🏔️ Exploring Banff, Kananaskis & the Canadian Rockies with Angela & Russ 🐻🥾

In this episode of Hikes & Mics, we’re joined by Angela and Russ—an Alberta-based outdoor couple who live just outside the Canadian Rockies and spend all four seasons immersed in Banff, Kananaskis, Canmore, and beyond. After first connecting on the trail in Banff, this conversation dives deep into what it truly means to live, hike, and adventure in one of the most iconic mountain regions in the world.

Angela, born and raised in Calgary with the Rockies always on the horizon, shares how early family trips—and formative time spent hiking in the Alps—shaped her lifelong connection to the outdoors. Russ reflects on how moving to Calgary transformed hiking from a casual pastime into a way of life, expanding into wildlife awareness and year-round mountain pursuits like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, and mountain biking. Together, they explain how the outdoors became more than recreation—it became home.

We talk candidly about Banff’s popularity boom, how they balance iconic locations like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Larch Valley with quieter, lesser-known routes, and why Kananaskis Country may be one of the most underrated hiking destinations in Alberta. Angela and Russ also share insider tips on timing larch season, navigating shuttle systems, and avoiding crowds without missing the magic.

Wildlife encounters take center stage—from grizzly bears near the Banff sign to bobcats and lynx wandering through their neighborhood—sparking real-world conversations about bear spray, distance, preparedness, and staying calm in bear country. We also explore uniquely Canadian adventures like bike rafting, where mountain biking meets packable rafts, and winter hikes to the Ink Pots, where geothermal pools steam against snowy backdrops.

The conversation stretches beyond Canada to Iceland, upcoming plans for the Tour du Mont Blanc, and a highly anticipated Mount Robson & Berg Lake backpacking trip—highlighting how global travel deepens appreciation for the landscapes at home.

🎧 Whether you’re planning a trip to Banff, curious about hiking in bear country, or looking to explore beyond the “Top 10” trails, this episode is packed with grounded wisdom, humor, and four-season inspiration.

Episode Links:
Angela on Instagram

This episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeys

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S13 - Episode #03 - Angela & Russ