Canada Day in Canmore is a joyous event. Every year, the town swells from 14,000 to well over 20,000. On July 1st, families crowd the streets to view marching bands, campy floats, olympic athletes on ski-skates and Calgary Stampede dignitaries. Squirt guns have become almost mandatory.

This year, we decided to change it up. Instead of weaving our way downtown for the festivities, we opted for a short hike. With pups in tow, we headed to the waterfall behind our home. Note: Dota is a very experienced hiker, but Luci is, well, Luci.

We have taken many friends on this little hike. It is short, sweet and scenic. Vestiges from the mining days, such as old wooden pipes, can be seen along the trail.

As far as we know, the waterfall is named after the creek draining the Three Sisters.

Once we got to the upper creek bed, the real fun began. There were numerous stream crossings to navigate on our way to the falls.

Dota handled them like a pro, choosing the larger boulders to avoid water and wading only when necessary. Luci followed suit, but didn't bother with finesse—she just plundered through it all. By the time we reached the falls, she was DONE with creek crossings.

She was soaked, cold and shivering. We bundled her up and carried her back dry land, where both pups set off down the trail—with purpose.

That afternoon was blissfully quiet. For Dota and Luci, the time usually spent tugging, chewing and tormenting each other was replaced by much needed naps.

No fireworks today. Nice.