic, there are narrated horse-drawn carriage rides around the park that provide general information about both Stanley Park and Vancouver.
Top things to do in Vancouver along SW Marine Drive
If you are coming in from the Vancouver Airport, either drive or ask your taxi or Uber driver to take a detour along SW Marine Drive and continue out along Spanish Banks. It’s only seven minutes from the airport.
- If you visit the Spanish Banks area at low tide, you can walk out on the sand flats for a mile.
- Some of Vancouver’s best beaches are along here including Locarno Beach which is perfect for an outdoor BBQ on a warm evening.
- Enjoy the view of Vancouver from SW Marine Drive. It’s truly spectacular with the ocean and mountain backdrop.
- Near Point Grey, stop at the Museum of Anthropology. Here you can see totem poles and unique British Columbia First Nations art.
- Kitsilano has a fantastic salt water outdoor pool – three times the size of an Olympic pool – with fabulous views of the mountains as a backdrop for those that just want to suntan and relax.
Top things to do in Vancouver downtown
For many the skyscrapers of downtown are quite an eye-opener, especially the revolving restaurant. For indoor days there’s plenty of shopping both at indoor malls and on Robson Street, in Gastown, or even Chinatown with its myriad shops to poke around in. You could also try one of these activities.
- The HR MacMillan Space Center has indoor shows, laser and light shows and telescope viewings. Try to visit on a clear night.
- Take a dinner cruise while enjoying the downtown skyline.
- Enjoy a scenic float plane tour. It’s not too expensive when you consider how many people you can tuck in and what can be seen in a very short space of time.
One of a kind seasonal things to do in Vancouver
- In the summer there is outdoor ethnic dancing at the Ceperley Park picnic area. While this may sound a bit odd, it can be a lot of fun and was a huge hit with one of my friends out of town visitors.
- Every August the Squamish Nation Pow-Wow is held at the foot of Capilano Road. It’s quite a sight to see and the Europeans in particular love to see it! There is food, stalls selling native goods, and of course the dance competitions. It’s worth the time for a unique afternoon.
- Catch the Festival of Light every summer with fireworks starting at 10 PM at English Bay. You don’t have to be in English Bay to enjoy the dazzling show. There would also be some excellent areas to see them from Stanley Park. The fireworks occur three nights over a week.
Top things to do in Deep Cove, North Vancouver
- Starting at Deep Cove you can take a hike to the lookout at Quarry Rock, about 30 minutes along the Baden Powell Trail. It’s not for those afraid of heights.
- Browse some small shops and eateries in Deep Cove. When I dragonboated out of Deep Cove on Saturday mornings, we would often end up at Honey Doughnuts & Goodies, eating back all the calories we’d just burnt off.
- Rent a kayak or SUP in Deep Cove and explore the lovely inlet of Indian Arm or just the cove area itself. You can also take a kayaking tour – even in winter and on full moon nights.
- Most summer evenings you can watch dragonboat teams practicing. Come out and cheer them on.
Grouse Mountain
- If you can afford the tram ride up Grouse Mountain (about $61/adult in 2022) you can probably afford to eat at the Observatory Restaurant at the peak, and in that case the trip up is included with your meal! If you are a fitness freak climb the 3000-foot mountain on the Grouse Grind Trail, but only if you are prepared and healthy enough to do it! If neither of those methods attract you then there is a helicopter ride from Coal Harbour that will take you up to the peak and back to the harbour later in the day.
West Vancouver
- If you want a view at no physical or monetary cost (save for gas) then drive-up Cypress Mountain and pull off at the first lookout. You get a great aerial view of the lower mainland and on a really clear day you can see Mount Baker in Washington.
- Head to Sewell’s Marina in Horseshoe Bay and enjoy a sea safari. Look for seabirds, seals, and even whales.
- Wander the maze of trails among giant trees in Lighthouse Park, enjoying views at the water’s edge of Howe Sound. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic dinner in summer and watch the sun go down.
Bowen Island
- Take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay, enjoying lovely views of Howe Sound on the way over to Bowen Island as a foot passenger. On the island poke around the shops in Snug Cove and have lunch on the deck at Doc Morgans Pub. You could even try a few hours of sea kayaking, right off the ferry dock. If you’re slightly more energetic you can take the loop trail around Killarney Lake or even hike Mt Gardner for the 360-degree view at the top. The island has a little bus service that can get you around.
Squamish Area
- Shannon Falls, rising 335 metres above the Sea to Sky Highway at Squamish, is only a 15 to 20-minute walk from the car park to the lookout.
Drive the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler
- Drive the Sea to Sky Highway – stopping at some of the iconic sights along the way. The lookout on a clear day over the Tantalus Range is particularly compelling.
- Brandywine Falls just south of Whistler is an enjoyable 5-minute walk from the car – and worth seeing just for their 70-metre height!
Where to stay in Vancouver
You’ll probably want to stay in downtown Vancouver or North Vancouver so you can walk about – and perhaps forgo a car altogether. From North Vancouver, it’s easy to hop on teh sea bus to downtown Vancouver. Here are some ideas of where to stay.
I have stayed at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – and loved the downtown location, ambiance and the room we had.
The Paradox Hotel Vancouver is rated as superb.
The Pan Pacific Vancouver located on the waterfront is a luxurious option.
In North Vancouver, I recommend either the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier with its killer sunset views or The Seaside Hotel located in the Shipyards.
Further reading on things to do in the greater Vancouver area
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The 5 best weekend getaways in Europe for 2022
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Europe is a gorgeous put for anybody looking for a fast getaway. Specifically with vacation limits lifted and the planet obtaining back to regular, Europe can be the suitable spot for anybody to blow off some steam and invest time absent from all things insane. So if you are craving 1 or more weekend getaways in Europe, continue to keep reading!
But, if you are missing for a time, balancing your operate and other commitments, never be demotivated because the two days on the weekend are much more than adequate to take pleasure in time off. Most persons who work full-time believe they can only travel in the course of their holidays, but in fact, you can do a good deal on a weekend getaway in Europe and conserve your holiday getaway days for a more substantial experience, like Thailand or Indonesia.
One more option is to include a working day or two to your town split in Europe, let’s say Friday and Monday. Then you can do, see, practical experience and rest way more. It doesn’t matter if you only have two days or a extended weekend, these top 5 European getaways will make you come to feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and all set for a new 7 days,
Here’s a look at the best 5 weekend getaways in Europe, we’ve carried out and advocate.
Pro-suggestion: Be positive to verify on your passport’s validity right before you get started planning because you don’t want to make options only to discover an expiring passport. If the passport is expiring soon, Travel Visa Pro can get your passport renewed in time for the journey, and you can make contact with them here.
The 5 ideal weekend getaways in Europe
1- London – United Kingdom
It goes with out indicating – London is always the #1 place for a brief European getaway and is an simple 1st spot in the best 5 listing. You will never ever run out of alternatives in London – so several sites to visit with the finest views, wonderful restaurants, and properties the greatest bars in Europe.
Be inspired to approach your London town crack, examine our guides:
2 – Paris – France
Another metropolis that goes along with London is Paris, and it is 1 of the best weekend outings in Europe you can get if you like the town and the musing.
All through summer time, Paris can sense even a lot more magical. Apart from the standard sightings – the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Arc De Triomphe, you find handful of of the world’s most effective culinary ordeals.
Listed here are some recommendations to program your Europe town split in Paris:
3 – Budapest – Hungary
Budapest can acquire you on a cultural tour if you have a somewhat higher spend. There is so considerably to do in Budapest, and believe in us – you will not uncover plenty of time on the weekend to do all of it, but you can make it to all the important kinds.
Famed for its lifestyle and the attractive properties, you’ll come across quite a few desire-like destinations for the gram’. The metropolis by itself is enchanted, and a picnic in Metropolis Park or a cycling tour all-around the town will not expense you too a great deal.
The metropolis also hosts some of the very best 5-star lodging. Nonetheless, if you are on a price range, there are a lot of resorts at affordable prices a couple miles away from the metropolis.
Stick to these tips to approach your Budapest city split:
4 – Florence – Italy
The city of Florence is magically – so magical that you are going to want to hold coming back each and every weekend. Florence is the property for most of the Renaissance masterpieces, and you can commit time in several museums across the city.
Beyond the monuments, it is also residence to a lively society accommodating opera, classical music, and some of the most exquisite wines. Florence also has lively nightlife for you for your Saturday night time.
Program your European weekend getaway with these Florence travel suggestions:
5 – Barcelona – Spain
There’s no other city pretty like Barcelona – the excellent sights and the enjoyable restaurants make it 1 place you require to vacation to. Barcelona is built in different ways – it is one particular of the places in which the seashore and the mountains arrive with each other in peace.
When you indulge in the city’s natural beauty, you have a choice – the scenic mountains or the serene seashores. Whichever selection you make, you will not be upset.
Study these guides and program a great weekend in Barcelona:
Did you like these thoughts for weekend breaks in Europe? In which are you setting up to go? Share your ideas and if you need further info, drop us a information.
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30 Tips for How to Give a Good Hand Job, According to Sex Experts
Once upon a time, the classic hand job was merely one of the first bases toward penetrative sex. That was back when penetration was basically the definition of intimacy and we, for some reason, spoke in baseball metaphors. But the days of handies being considered a stepping stone (or plate, if you will) instead of the main event are officially over, and learning how to give a hand job—like a good hand job—isn’t nearly as meet-me-under-the-bleachers-after-study-hall as you might think.
Now granted, if you view hand jobs as juvenile, then that’s exactly what they’ll be, explains sexologist Malika O’Neill, founder and CEO of The Pleasure Collective. But that’s why you’ve gotta change your perspective, she says. And according to sex therapist, coach, and founder of Modern Intimacy, Kate Balestrieri, PsyD, manual stimulation (which is the more formal definition of a handy), is an important part of erotic play for all ages.
“Using your hands allows you to stimulate your partner’s penis with movements and sensations that penetration cannot replicate,” Dr. Balestrieri says. “They are totally different experiences.” Plus focusing solely on your partner’s pleasure every once in a while is an A+ way to connect and pamper.
But before you just grumble and half-heartedly grab your partner’s genitals, certified sexologist Sara Tang says it’s important to reframe your mindset. If you literally view the act as a “job,” that’s what it’s going to feel like. “Take a playful approach, instead of a goal-oriented or task-focused one,” she explains. While you NEVER have to give anyone manual sex—and you can always stop if you want—if you do decide to engage in some manual partner play, put some heart in it.
Ultimately, incorporating handies into your sexual routine can be exciting and pleasurable for both partners. So, if you’re game, here are 30 of the best, expert-recommended hand job tips out there. Grab a bottle of lube and get ready to go a lil old school.
1. Make eye contact.
It doesn’t matter what type of sex you’re having—eye contact is like an all-encompassing sexual secret weapon. “Checking in with your partner through eye contact tells them you are connected with them [and] their pleasure,” explains Dr. Balestrieri. “[That] you’re attuned, invested.” We don’t mean have a staring competition with your playmate, but long, lingering glances and a few smoldering looks will go a long way during a HJ. Plus it’s très hot to look in the eye of the person you’re pleasuring (and vice versa). Try it!
2. Try an arousal serum.
While the importance of lube can’t be overstated (pls see #12), one of the most fun—and multitasking—ways to elevate a hand job is with a stimulating oil or lube. Dr. Balestrieri highly suggests Trojan’s Arouses + Intensifies lube because it not only gives a pleasurable warming/tingling sensation (that reviewers say results in extremely “intense orgasms”), but it’s also condom safe! You need to use lube anyway, so you might as well use some that’ll result in firework-style climaxes, ya feel?
3. Massage their thighs.
Before just grabbing onto the shaft and going at it, Dr. Balestrieri suggests starting instead by massaging your partner’s inner thighs. This area is extremely sensitive, she explains, and by rubbing the thighs, you can “build a heightened anticipation for pleasure.” Try casuallyyyy sweeping over the penis until you hit the belly button, then start again at the inner thighs, working in broad circles. If your partner seems super receptive to the thigh touch, Dr. Balestrieri says to rub the area *while* stimulating the penis to add some extra sensation.
4. Or give them an all-over rubdown.
If you have the time or simply want to make things even more erotic, Tang suggests viewing the hand job as more of a sensual massage experience by giving your partner a full rubdown. Grab some oil or lube and start by massaging your partner’s back, butt, and feet. This helps warm up and prepare the entire body, Tang explains. “As you glide over their skin, begin focusing more and more attention on the penis.”
5. Get turned on.
Yup, feeling sexually excited yourself will actually make your handies even better, says ASTROGLIDE resident sexologist Jess O’Reilly, PhD. “The more aroused you are, the more naturally everything will flow,” she explains. “Your enthusiasm will be palatable, so make sure the pleasure is just as much your own as your partner’s.”
6. Watch them masturbate.
Your partner probably knows some of their favorite ways to be touched, and an easy way to mimic that is by literally just watching them masturbate, says international sex educator and creator of the Sex Hacker Pro Course Kenneth Play. If you’re both comfortable with it, a lil show and tell can go a long way.
7. And pay attention to their technique.
As your partner’s going at it, Taylor Sparks, an erotic educator and founder of Organic Loven, suggests making a mental note of the types of strokes they use and areas they focus on.
“Do they stay more to the top around the head of the penis or full stroke top to bottom, or somewhere in the middle with shorter strokes? [Your partner] is your best teacher on how they love their penis stroked,” she explains. You don’t have to do the exact same thing, but you’ll def want to play off of what you see they already like.
8. Bring on the applied pressure.
During penetrative sex, the walls of the vagina or anus kind of hug the penis, giving it a nice tight feeling, explains O’Neill. When giving a handy, keep this in mind and try to mimic that feeling by wrapping your hands around their penis and gradually increasing the pressure.
9. Mimic what you like.
If you have a penis, chances are you already have a good idea of what feels good. If you’re a vagina owner, you can still apply some of the same techniques to your partner that you use on yourself. O’Neill suggests using the same amount of pressure and speed you’d use to rub your clitoris to rub your partner’s shaft.
10. Get vocal.
The real secret to a great handy is to figure out exactly what your partner wants. Sex educator Jennifer Rahner says simply asking what they like is one of the most efficient ways to become a pro. Whether your partner prefers lots of lube or just a little (uncircumcised people sometimes enjoy stimulation without lube, says Rahner) or if they like a light touch or firm touch, the best way to figure it out is to ask. O’Neill suggests asking something like “Does that feel good?” or “Would you like it tight?” to get the ball rolling.
11. Make it a lil less stale.
So, hand jobs can sometimes seem like a checklist item, but that’s the exact wrong way to go into giving one. Sparks suggests giving a hand job with the purpose of destressing and pleasing your partner. “There’s no reason why blow jobs should get all the glory when hand jobs can be just as pleasurable,” says O’Neill.
12. Also hi, hello, please use lube.
“The number one hand job tip is lube, lube, lube,” says Sofiya Alexandra, co-founder and co-host of the Private Parts Unknown podcast. Too much friction is a hand job’s main nemesis, she explains, so it’s a good idea to always have lube on hand, and don’t be afraid to apply it so you can skip any awkward dryness.
13. Get their balls involved.
Try some light ball massage if your partner is into it. The amount of pressure will depend on each person, but don’t shy away from touching their balls, as it can be super pleasurable for them—and make you feel like a sexual rockstar. Playing with your partner’s balls during a hand job is a common tip both O’Neill and Dr. Balestrieri give others to improve their handies.
14. Compliment them.
Everyone likes a compliment, so be sure to let your partner know how much you admire them. “Tell your lover if their penis looks good, tastes great, feels amazing in your hands or mouth,” suggests Tang. “Some people have a lot of insecurities around their genitals, and it helps to relax and reassure them to know that you are enjoying the experience and not judging them for their size or shape.”
15. Use both hands.
If you’ve exhausted the one-hander, try getting all fancy with two hands. Sex and relationship expert Emily Morse, host of the Sex With Emily podcast, says to try the two-handed twist: Stack both hands on their shaft, one on top of the other. Then, twist your hands slowly in opposite directions, taking time to vary the pressure so you’re also gently stroking and squeezing.
16. Get a rhythm going.
O’Neill suggests using an up and down stroking motion up the shaft of your partner’s penis, and then twisting your hands ¼ either way. Once you can tell your partner is about to climax, focus the pressure more toward the head of their penis. O’Neill also recommends using long “milking strokes” once your partner reaches climax.
17. Treat it like an entree, not an appetizer.
It might be called a “job,” but no one wants it to feel like one, no matter if they’re the giver or the receiver, explains Dr. Balestrieri. “Try to take a position of wanting to please your partner, and channel the enthusiasm you hope they’d put forth when it’s your turn to receive,” she says. Just like you don’t like it when someone goes down on you for 15 seconds and pops up like, “you good?” people don’t generally like it when you give their dicks three rapid tugs and then move on to something else.
You can always, always, change your mind about what you do and don’t want to do during sex, but if you’re down to HJ, make it a fulfilling moment in your sex sesh and not just a checklist item.
18. Use ~natural~ lube…
Aka your spit. It won’t be as long-lasting or slick as the stuff you get at a store, but in a pinch, it’s an economical (and sexy) way to cut down on friction. And there’s no bigger hand job fail than friction. And yup, you can literally just spit on it. It’s somehow v sexy, so just go with it.
19. Make it a combo BJ/HJ.
The best blow jobs are those that incorporate the hands, and the same goes for the mouth during hand jobs. It helps you accomplish the previous point about natty lube, and it also gives your hands and all their tired muscles (from, you know, holding a phone all day) a rest.
20. Make it a (consensual!!) surprise.
A huge benefit of a hand job is that it can be done sneakily. We’re not exactly condoning or encouraging doing handies in public places, but if you wanted to get a HJ going while you’re sitting side-by-side on the couch watching a movie, that would be good and acceptable.
21. It’s all mental.
Jacqui Oliver, a psycho-sexual relationship consultant, says to get your partner started by having them imagine the hot and heavy stuff that’s about to go down. Don’t be afraid to talk dirty! Getting into the right mindset can turn second base from a pit stop to the actual destination.
22. Hold it steady.
Oliver says to make a “V” shape with your thumb and pointer finger to support the base of the penis and add slight downward pressure. This holds the penis in place as it becomes erect so it doesn’t “bounce” around too much.
23. Stretch it out.
Apply some lube in your other hand, and slowly stretch out the length of the penis with your other hand (your thumb should be pointing down towards the balls). Once your lubed hand nears the top of the penis, you can bring your support hand up and repeat the same slow stretch. Repeat until you’re both impressed by your hand dexterity.
24. Use your fingers.
Sure, it’s called a hand job, but using your finger pads to create a delicate touch can be super stimulating and unexpected. Antonia Hall, a psychologist and relationship expert, suggests using the pads of your fingers and lubrication to glide up and down your partner’s shaft.
25. Keep an eye out for their sweet spots.
Hall explains the frenulum (under the tip of the penis), the perineum (area just beneath the balls), and the base of the penis are three sensitive spots to pay extra attention to. You’ll want to make sure you stimulate these areas somehow.
26. Read their signals.
Just because you’ve asked them what they like, it doesn’t mean you can zone out and just phone it in until they climax. You’ll also want to pay close attention to their body language during stimulation. “Listen to your partner’s body—their breath, their noises, the way they move,” says Rahner. “These can all show signs that you’re on the right track.”
27. Free up a hand.
First, you’ll need a really good silicone lube because duh = more movement, more lube. We’re big fans of Lelo’s lube as it feels hella luxe and the bottle is basically a work of art. Once you’re lubed enough, try seamlessly bringing your hand from the base of the shaft up and over the head, squeezing gently on the head, and then working your way back down. Morse also suggests using your other hand for stimulating yourself (and putting on a bit of a show).
28. Focus on the head.
Go ahead and reapply your lube here, because you want things very lubed up when you’re stimulating the head of the penis. Morse says to use one hand to stroke from the base to the head, and then using your other hand, gently squeeze and play with the head of the penis.
29. Make yourself comfortable.
No good partner wants you to get a weird cramp in your wrist, and you’ll enjoy yourself way more as the giver too if you know that you don’t have to stay glued in one position until completion. Sure, they might be soaking it all up, but you’re the star of the show here.
Morse suggests playing around with your own positioning as you pleasure your partner so they can see all of you at different angles. “You can have them lie down while you sit up and pleasure them, or you can have them stand up while you sit beneath them,” she says. “There are an infinite amount of positions to try, and don’t forget the art of the tease!”
30. Let them finish on you if it sounds hot to you.
Tang says one of the hottest ways to cap off a hand job is to offer a part of your body (e.g. breasts, tummy, neck, face, or even feet) for them to cum on—if it sounds hot to you too, ofc. “And don’t race for the tissues or jump straight into the shower,” she adds. “Tell them how much they turned you on. Take their penis in your hands and give it a gentle caress. Give them a deep, lingering kiss.”
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Horseshoe Canyon Hike Near Drumheller, AB
The Horseshoe Canyon hike near Drumheller, Alberta can be done as an easy day trip from Calgary though the Drumheller area is full of interesting things to do and worthy of an overnight trip. The canyon is a stunning, one-of-a-kind hiking destination year-round, but it’s best explored when its not too hot or too cold.
Horseshoe Canyon is a large u-shaped canyon and quite an unexpected sight when you’re driving on the prairies. One minute the landscape is either pancake-flat or full of gently rolling hills and then in the blink of an eye you’re in front of this canyon enjoying a MOMENT. The canyon boasts layers of rocks dating back to the time when dinosaurs roamed the land, about 70 million years ago.
Two French Canadian explorers, Louis, and France de la Verendyre, called this landscape “mauvaise terre” or bad earth because of its unsuitability for agriculture. The badlands name has stuck. And while the immediate area may be a bad place to farm, it is a fascinating place for visitors to explore.
Within Horseshoe Canyon, you’ll encounter three unique eco-systems including the badlands, prairie and wooded coulee slopes. Within each eco-system are different plants and animals. You might be surprised at how alive the badlands really are.
Geologists or anyone interested in rocks will enjoy the Horseshoe Canyon hike. The layers of rock reveal both environmental and climatic events. Rock units very in colour from purple to tan to grey and even black indicating coal seams. The layers are composed of mudstone, sandstone, carbonaceous shales, and the afore mentioned coal.
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Trailhead location
The Horseshoe Canyon trailhead is located 17.3 km west of downtown Drumheller. Simply take Highway 9 west until you see the signed turnoff to Horseshoe Canyon via Township Road 284. The parking lot is on your right.
Parking and services at Horseshoe Canyon
In summer 2021 a pay parking pilot project was implemented by Kneehill County. Fees of $2 per day were collected to be used towards the conservation on the canyon. I don’t know what is in store for 2022, but I’m betting that the parking fee was a success. Have a toonie ready just in case.
At the parking area there are picnic tables, and some as you can see in the photo are even covered. You’ll also find some toilets. Across the street at the campground, you may be able to purchase snacks and drinks.
Although pets are permitted in the canyon on a leash, I would avoid taking them on the Horseshoe Canyon hike in summer. It’s just too bloody hot.
Horseshoe Canyon Hike details
Distance: The official trail into Horseshoe Canyon is just 0.8 km long one way. But there is lots of exploring to do from the end of it. In fact, you could spend the better part of a day exploring the two arms of the canyon. Each arm is approximately 5 kilometres long.
Level of difficulty: Easy hiking on the official trail. Watch your footing when you are off trail. There are short, steep sections, drop-offs and lots of uneven terrain.
Elevation gain: Varies depending on where you hike. Count on about 30 – 40 metres of elevation loss and gain getting into and out of the canyon.
Surface: Gravel, dirt, and rock. Can be very slippery when wet.
Time needed: 30 minutes to a full day
Animals you might see: Coyotes, mule deer, white-tailed deer and rabbits
Look for these birds: Mountain bluebirds, prairie falcons and golden eagles
Entry into Horseshoe Canyon
There is a well-marked entrance to the right of the parking lot – if you’re facing the canyon, indicating the main route down to the start of the Horseshoe Canyon hike. Descend on sweeping stairs past a lookout to reach the level ground. I find the gravel section, to the right of the stairs is tough going on the descent – as it’s on ankle turning type of gravel but it’s fine to hike up on the return. There is a rope banister that you can grab for support.
Route description of the Horseshoe Canyon Trail
Before you even begin the Horseshoe Canyon hike, check out the views from a couple of the observation decks. They provide an excellent overview of the dramatic badlands landscape you’ll experience.
Descend to the canyon floor via a set of wide stairs to end up on a gravel path. Follow it through an open area until it ends. From there, you can head off in any direction you choose. Use common sense in this unforgiving environment, paying close attention to landmarks on any canyon trails you take. It’s very easy to get turned around in the canyon. Note the warning sign.
As you’ll see, there is a warren of trails throughout Horseshoe Canyon to explore. I usually head left at the end of the gravel path and wander out for a kilometre or two. Although the trail is easy to follow, all it takes is one side trip up a small canyon and you might wonder if you’re turned around.
Hike out as far as it feels comfortable and simple retrace your steps to return.
There is an option at the western side of the canyon to leave the canyon on a well-defined trail that climbs steeply to the rim to end by the picnic tables. It used to be the main entrance and exit point before the stairs were built. You can see the trail, eight photos down. It’s a popular area too, so you’re likely to see a lot of people using it.
God to know for your Horseshoe Canyon hike
- Download a hiking app or two before you head out IF you’re planning to spend the day in Horseshoe Canyon. You must be able to use it without a cell signal.
- In summer, the canyon gets oppressively hot. Take more water (3+ litres) than you think you need.
- A sun hat with a wide brim and sun screen are a necessity.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing in the sun. The canyon is no place for black.
- Take good hiking shoes rather than an open toed sandal. There are some cacti around.
- Don’t forget the snacks and some energy bars.
- Leave no trace and pack out whatever you pack in.
- Stick to the trails to prevent further erosion.
- If you happen to find a fossil – consider yourself very lucky, but leave it in place, take a photo of it and notify Kneehill County.
Best time to hike
The best time to do the Horseshoe Canyon hike is in the spring, summer, and fall. In winter the trail is open, and the area would be very beautiful with a dusting of snow. But the footing could be treacherous, especially if you move off the designated trail.
My preferred time to do this hike is in the fall. I love the colours that appear – and the temperatures are ideal for a hike. If you plan to hike in summer, plan to go first thing in the morning or late in the day. The canyon is an unforgiving environment on a hot day. Temperature’s soar – and if you haven’t brought enough water, you could become dehydrated very quickly.
Where to stay near Horseshoe Canyon
Horseshoe Canyon is a short drive away from Drumheller so a stay in town is your best bet. The Canalta Jurassic rated very good is a solid choice.
The Heartwood Inn – with its wonderful dinosaurs on the property is a good choice.
The Enchanted River Cottage is rated superb.
Camping and cabins near the Horseshoe Canyon hike
Just across the road from Horseshoe Canyon is Horseshoe Canyon Campground. It’s expanding for summer 2022 and will be offering more full-service RV sites, more cabins and premium tent sites. I stayed in a cabin – and while basic (no running water or toilet but both are nearby), it’s ideal for those of you who want to visit the canyon at sunrise or sunset.
Horsethief Canyon
There is another canyon to explore in the Drumheller area called Horsethief Canyon. It’s not nearly as developed for hiking. Look for it as you head north on the North Dinosaur Trail (Highway 838). It’s just a 10-minute drive from the Royal Tyrrell Museum – and there is some signage indicating its presence.
Further reading on things to do in this part of Alberta
Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
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