Bear Spirit Climbing

"While it draws inexperienced climbers—exercise caution—the approach also serves to dissuade many. Head North from Banff along the Trans-Canada Highway and take the turnoff for the Bow Valley Parkway. Take an immediate right-hand turn to a closed road. Park here. Follow the road to a washed out creek. Follow the creek 1.46 kilometers to a big log with obvious crampon marks in it. Head immediately to your left. Sometimes this trail is covered in ice, so the log serves as an excellent spot to pop on crampons. There should be a trail with plenty of crampon marks heading straight up.

At 1,650 meters, arrive at a cliff with a shoot of ice popping through. It's about a 10-meter step up to a tree that serves as an excellent anchor. Ideally, don't climb this unless you are already fairly experienced, as accidents of over-confidence are common here. The tree at the top serves as a solid belay anchor and rappel point for the descent. Follow the ice upward to the broad bowl of Bear Spirit Crag."