Geocaching Canada: A Modern Day Treasure Hunt in Alberta
Geocaching, which is the 21st-century’s technology-enabled version of a treasure hunt, has gotten millions of people around the world hooked. Geocaching challenges have also amassed many followers in Alberta. Eager participants typically use their smartphones to locate watertight hidden containers (or geocaches) via Global Positioning System (GPS).
Geocaches are concealed in public places and the great outdoors, and guidelines such as these from Parks Canada should be heeded to ensure the safety of geocachers who are trying to retrieve the hidden containers.
Once found, a geocache can be exchanged for rewards, as in the case of the 2014 Southern Rockies Geocache that involved looking for “puzzle pieces” that were ultimately exchanged for a bagful of outdoor gear plus loads of cool stuff.
Photo CC by fhwrdh.
So before you drive your Jeep Grand Cherokee to participate in the latest geocaching event in your area, read on first about Alberta’s geocaching programs and learn how you can enjoy these recreational activities fully. Here are the things you need to know about geocaching in Alberta.
Where and How to Start Geocaching
Visit Geocaching.com. Use the site’s search feature to look for geocaches in your area. Let’s say you are interested in the ongoing Southern Rockies Geocache event. You can see details about it from user SRDGEOCACHECHALLENGE, whose Geocaching.com listings are found here.
Click the description for each listing to read the clues that will help you get your hands on the caches. You should also see the date when the cache was placed and when it was found (in case the cache was already discovered by someone else before you). Caches for beginners are highlighted in green.
To help you navigate trail networks properly and more efficiently, consider checking out EveryTrail.com. There are filters to display results only for “Alberta” under Location and “geocaching” under Activity. The maps and user tips at EveryTrail.com can greatly increase your chances of getting to your target caches fast.
How to Stay Safe
Driving a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, because most of the caches in geocaching challenges are accessible only through dirt roads. To be safe when hiking in the backcountry and in forests, do so only along specified trails. Always wear weather-appropriate clothes and protective gear when looking for caches.
Respect wildlife, especially bear territories. Never throw food and garbage. Bears are highly intelligent and curious. They also possess a well-developed sense of smell. They tend to be drawn to smelly objects and will keep coming back to the place where they once discovered food sources. Although bear attacks are rare, it still helps to be on the safe side and follow preventive measures.
All in all, geocaching is rewarding and enjoyable. Some people even find the activity thoroughly addicting. Being outdoors and seeing the scenic wilderness are sure to lift your mood in no time.
The physical activity also keeps you healthy. Plus, it won’t be long before you rack up enough experience and turn into a seasoned geocacher who can solve the most difficult of geocaching challenges in unfriendly terrain.
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John Pearcy works as a fitness instructor and is also an experienced outdoor pursuits enthusiast. he enjoys sharing his insights online and has previously posted on a number of different websites.
