Goal: $2,000

Minimum donation per participant: $100

All donations to AWA are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

We have a special prize for the top fundraiser for this adventure: a copy of Bert Riggall’s Greater Waterton -- the perfect keepsake to remind you of your experiences on this hike! The book is an anthology from writers including award winners Sid Marty and Fred Stenson, and contributors including Harvey Locke, Charlie Russell, Chris Morrison, Bruce Morrison, Dave Sheppard and Larry Simpson amongst others. It was a finalist at the 2018 Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival.

This is a wonderful hike with great views and remarkable flowers as well as a chance to learn some history of the area and its first guide (Bert Riggall and his family).

It will be of particular interest to plant enthusiasts as the Candidate Natural Area is home to over 300 plant species including 15 rare species such as Big Sagebrush, One-Flowered Cancer Root, Slender Bog Orchid, Large flowered Lungwort, and Shrubby Beardtongue.

• Hiking boots
• Clothing that can provide protection in the event of cold or wet weather; as well as protection from the sun as there is little shade in some areas
• Hiking poles are useful on the steep ascent and descent
• Lunch as well as snacks, energy bars, water, etc. for the trail
• Sunscreen and bug repellent
• Long pants, rather than shorts, are recommended because the route is partly through bush

We will observe COVID-19 precautions and guidance from the Government of Alberta and expect participants to follow appropriate sanitizing and social distancing. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation! If you need more details you can check the Government website at: this link.

Please bring a personal mask and your own hand sanitizer.

Thank you for joining us for this exceptional day out in one of Alberta’s truly wonderful Wild Spaces — we look forward to meeting you there!

Number of participants will be increased to 15 if public health restrictions allow. Participants should be comfortable walking on steep grassy slopes and through the bush in places.

This is an intermediate level hike which involves some little-known and off-trail sections. On a clear day the hike offers spectacular views in all directions as well as a chance to see interesting wildlife and plant life; including the Big Sagebrush, a provincially rare plant that can be found thriving in this area and which gives the area its name. In addition to Big Sagebrush, the Candidate Natural Area is also home to over 300 other plant species including 15 rare species such as One-Flowered Cancer Root, Slender Bog Orchid, Large flowered Lungwort, and Shrubby Beardtongue.

The route is about 3km each way and will involve a total of 5-6 hours of hiking, including some bush; some aspen, spruce and pine forests; and some native fescue grassland. Long pants, rather than shorts, are recommended as a result of a portion of the route being through the bush. There are a few small stream crossings on the route however water shoes will not be needed.

Meeting time will be 9 am and the group should be back at the meeting place by 5:30 – 6 pm. Directions to the meeting point will be given to registered participants in advance of the event.