OUR CAMPING TRIP IN THE ROCKIES!!!
Kananaskis Camping Adventure
Our camping trip to Kananaskis was a week filled with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Each day brought something new, from hiking and swimming to horseback riding and team games. Here’s a look back at everything we did.
Day 1 – Arrival, Tents, Sports, and Campfire
The first day of our trip began with excitement as we pulled into the Kananaskis campsite. Everyone was eager to get settled in, and setting up our tents became the first team effort of the week. Some of us worked on hammering in stakes, while others rolled out sleeping bags and organized gear. By the time we were finished, the campsite looked like a small village, full of energy and anticipation.
After all the tents were up, it was time to prepare our first meal together. Cooking outdoors added to the fun as everyone took turns helping, whether chopping ingredients, stirring pots, or simply keeping the fire going. Sharing that first meal in the fresh mountain air made it taste even better, and it felt like the perfect way to kick off the trip.
The afternoon was all about stretching our legs and burning off energy with sports. A field near the campsite quickly turned into a playground for soccer, frisbee, and quick matches of volleyball. Laughter echoed through the trees as teams switched around and everyone got involved. The friendly competition set the tone for the rest of the week.
As the evening rolled in, we gathered together for a massive campfire. Flames crackled and sparks floated into the night sky as stories and jokes were shared. Some people sang, others simply sat back and soaked in the moment. The fire warmed us as the mountain air cooled, and it felt like a true bonding experience.
By the time we headed into our tents, tired but happy, it was clear that this camping trip was going to be something special. The first night set the stage for the adventures still to come.
Day 2 – Hiking Chester Lake and Swimming
The second day began bright and early as we packed our bags for a hike to Chester Lake. The trail wound its way through tall pines and meadows bursting with wildflowers, and the higher we climbed, the more spectacular the views became. Conversations flowed as we hiked, and the group’s energy carried us forward.
When we reached the top, Chester Lake stretched out before us like something out of a postcard. Surrounded by peaks and sparkling in the sunlight, it was the perfect spot to rest. We pulled out sandwiches and had a picnic right by the water, enjoying one of the most scenic lunch breaks any of us had ever experienced.
After eating, the brave ones couldn’t resist jumping into the lake. The water was icy cold, but the shock only added to the fun. Swimming in such a breathtaking place was unforgettable, and it gave us stories to laugh about for the rest of the trip. Those who stayed dry cheered from the shore and snapped photos, capturing the moment.
The hike back down was quieter, with everyone a little tired but full of accomplishment. It was the kind of tired that felt good — the kind that comes from pushing yourself and being rewarded with beauty. The conversation turned to what we would eat next, which kept us motivated.
That night, after returning to camp, we made s’mores around the fire. Sticky marshmallows, melted chocolate, and graham crackers were the perfect ending to such an active day. As the stars came out above the mountains, we sat together reflecting on what we had seen, grateful for the chance to be there.
Day 3 – Columbia Icefields and Horseback Riding at Lake Louise
Our third day brought a whole new kind of adventure. In the morning we set out to the Columbia Icefields, and as soon as we arrived, we were awestruck by the sheer size and beauty of the glaciers. Standing among ancient ice and towering peaks felt like stepping into another world. Guides explained the history and science of the icefields, and we walked carefully along the paths, feeling the cool air rush down from the glacier.
It was both humbling and inspiring to see such a natural wonder up close. Some of us filled water bottles with fresh glacier melt, tasting the crisp, icy water. The experience sparked conversations about nature, climate change, and how rare it is to stand somewhere so untouched.
In the afternoon, we headed to Lake Louise for horseback riding. The turquoise water of the lake glistened under the sun, and being on horseback added a sense of calm and connection to the landscape. Trails wound along the lake and into the forest, and the steady rhythm of the horses made the ride feel timeless.
For many of us, it was our first time on horseback, and the initial nervousness quickly turned into joy. The horses seemed almost as much a part of the mountains as the trees and rivers. Riding along the lake felt magical, as though we had stepped into a painting.
By the time we returned to camp that evening, the combination of glacier exploration and horseback riding left us both exhilarated and exhausted. We shared dinner and stories, with everyone agreeing that this had been one of the most unique days of the trip.
Day 4 – Banff, Basketball, and Hot Springs
The fourth day was spent exploring Banff, one of Canada’s most famous mountain towns. Walking through the streets surrounded by towering peaks felt surreal. We wandered in and out of shops, picking up souvenirs, snacks, and small treasures to remember the trip by. The town had a lively, welcoming atmosphere that made it fun just to stroll around.
After shopping, we headed to a local court for a basketball game. Friendly rivalries sparked as teams formed, and the game turned into a spirited competition. The laughter and cheering attracted a few curious onlookers, making the game feel even more exciting.
The highlight of the evening was a trip to the Banff hot springs. After days of hiking, horseback riding, and games, sinking into the warm mineral water was exactly what we needed. The steam rose into the cool mountain air, and everyone felt completely relaxed. Conversations drifted as we soaked, and it was the perfect way to recharge.
When we left the hot springs, there was a noticeable calm among the group. The day had been full of activity, but the relaxation at the end brought balance. It reminded us how important it is to pause and take in the moment.
That night back at camp, we fell asleep quickly, recharged and ready for the next adventure.
Day 5 – Lake Day at Lower Lake
Day five was all about water fun at Lower Lake. The moment we arrived, the sparkling water called to us, and soon everyone was swimming, kayaking, or paddling canoes. The lake was surrounded by forested slopes, making it feel like our own private paradise.
Swimming was the favorite for many, with splashes and races filling the afternoon. Others preferred kayaking, gliding smoothly across the surface and exploring the edges of the lake. Canoes carried groups further out, giving us a chance to sit back and simply enjoy the stillness.
Picnics by the shore kept everyone fueled, and breaks from the water were filled with laughter, sunbathing, and stories. Some skipped rocks across the lake, while others snapped photos to capture the beauty around us.
The variety of activities made the day fly by. Whether active in the water or relaxed on shore, everyone found their own way to enjoy the lake. It was a day that balanced energy with peace, letting us appreciate the outdoors in a different way.
By the time we packed up, the sun was beginning to set, and the lake glowed with the reflection of the sky. It was the perfect ending to a perfect lake day.
Day 6 – Team Games and Giant Water Fight
Our sixth day was dedicated to fun and friendly competition. We split into teams and rotated through games that tested our skills, teamwork, and sense of humor. The lineup included kamjam, volleyball, badminton, the Great Canadian log toss, and ping pong. Each activity brought new moments of laughter and cheering.
Volleyball and badminton had everyone diving and leaping, while kamjam kept the energy lighthearted and silly. The log toss was a crowd favorite, with cheers erupting whenever someone managed to hurl the heavy log further than expected. Ping pong matches were quick and intense, with plenty of spectators encouraging the players.
The spirit of the day wasn’t about who won but how much fun we had together. Every game built camaraderie, and there was a sense of joy in simply being active and outdoors. The variety of activities meant that everyone had a chance to shine in something.
As the afternoon heated up, we turned to the ultimate finale: a giant water fight. Buckets, bottles, and water guns came out, and before long, no one was left dry. Screams of laughter echoed through the camp as we chased each other, turning the field into a splash zone.
By the end of the day, we were soaked, tired, and completely happy. The water fight felt like the perfect celebration of everything we had done together throughout the week.
Day 7 – Packing Up and Heading Home
The final day came too quickly. We woke up bright and early, knowing it was time to take down the tents and pack our belongings. The campsite that had become our home over the week slowly transformed back into an empty clearing as we rolled up sleeping bags and folded tarps.
Though there was a sense of sadness in leaving, there was also pride in what we had experienced together. Each tent packed away felt like closing a chapter, but one filled with adventure and memories.
The drive back to Calgary was quiet at first, with many of us reflecting on the week. Soon, though, the bus filled with chatter as we shared our favorite moments and inside jokes from the trip.
Looking out the windows at the mountains, we realized how much we had done in such a short time. Hiking, swimming, riding, competing, laughing — it had been the adventure of a lifetime.
By the time we arrived in Calgary, we were tired but full of gratitude. The Kananaskis camping trip gave us more than just activities; it gave us friendships and memories we’ll carry forever.
