From Engagement to Family Milestones, Our Journey Comes Full Circle
Welcome to Trip Reports, where we invite real families to share their stories of adventuring with their kids. Today's report comes from The Cupido Family from Cochrane, Alberta. Have a story you want to share? Email us at hello@morrisonoutdoors.com !
Our Final Tenting Trip of 2024
In September 2024, we had the incredible fortune of securing two nights at Lake O’Hara, a location synonymous with the word “jackpot” in the camping world. For us, this wasn’t just another trip; it was a return to a place that holds deep sentimental value.
Back in October 2019, on a snowy hike up the 11 km trail to Lake O’Hara, we got engaged. Against the odds, the snowstorm cleared just in time, creating a magical backdrop for the moment we said, “Yes.” We made a promise that day: one day, we’d bring our kids here. Fast forward to 2023, when we brought our almost 2-year-old for a day trip, hiking the All Souls Trail while announcing our pregnancy with a sweet ultrasound photo. Little did we know, the following year, we’d return—not just with our toddler, but with our baby girl in tow.
A Taste of Backcountry Camping
Though Lake O’Hara’s campground is accessible by bus, it’s considered backcountry camping. This unique setup offers the perfect introduction to backcountry for families, complete with food lockers, communal shelters, and potable water (which, by the way, tastes amazing).
We treated this as a trial run for future backcountry adventures, packing all the essentials:
- Tent, sleeping bags, inflatable pillows, sleeping mats.
- Cooking gear, toiletries, safety equipment, and extra clothing.
- Baby and toddler necessities: Osprey Poco Plus, Ergo carrier, Trail Magik, diapers (lots!), formula, toys, and stuffies.
Trip Highlights
Our trip was full of unforgettable moments. Here are just a few of the highlights that filled our camera roll with over 800 photos and videos:
- Biggest Kid Hike Yet: Our 3-year-old tackled his most challenging hike to date—Lake McArthur, with 384m of elevation. He hiked the 4 km trail to the lake and partway back before requesting the carrier so he could take a nap.
- Recreating Memories: We recreated photos from 2023, this time with our baby girl in our arms instead of in my belly.
- The Famous Carrot Cake: We woke up early and walked 1 km to secure a coveted slice of Lake O’Hara’s famous carrot cake. After a 35-minute wait, we became the first in line and celebrated with the most delicious breakfast ever.
- Community Connection: We shared laughs and stories with a group of moms who were on a kid-free getaway. They played with our kids and even took our family photos.
- Kid’s Perspective: Our 3-year-old explored the world through his own camera, capturing what he found most interesting.
Challenges We Faced
Camping with kids is an adventure in itself, and Lake O’Hara’s backcountry setup added unique challenges.
- Strict Campground Rules: Cooking, fires, and chairs were restricted to the communal area, meaning we couldn’t relax by the tent after putting the kids to bed. Early nights became the norm.
- Temperature Drops: The sun disappeared by 4 PM, and the chilly nights were particularly tough on our 7-month-old. Despite our preparation, her sleeping bag (previously used by her brother) didn’t provide the warmth she needed. She struggled with the lack of cushioning and disliked having her hands constrained. This led to a lot of wake-ups and disrupted sleep for everyone.
The key takeaway? Every child is different, and gear that works for one may not suit another. We’ve since invested in the Down Big Mo Kids Sleeping Bag and are excited to test it on future trips.
Biggest Takeaways & Advice for Families
Our Lake O’Hara trip was full of lessons, memories, and moments of growth. Here’s what we learned:
- Preparation is Key: Packing thoughtfully for each child’s unique needs can make or break your trip. Test gear beforehand, especially for babies and toddlers.
- Go With the Flow: Flexibility is crucial. From carrot cake waits to sleepless nights, embracing the unexpected can lead to some of the best stories.
- Build a Community: The people you meet can enhance your experience. Don’t hesitate to connect with fellow campers—you might make lifelong friends.
- Take the Leap: Backcountry camping with kids is challenging, but the rewards are worth it. Start small and let trips like Lake O’Hara be a steppingstone for bigger adventures.
Final Thoughts
Lake O’Hara wasn’t just a camping trip for us—it was a celebration of milestones, a test of resilience, and a reminder of why we love adventuring as a family. Whether you’re seasoned campers or just starting out, trips like this remind us of the beauty in the journey, both on the trail and as a family.
If you’re planning your own family camping trip, don’t wait for the perfect time or conditions. Take the leap, embrace the challenges, and cherish the memories.
And as if this place hasn’t been magical enough for us already, we got lucky once again and secured two nights camping here this summer. We can’t wait to return and create even more unforgettable memories!
The Cupidos are an adventurous family from Cochrane, Alberta, who believe the great outdoors is best experienced together—kids included! Their little ones, now 12 months and 3.5 years old, went on their first hikes at just 2 and 3 weeks old, setting the foundation for a lifetime of exploring.
With a passion for hiking, camping, skiing, and climbing, they strive to raise their kids in nature, teaching them to appreciate the beauty and challenges that come with it. They firmly believe parenthood doesn’t mean giving up hobbies but embracing them as a family. Their 3-year-old already loves hiking independently and has tackled trails with up to 480m of elevation gain. And has now completed over 100 hikes.
Through their adventures, the Cupidos hope to inspire other families to get outside, challenge themselves, and make unforgettable memories in the wild. You can follow along on Instagram at @the.cupidos.
