We were about a third of the way up Prairie Mountain in Kananaskis Country (just west of Calgary, Alberta) when my friend let out a sigh of disgust. “You said this was a walk,” she grumbled. “This isn’t a walk – it’s a hike!” Much to my friend’s chagrin, I tend to use the terms walk and hike interchangeably in everyday conversation, but her comment had me thinking about the real definitions associated with the sport of hiking.

To me a walk is done at a relaxed pace (and trust me, we were “walking” pretty slowly up the path along Prairie Mountain!). By definition, a walk can involve significant distance and some elevation gain, but the pace is slow enough that the heart rate isn’t increased to the point of gasping for breath. Walks are usually shorter in duration (anywhere from a half hour to several hours long).

A hike is... well... a long walk. It’s usually a little more demanding, spanning a half or full day. Hikes can include getting to a mountaintop, as long as there’s a distinct path and the footing is solid. Hikes don’t usually involve route-finding and there usually isn’t much worry about slipping down a slope on loose rock (also called scree).

Alan Kane, author of Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies refers to a scramble as an “easy, non-technical mountain ascent.” I’m not sure I agree with the “easy” part of the definition, but I would concur with the goal of reaching a mountaintop. I’ve read in the past that scrambling is a grey activity that blends elements of mountain hiking and rock climbing. That seems just about right in my books.

Within each of these categories (walking, hiking, scrambling) are sub-categories – difficult walks, moderate hikes, easy scrambles... you get the picture. It’s important to remember that all of these definitions are subjective when coming from the lips of a hiking partner. What might be a moderate walk to me might be a difficult hike in my friend’s mind!

When choosing an outing, check the distance on a map, look at the elevation gain/loss, note the suggested travel time (this is variable though depending on each individual’s fitness and experience level) and read the guidebook for a trail description for clues as to the trail’s condition (smooth, rocky, full of roots...). Also look at seasonal factors (early season snowfall can change the character of any level of outdoor adventure).

It all comes down to knowing what you’re getting into; know where you’re going and what you might encounter along the way. Don’t follow blindly, ‘cause you might just have a friend who uses the term walk for a scramble.

Join in the forum and share your stories of walking unaware into a full-blown hike or scramble!