Reconnect with nature and yourself on an autumn hiking adventure with The Path Less Taken

It begins almost unnoticed. The forest floor slowly transforms as brilliant green vegetation gives way to vibrant shades of red. The days remain warm, but the crispness in the morning and evening air signals that another season is on its way. 

The return to work and school doesn’t mean outdoor adventure has to end. While many people think of hiking as a summer activity, autumn is one of the most spectacular times to explore the foothills and front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. 

That’s the message Leith Monaghan hopes to share. Monaghan is a Diamond Valley-based Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) hiking guide, certified interpretive guide, educator and owner of The Path Less Taken. 

Through guided hiking, backpacking and snowshoeing adventures, The Path Less Taken connects people to the landscapes in their own backyard. By blending storytelling, experiential learning and outdoor recreation, Monaghan helps participants discover the natural and cultural stories that make Alberta’s foothills and mountains such remarkable places to explore year-round. 

The idea for The Path Less Taken began in 2018. While training as a hiking and interpretive guide, Monaghan discovered the rich stories hidden throughout Alberta’s landscapes. At the same time, through her work as a classroom teacher, she recognized that many students had little connection to their local environment, while educators had limited access to curriculum-connected resources that brought those stories to life. 

Inspired by this gap, Monaghan began developing curriculum-connected hiking experiences supported by classroom resources for educators. Since then, The Path Less Taken has expanded well beyond the classroom. Today, its guided adventures welcome educators, families, visitors and lifelong learners who want to experience local landscapes through storytelling, hands-on learning and outdoor exploration. 

This autumn’s lineup reflects the changing seasons. From September through October, participants can witness the annual migration of golden eagles during the Flight of the Golden Eagle hikes at Troll Falls and Wasootch Ridge, exploring one of North America’s most remarkable wildlife migrations. 

In November, guided hikes in the Sheep River Valley focus on the annual bighorn sheep rut, offering participants an opportunity to observe wildlife while getting to know Alberta’s provincial animal and resident headbanger. 

For those who frequently visit Kananaskis, names such as Indefatigable, Galatea, Jellicoe and Sarrail may be familiar. But few realize that many of the region’s mountains, valleys and lakes are named after battleships, military leaders and significant events from the First World War.  To mark Remembrance Day, The Path Less Taken is offering a guided hike to Rawson Lake that explores the military history woven into the landscape. Fifteen per cent of every ticket sold will be donated to the National Poppy Trust Fund of the Royal Canadian Legion. 

For those whose schedules don’t align with group hikes, The Path Less Taken also offers custom adventures, from relaxed day hikes to multi-day backcountry trips. Whether you’re looking for an accessible walk, a family outing, or a more strenuous mountain challenge, each experience can be tailored to suit your interests, abilities and goals. 

At its heart, The Path Less Taken is about building authentic connections. While each adventure begins with exploring the landscape, the journey often leads to something deeper — a chance to step away from the pace of everyday life, reconnect with nature, share meaningful experiences with others and perhaps even rediscover something about yourself. 

To learn more about upcoming adventures or to book a custom experience, visit pathlesstaken.ca or email pathlesstakeneducation@gmail.com. 

This story was provided by The Path Less Taken for commercial purposes.