Spring Camping Around Cranbrook
Spring... Where skiing turns hazardous, packing gators AND snowshoes is a must, and you find yourself anxiously waiting with skinny tires for the street sweeper, or for the ground to dry. What's an outdoors person to do!?
If you're like us, and your lungs ache to take in that fresh mountain air: Get outside anyway.
Walk, drive, camp & climb. Our city and surrounding area begs to be explored, even in the shoulder seasons.
Here's our proposal to you - go camping. Pile the kids in the car, pack a cooler full of goodies and have yourself a weekend in the wild. Even dust off that coleman grill and enjoy a tailgate dinner with a mountain view.
"But it's coooold..."
Hear us out:
- INSECTS ARE MINIMAL, the only ones you need to look out for are ticks. But don't worry we're bigger than them, and we have DEET! If you're looking organic? No problem, try Healing Hollow's "Tick Tonic". Click here for some helpful tips on how to deal with these bad bugs.
- IT'S QUIET! Beat the rush of the May long weekend and get a quiet lakeside to yourself. See the base of the blog for a list of early season campgrounds.
- AMAZING WILDFLOWERS, BIRDS, AND OTHER WONDERFUL THINGS. Explore around your campsite to find some beautiful natural colours and delicate budding trees. See the base of this blog for links to some checklists to help you and the kids learn about our amazing backyard!
Like any outdoor activity - understanding the seasonal hazards and benefits are to your best advantage. So we paid a visit to the experts at High Country Sports to pick their brains on the BEST ways to keep happy outdoors in the spring. Here's what we put together:
- Stay low, explore by vehicle and respect the hazards of the season. Icy road sections and avalanches are probable from April to June. Rivers run high and cold - keep your kiddos and your pets safe!
- Never underestimate the power of a good pair of socks and shoes. Pack extra, stay dry.
- It will be cold at night. Prepare for the chill to creep back in after the sun goes behind a cloud, or sets behind the mountains. Down vests, warm touques, mitts or gloves and a good old fleece are all great things to have.
- If you're planning to overnight in a tent - a good sleeping pad is your best weapon. Cots work too, just keep yourself off the ground to avoid moisture seeping into your bag PRO TIP: A silk liner in your sleeping bag will keep you warmer and ensures your bag will stay cleaner, longer.
Are you convinced? Visit any of Cranbrook's outdoor stores to get the local edge and information you need before you take off into the woods!
- High Country Sports: Outdoor Clothing and Equipment. Footwear, Packs, Accessories.
- Gericks Sports: Outdoor Clothing and Equipment. Footwear, Packs, Accessories.
- Just Liquid Sports: Outdoor Clothing and Equipment. Watersports, Accessories.
- Mountain Man Outdoors: Traditional outdoor store, serving hunters, fishers, and outdoor lovers.
- Fun Hogs: Quality gear exchange for the East Kootenay region.
- Sportcheck
- Canadian Tire
Early Season Campgrounds
10 - 30 mins by car will get you to any of the following campgrounds. Click the names for information on each spot!
- Horseshoe Lake
- Jim Smith Lake
- Norbury/Peckhams Lake
- Moyie Lake
- Fort Steele Campground
- Wasa Lake Campground
Search & Learn with Rocky Mountain Naturalists - “To Know Nature and Keep it Worth Knowing”
If you're timing is right, this fine society hosts bi-monthly field trips (family pricing available)
WILDFLOWER & PLANTS - Click Here
WILDLIFE - Click Here
If you’re like us, and your lungs ache to take in that fresh mountain air: Get outside anyway. Walk, drive, camp & climb. Our city and surrounding area begs to be explored, even in the shoulder seasons.
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If you’re like us, and your lungs ache to take in that fresh mountain air: Get outside anyway. Walk, drive, camp & climb. Our city and surrounding area begs to be explored, even in the shoulder seasons.