By Lisa Coyne, CWSP Coordinator for CPAWS Southern Alberta

The sun was shining on an early September morning as we met with our Guides from Uplift Adventures. Gratefully, summer was still holding on as our participants assembled for the start of our three-day expedition into the majestic Castle Wildland Provincial Park, located in the Rockies of southwestern Alberta. 

We started the day with training on bear safety essentials, facilitated by a local Conservation Officer. The group expanded their lungs reenacting scenarios, while smiles were seen in abundance as they all took turns spraying dummy bears – and occasionally each other.  After lunch we packed ourselves like donkeys and set off on our backpacking adventure. 

Our interpretive hike wove through a beautiful forested valley in montane and subalpine regions.  Several perfectly located streams enhanced our experience, as we all participated in unexpected water assault course challenges. It was awesome to see how everyone became so nimble-toed as they scooched across logs or stepped on different sized rocks to avoid the beautiful, clear – yet ice-cold – water. 

After setting up camp and sharing stories, day two soon arrived and brought with it our visit to the Promised Land. It was a subalpine area so beautiful that it seemed like heaven on Earth. The group ventured through various caves and other features woven into a multitude of landscapes.  Around every corner gold nuggets of information were enthusiastically shared amongst the group, creating a rich and fully immersive wilderness experience. As we sat and marveled at our backyard, taking a well-earned break and having a snack, the group eagerly digested topics about protected areas and land use, including the competing priorities on our public lands and the history of the area. This created a thirst for what day three might bring and, after our tired legs brought us to our alfresco dinner, it was evident that our mutual appreciation for our majestic ecosystem had provided a great substrate for the seeds of friendship to germinate.

Our final day saw the group venture to a ridge, an area equally as beautiful and important as the others. This location, however, included an addition: a manmade focal point that set the theme for the day’s discussion. The group discussed issues around coal mining that we could see firsthand. It was an inspiring to see that we all shared similar viewpoints and thoughts. This cultivated an enriching conversation filled with mixed emotions, problem-solving and morale-building within the group, cementing the fact that we are not alone in our beliefs and that the protection of these lands from further adversity should be paramount. 

As our three-day journey came to an end, we noted feelings of unity and excitement, sparking thoughts about next steps. We have no doubt in our minds that, despite the ending of this wondrous adventure, all the participants were eager to start the next part of their CWSP journey.