Hiking at Top of the World

 Last week, Dave and I did a backpacking trip into Top of the World Provincial Park in the East Kootenays.  This is one photo that does make it appear that we are at the "top of the world".  The hike into the campground is in excellent shape and is an easy hike.  The campground, located at Fish Lake, was lovely and clean and not very busy while we stayed (3 nights).  We enjoyed hikes to Sparkle Lake and to the top of Sugarloaf, where this picture was taken.  I also hiked to the Alpine View.  One thing I found to be a bit frustrating is that two trails were starred as "not maintained" so I expected to find a poor trail.  It was fine.  The hike to Sugarloaf, which is supposed to be maintained, had 64 things to climb over or go under.  It is also largely "in the woods" so the final destination is what got us to the top of the world.  We were surprised at how low in the alpine terrain we found ourselves most of the time.  It's a nice place but doesn't feel too much like the "top of the world".  A great place for a beginner backpacking trip.