Hikes in Kananaskis Country

We love hiking in Kananaskis Country. There is so much hiking in The Kananaskis that we have broken the region into four smaller regions. These regions are based around major access roads into the Kananaskis. You can see the regions in the icons below.

Located south of Banff National Park, Kananaskis Country (also known as K-country or The Kananaskis) is a stunning collection of provincial parks that is still largely undiscovered by tourists. This means you can usually expect fewer crowds on hikes in the Kananaskis compared to hikes in Banff National Park.

The main access road into the Kananaskis is along Highway 40, also known as Kananaskis Trail. We also include the hikes around the Kananaskis Lakes in this region. The best hikes along Highway 40 include hikes in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park and Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park. There is a summer-only area at the southern end of Highway 40 known as the Highwood, which has some incredible family-friendly hikes.

The other major access road into the Kananaskis is Highway 742, the Smith Dorrien Trail. The best hikes along the Smith Dorrien include hikes in Spray Valley Provincial Park and hikes in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.

Finally, there are two main access roads that go from east to west into Kananaskis. Highway 66 includes great hikes around Bragg Creek and the Sheep River, out towards Little Elbow, and is adjacent to Don Getty Wildland Park, while Highway 546 leads to hikes in Sheep River Provincial Park and Bluerock Wildland Provincial Park. A fourth area, reached from Highway 68, makes up the Sibbald Creek Trail region, with gentle foothills trails close to Calgary.

Best Hikes in Kananaskis Country

• Tent Ridge Horseshoe Hike: One of the most photographed ridge walks in the Rockies, with a short scramble and huge views over the Spray Lakes.
• Pocaterra Ridge Hike: The classic Kananaskis larch hike, best walked one-way in late September when the forests turn gold.
• Rawson Lake Hike: A forested switchback climb to a picture-perfect lake beneath Mount Sarrail, and one of the area’s most popular days out.
• Burstall Pass Hike: A stunning intermediate hike to a high pass, with the option to scramble Snow Peak and glorious larches in autumn.
• Chester Lake Hike: A family favourite through alpine meadows to a glistening lake, though the trail closes each spring to prevent mud damage.
• Ptarmigan Cirque Hike: A short, family-friendly alpine loop from Highwood Pass, famous for its autumn larches.
• Sarrail Ridge via Rawson Lake Hike: A steep, thrilling extension above Rawson Lake to one of the finest viewpoints in the Canadian Rockies.
• Troll Falls Hike: A gentle, year-round walk to a pretty waterfall near Nakiska, ideal for young families.
• Rummel Pass Hike: A quieter Smith-Dorrien classic past Rummel Lake to a high pass with interesting terrain and big views.
• Nihahi Ridge Hike: A varied Bragg Creek favourite, from forest to meadow to an airy ridgeline, close to Calgary.

When Is the Best Time to Hike in Kananaskis?

Kananaskis is a year-round destination, but the main hiking season runs from May to October. Higher trails can hold snow into mid-June, and the Highwood Pass stretch of Highway 40 stays gated until then. Late September is the highlight, when the larch forests turn brilliant gold. In winter, many of the same trails become snowshoe and cross-country ski routes.

Other Activities in Kananaskis

Kananaskis is not just for hikers. The same valleys offer superb backpacking in Kananaskis, challenging scrambling in Kananaskis, and, once the snow falls, snowshoeing in Kananaskis and cross-country skiing in Kananaskis.

Plan Your Kananaskis Trip

Kananaskis Country is one region within hiking in Alberta, part of our wider hiking in Canada collection. If you would rather travel with a group and have the logistics handled, browse guided hiking tours in the Canadian Rockies.

When is the best time to hike in Kananaskis?

May to October is the main season, with the high trails clearing of snow by mid-June and the famous larches turning gold in the last two weeks of September. Winter opens up snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on many of the same routes.

Do you need a pass to hike in Kananaskis?

Yes. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park at trailheads throughout Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley. In 2026 it costs $15 per day or $90 per year per vehicle, registered to your licence plate, and is easiest to buy online before you arrive.

What are the best beginner-friendly hikes in Kananaskis?

Troll Falls, Ptarmigan Cirque, Elbow Lake and Chester Lake are all gentle, family-friendly options with big mountain scenery. Note that Chester Lake is closed each spring, roughly May to late June, to protect the trail.

Are there bears in Kananaskis?

Yes, Kananaskis is prime habitat for both black bears and grizzlies. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, make noise on the trail, hike in a group where you can, and check for wildlife closures, which are common in late summer.