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As I sat down the think about which trail to highlight this month, I revelled in the joy of all the times I have been on the trail this month. It’s been a busy month between visiting my family for Thanksgiving, enjoying hikes with them, and leading Homeschoolers on Plant ID hikes, along with going for fun with my friends. I have been out at least once a week and the weather has definitely cooperated. I have met the most incredible families and the experiences I have had on trail have been so beautiful, meaningful and encouraging. I am full of gratitude that parents take a chance on a relatively unknown outdoor instructor and allow me to share in their learning process and trust me to guide them on a trail. It has be rejuvenating and I hope to continue the weekly walks in the woods through the winter.
The trail I have been on most this fall has been the Miquelon Lake Provincial Park “back-country” trails. I put back-country in quotes as it is secluded and it would take some time to get someone out who gets injured, however, it is within a one hour drive from Edmonton, has amenities like outhouses/interpretive centre close by and doesn’t feel remote enough for what I would call back-country. However, it is perfect for day tripping with all levels of hikers and a fabulous way to spend time in the forest.
The trails here are created in a series of loops and you can double back or add on to your route at a number of intersections. There is good signage along the trail so knowing where you are at each intersection is very clear. The longest loop I have done in the winter but would be a great hike in all seasons. It is a good afternoon and has the bonus of 2 historic buildings that are falling apart on the backside. There is an old farmhouse which is still mostly upright and an old barn which has fallen over. You can peer inside the farmhouse through the windows and door but I wouldn’t recommend stepping inside as who knows when it might come down. The barn has fallen in on itself so you can only look at the outside but it’s interesting and definitely creates conversations about who might have lived there and how they survived.
My treks with Homeschoolers were not that far (the average about 3 km), as most of the students were under 10 years old. Most groups made it across the narrow beaver dam and some made it to the first bridge across the creek next to the outhouse along the Chickadee Loop. It doesn’t really matter how far you go as there is so much to explore on any of the loops at Miquelon Lake . The trails do not disappoint. You can also hike an out-and-back route or take the loops to circle back. The trail is well maintained in a wide mowed path. There are a few places the path narrows, so if you are going to take a stroller on this trail, I would do an out-and-back track that avoids the beaver dam. There are some decent hills so make sure your stroller has larger, rugged wheels that can accommodate some roots and uneven terrain. Personally I would strap on a carrier and enjoy the walk at a slower pace.
There were lots of plants to look at, some scat to identify and even a squirrels, ducks, chickadees and a garter snake (animal sightings always make it more fun). If you are not interested in snakes this might not be the trail for you. I have only encountered a garter snake here once but when I mention Miquelon Lake trails many people talk about encountering snakes.
Often when I hike, I like to “discover” new places and take trails I haven’t been on before. It was really good to spend some time on the same trail over a period of time this fall. I really got to know the trail and could point out the large wasp nest, the stand of spruce trees along the creek bed and how much the resident beaver had increased the logs on her home along with fall revealing the beaver’s path between two ponds. It was good to make that trail an old friend instead of always looking for something new. I was nervous it would get too familiar and I would lose my excitement for walking the same trail, but each hike brought different experiences and each group saw things with different eyes. My trail companions pointed out things I hadn’t seen or noticed each new hike. It was such a good example of how we all see things uniquely and how much each of us add value to a group as we share our unique perspective. Can you tell I loved it?
Family Friendly: YES - these trails are great to build up stamina for longer hikes and most of the trails are stroller friendly though the narrow portion of the beaver dam I would avoid with a stroller
Seasons: this trail is open all seasons but you might have to walk from the central parking lot in the winter - if you plan to try this hike once it snows, I would recommend snowshoes once there is a deeper snow pack
Nature: Tons of wildlife, birds, and plants/trees to discover - make sure you give any creatures you see good distance so you are not disturbing what they are doing during their day
As I sit here writing while the snow falls outside, I am thankful for this fall season and all the hiking I did but am excited to move into the next season and see the trails in a whole new way, under a pack of snow.
Until we meet on the trails,
Kara