More Than Stones: Cairns Mark Our Paths and Our Past
CANADA, January 29, 2026 – Across Canada’s rugged landscapes, from the alpine trails of the Rockies to the historic cemeteries of rural Ontario, cairns and stone markers serve as silent guides and memorials. As winter conditions persist in many regions, these man-made piles of rock remain crucial for navigation, while archaeological and historical cairns continue to tell stories of the distant and recent past. This week brings updates on trail conditions, significant provincial funding for forensic heritage work, and a poignant reminder of the communities built around shared history.
Navigating Winter Trails: The Crucial Role of Cairns
For hikers tackling challenging routes like the Mount Burns East path in Alberta, cairns are often the only guide. Recent trail reports emphasise that the route “is not a defined hiking trail and requires significant … cairns,” with some paths “obscured by snow.” This highlights the ongoing importance of these stone markers for safe backcountry travel during the winter months. Similarly, Parks Canada reports that most areas of Jasper National Park, impacted by the 2024 wildfire, have reopened, allowing visitors to experience iconic routes like the Icefields Parkway—though winter preparedness remains essential.
Heritage in the Headlines: Funding and Remembrance
The preservation of history, both ancient and modern, is in focus. In British Columbia, the provincial government has announced a $600,000 expansion of its forensic firearms laboratory. While aimed at combating contemporary gun violence, the move underscores the broader investment in forensic techniques that are also vital for archaeological and historical investigation. Separately, a community event from July 2025 at the Simpson Cemetery in Southwest Middlesex, Ontario, demonstrated how local heritage sites become living centres of memory, bringing together over 50 descendants and neighbours.
Key Facts and Current Conditions
| Location/Item | Current Status & Notes |
|---|---|
| Mount Burns East (AB) | Route undefined; navigation reliant on cairns. Winter snow obscuring some trails. |
| Jasper National Park | Most areas reopened post-2024 wildfires. Full range of winter activities available; check for advisories. |
| B.C. Forensic Firearms Lab | $600,000 CAD expansion funded to increase capacity for gun violence cases. |
| Myles Gray Hearing (BC) | Public inquiry into 2015 death resumes after delay; counsel for oversight body resigned. |
| Archaeological Finds (BC) | Public reminded: a permit is required to alter any site of historical or archaeological value. |
From Ancient Monuments to Community Stones
Beyond trail markers, cairns hold deep historical significance. Internationally, sites like the Dudderhouse Hill long cairn in England’s Yorkshire Dales represent rare Neolithic monuments, dating back thousands of years. In Canada, the Bruce Trail—the nation’s oldest and longest marked footpath along the Niagara Escarpment—relies on a different system of blazes but fulfills a similar guiding purpose. These features, whether ancient burial sites or modern hiking aids, organise our relationship with the land, serving as points of orientation in both geography and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I find a possible archaeological artifact or cairn?
In British Columbia and across Canada, it is illegal to disturb an archaeological site. If you find an artifact or a stone structure that may be historical, do not move it. Note the location and report the find to the provincial archaeology branch or heritage authority immediately. A permit is required for any alteration.
Are cairns reliable for navigation in all seasons?
While invaluable, cairns can be covered or obscured by deep snow, making winter travel particularly challenging. Always carry a detailed map, a compass or GPS device, and know how to use them. Do not rely solely on cairns, especially in adverse weather or off-season conditions.
What is the status of the Myles Gray hearing?
The public hearing into the 2015 police-involved death of Myles Gray in Vancouver resumed last week after a previous delay. The process experienced a further interruption as the counsel for the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner resigned during proceedings. The hearing is ongoing.