It has been 7 months since I posted from Canada, simply because I haven't been here at all. You can see my last post below was made from my home in the UK where I have been for almost 9 months. The unexpected hiatus was brought about by the continuing Covid 19 saga allowing a prolonged stay in the UK using the 'work from home' mandate. 

I returned to Canada just a couple of weeks ago showing unintentionally perfect timing for the autumn displays in Kananaskis. I climbed a few hills and made a few hikes in an effort to regain some mountain fitness and to remind myself of the effects of altitude, something we sea level dwellers don't normally have to deal with. 

Once I knew the larch were changing I made my way to the car park at Highwood Pass and hiked up to the boulder field trapped between Mt Pocaterra and Mt Tyrwhitt. I love this location for an autumn hike because of the stark contrast between the bare rock and the autumnal foliage always makes for beautiful images. There are many shots to be made in this relatively small area on and around the boulder field, from individual larch trees right through to a full panoramic landscape that you can see below. 

So, if you're chasing autumn colours in Kananaskis, make your way to Highwood Pass, but don't follow the masses up Pocaterra Ridge, instead head up the boulder field and get a new perspective. 

At last the fall colours are peaking.  Leading a photo hike in kananaskis yesterday it was great to be rewarded for the effort with shot after shot of the stunning larch transformation.  The skies could have been better for photography but the snow flurries and cool air really sold the autumn feel.   

The weather today for kananaskis is snow with a high of 4C, overnight temperatures are falling to -4C.  I'm sure the few remaining trees that haven't turned will be well on the way by this weekend.  So, if you have the opportunity to get out there, this weekend would be an ideal time (unless you have the availability to go on weekdays when it will be less busy of course)   

The colours right now are perfect and the snow today will linger in the cooler temperatures so there will be more than a light dusting on the summits.  Parks Canada have listed some larch hikes around Banff if you aren't familiar with the area, but a drive down highway 40 in kananaskis will reveal plenty of colour.   

So, wrap up warm, grab the camera and the bear spray and get out there this weekend.