Family Walks and Hikes in

A longer trip for the kids that includes options to stop at the first viewpoint or go farther to McConnell Ridge and/or Barrier Lookout.

Drive west on Highway 1, and then turn south on Highway 40 (Exit 118) and drive for 8.8 km before turning right into Barrier Dam day use parking lot.

Strenuous, recommended for children aged five and older; excellent, wide trail throughout. One or two short but steeper sections.

Yellowing leaves make for a great fall trip. Just making it to the first open area will be a big accomplishment for young ones.

1.Follow the gravel road around Barrier Lake, past the dam and into light forest (1.1 km).

2.At the first signed junction, go straight (Prairie View Trail) and hike the easy trail for about 500 m.

3.Veer right and take an immediate left at the next signed junction. Hike the switchbacks for several kilometres to an open and outstanding viewpoint on the left. This may be the stopping point for some. If that’s the case, enjoy the view, and then return the same way you came in. Continuing along the trail for another 50 or so metres provides an excellent view of McConnell Ridge.

McConnell Ridge offers a slightly better view than Prairie View as well as some excellent rock scenery. The trail to the ridge is quite steep in places and requires a little scrambling.

1.Continue following the trail as it winds neatly and steeply up the mountainside. Care is needed on some rocky, steep sections, especially when descending them.

2.Above the short, but difficult, section, a sign directs you to go left, out onto the rocky outcrop that marks the top of McConnell Ridge.

3.Be very careful while exploring this unique area. There is a straight drop down the face, and a deep fissure in the rock could swallow children and adults alike! After enjoying the view return the same way you came in or continue to Barrier Lookout (see Going Farther: Barrier Lookout [Yates Mountain] below). Completing the loop route via Jewel Pass, as directed by the trail signs, is not recommended for young children due to the trail’s length.

A little easier but longer than the trek from Prairie View to McConnell, this add-on makes for a relatively long day for the kids but gets everyone to the summit of a mountain.

1.From the top of McConnell Ridge, go back to the trail sign and turn left onto the trail that winds its way up the mountain.

2.The trail eventually goes over to the north side of Yates Mountain, where the views start to open.

3.You soon reach the lookout. This is private property, so please respect the residents and do not trespass where posted or intrude upon their privacy. Circling around the lookout is the best way to experience the whole view. Return the same way you came up.

Crux the dog, Brianne Hobbs, Moose the dog, Heather and Max Fahr (in the baby carrier) make their way along Barrier Lake Trail, en route to the summit of Yates Mountain (Barrier Lookout) (Courtesy Matthew Hobbs).

At the tender ages of six and three, Mia and Nora Skogen, respectively, complete the 400 m of elevation gain to the viewpoint (Courtesy Amy Wong).

Taking in the splendid view from the open area on Prairie View Trail (Courtesy Tanya Koob).

Sarah Hunt, 6, on the rocks of McConnell Ridge (Courtesy Kathy Hunt).

Winter view to the northwest.

The lookout (Courtesy Zeljko Kozomara).

Eleven Grade 12 students from Notre Dame High School celebrate their accomplishment.