My son (age 9) and I will be in the Calgary area from June 23 - July 2. We'd like to do some backcountry flyfishing, hiking, horseback riding etc. Could any of you point us in the right direction? A multi-day horsepack trip would be nice, or a backcountry cabin rental. I'm interested in any and all ideas you guys might offer. We'll have gear and a vehicle, but our itinerary is wide open.

Thanks,
Forrest

Well, I can definitely recommend a ride through Banff and Jasper Parks if you like to look at beautiful scenery. There is so much stuff going on in those two parks that you will probably be much better off checking everything out once you get there.

The best fly fishing would be the Bow River which flows through the City of Calgary.There are many outfitters that offer float trips.

One place that would fill all your desires would be Kananaskis Country, lots of well marked hiking trails, excellent fishing and there is a trail riding outfit right on the road in. There is also a guest ranch on the highway( the name escapes me at the moment}, near Deadman's Flats, where you can rent cabins and do trail rides.
Easy to find and get to. Lots of signs. Just go west on the Trans Canada till you see the signs and take H 40 going south. Have fun.
Grizz

I believe that's the week of the Calgary Stampede as well, always a good time if you like that sort of thing. - dan

Dan,
The only problem with the Calgary Stampede is the stampede of people. I like rodeos but our goal for this trip is to find solitude and do as much back country fly fishing as possible. I don't even want to be in the town of Banff - if I so much as see a tour bus I might have a nervous breakdown.

FBB

Forest,

Book a pack trip into the Wilmore Wilderness area. It is a fair drive from Calgary, but solitude is what you will find in the Willmore.

I don't think the Stampede is till the following week and yes, the Willmore is a fair drive, about 400 miles.
Grizz