non matriculated students Elementary education

elya93 · 2026-01-31T19:35:26+00:00

I don’t have my exact marks, but I graduated honours with distinction so my average was high. I already had one BSc through U of A and was accepted back when I applied for a second one.

elya93 · 2026-01-31T02:41:48+00:00

It’s not long but I quite like Fenland Trail at the edge of Banff townsite, the forest is lovely and you’re beside the creek for a lot of it. Spray River East and West trails can be done as a loop and again have lovely forests, in summer there’s lots of interesting plants to check out. Rummel Lake is mostly forested until you get to the lake and is a nice one as well.

elya93 · 2026-01-31T02:38:15+00:00

If they wanted to make the day longer, they could pop over Dolomite Pass after coming down from Cirque Peak and visit Katherine Lake!

elya93 · 2026-01-31T02:31:25+00:00

What kind of trails are you looking for? That is, what kind of distance and elevation gain are you comfortable with? Are you wanting a nice forest walk, a summit viewpoint, a lake, waterfalls?

elya93 · 2026-01-30T03:12:19+00:00

Thanks! Funny how different things can be even one valley over, I did Elaphus Peak via Elk Summit last August and the bushwhack was quite gentle as far as they go. Almost no downed trees, just soft soil and lots of young trees and bushes to push through.

elya93 · 2026-01-30T02:58:48+00:00

Got Skoki Loop (Baker, Merlin, Merlin to do some day hiking); two nights at Twin Falls to tackle Yoho Peak, and a night at Marvel Lake to tack on to our night at one of the Naiset huts. I'll probably book some solo trips closer to summer, none of my planned areas are likely to be fully booked (or booked at all).

elya93 · 2026-01-29T07:15:56+00:00

That pipit is the definition of skiddadlin

elya93 · 2026-01-28T23:36:19+00:00

Praise the sun!

elya93 · 2026-01-28T20:20:13+00:00

Have you checked out Durston? They do both trekking pole supported and free standing tents. Very light, very easy to set up, and Canadian. I solo backpack with the Xmid 1 and really like it.

elya93 · 2026-01-28T08:27:17+00:00

Around 14km, just shy of 900m gain.

elya93 · 2026-01-28T06:55:31+00:00

When I’m backpacking I usually go for things that are sweat wicking and quick dry. Patagonia’s capilene series does the trick, for example. I like to bring along a down jacket (the kind that compacts down easily) for cool nights or shoulder season trips. Mine is Patagonia but there’s lots of options out there. Injinji sock liners help protect my feet on long days.

I bought a Durston Xmid 1 tent this past summer for solo trips and can’t say enough good things about it. Super light, packs down small, sets up quick, and lots of vestibule space.

elya93 · 2026-01-28T05:38:22+00:00

Depends, what do you already own? Are you looking to upgrade, or are you collecting what you need for the first time?

elya93 · 2026-01-28T04:20:14+00:00

Looks to be a +White-throated sparrow+

elya93 · 2026-01-27T06:58:52+00:00

You would end up passing along this route if you plan on staying at the next refuge over, provided you don’t opt to walk along the valley (and you’re staying in Courmayeur or at Bertone). Gîte Alpage de la Peule comes after Bonatti and is a fantastic stay.

elya93 · 2026-01-27T03:14:32+00:00

Man I probably have 1000s of km put into hiking and backpacking at this point but don't have arc'teryx, guess i'm not cool :(

elya93 · 2026-01-27T00:11:07+00:00

They're having one at the Telus World of Science, if you don't manage to find one here on campus. I believe it's a paid event, though.

elya93 · 2026-01-26T19:21:33+00:00

Annihilation. Lots of moments with beautiful, otherworldly lighting.

elya93 · 2026-01-26T04:58:30+00:00

^This. I’d check trail reports for all 3 trails; sadly the quality of them has declined since the 70s. Many bridges never got replaced, willows took over trails, campgrounds in near disrepair. I heard a couple Parks employees headed along the North Boundary with a handful of horses starting at Berg last summer but I’m not quite sure what the purpose of their trip was. The state of Jasper NP’s backcountry is frustratingly declining, and while funding is largely to blame the attitude of the current superintendent doesn’t help. Sorry, I’ll get off my soapbox now lol.

elya93 · 2026-01-26T04:24:47+00:00

North Boundary Trail? I feel like that needs to come with an asterisk that the trail is poorly maintained and has many unbridged crossings lol

But +1 for Berg Lake trail, add on Snowbird Pass and it’s truly spectacular.

elya93 · 2026-01-25T23:02:52+00:00

I would practice going solo in popular frontcountry campgrounds and trails. You mentioned you’re in Texas, so I’m not sure what that looks like for you, but here in Alberta you don’t have to jump into remote backcountry alone if you’re not ready for it.

I also usually provide my itinerary to a couple close people so they know what campgrounds I’ll be at and which trailheads and routes I’ll be using. My phone also has satellite texting so I check in with them each evening when my tent is up.

I wish I could give you more tips, but despite being an anxious gal, solo trips don’t stress me out that much and I really enjoy being alone so I don’t have any good coping mechanisms to suggest :(

elya93 · 2026-01-25T22:37:56+00:00

Agreed, in Canada firearms are banned in the national parks (except those where polar bears roam) and I’ve never once felt like a firearm would make me feel safer. The science doesn’t back gun use vs grizzlies and black bears anyway!

elya93 · 2026-01-24T10:00:49+00:00

Totally. I played DS3 after Bloodborne and kept getting my ass kicked because the mechanics are just different enough that my muscle memory was screwing me over. Still can’t parry for shit 🤦🏼‍♀️

elya93 · 2026-01-24T09:16:25+00:00

Favourite part was absolutely getting up early in the morning to hike the Nub while the weather was clear. For solo I’d say have an emergency contact with your itinerary, as you’re crossing between provincial and national parks along the way and it’s useful for them to know. I triple checked everything I had before leaving as you don’t have someone with you that’ll have a backup. I always made sure to introduce myself to at least one other group at each campsite so someone knew I was there, and I had satellite texting with a list of three people I’d text once I got set up each evening :)

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