Hikes in Kananaskis Country

Green Mountain trail is a must-do in Bragg Creek. Not many surrounding trails have the views and lookout options that Green Mountain has. This is an excellent option for intermediate hikers ready to tackle some elevation and make a full circuit of the area.

The Barrier Lake trail is a smooth and gentle multi-use trail that sees hikers, backpackers, and cyclists. It travels across the Barrier Dam and into the forest offering excellent views of the lake through the clearings. This is a great hike for families looking to explore trails around the day-use area.

The hike to Carnarvon Lake involves steady inclines, chain sections, and 857m of elevation gain to reach the objective. It is a great hike for those looking for something more adventurous. Experienced hikers will find this trail to be more entertaining than most others. Pack some overnight gear to spend a night at the lake if you want to really take advantage of the incredible Carnarvon Lake.

The trail up Heart Creek is a popular access point for rock climbers; however, the canyon is wide open and the trail follows the creek upstream before coming to a turnaround point. There are some small foot bridges and lots of opportunities to explore the area on this trail.

The trail to Frozen Lake follows the Elk Pass and Elk Lake trail for the first 4.2 km. The wide, decommissioned road is easy to follow and passes by some power lines on the way. This is a destination hike, so don’t expect to be wowed along the way, you’ll have to wait until you reach your objective after gaining elevation steadily from Elk Pass.

The hike to Galatea Lakes follows a beautiful trail that winds up through the forest to the stunning Lillian Lake. A well-equipped backcountry campsite is located here, where you can take a rest on the benches and enjoy the scenery before moving on. You’ll climb up into the subalpine, where you will find the Upper and Lower Galatea Lakes.

The trail around the Mount Lorette Ponds is a great way to take a quick stroll in the heart of Kananaskis. It is perfect for all abilities and is best paired with time spent at the day use area picnicking and enjoying the water. Plan to spend a half day with the family here or stop in after a bigger hike or scramble along Highway 40.

The trail up Grizzly Creek in Kananaskis is an easy and quick way to explore the area and take in views. Leave the picnic area for an accessible wilderness experience that won’t eat up your day. Grizzly Creek is located amongst some incredible mountain ranges and makes for the perfect stop when driving along Highway 40.

The Canoe Meadows Trail is commonly used as an access point for river surfers and whitewater kayakers; however, it makes for a lovely walking trail. You’ll be walking along the incredible Kananaskis River that sits deep in a canyon, where watersports enthusiasts get their adrenaline fix.

The trail to Cat Creek Waterfall is a beautiful forested trail that is perfect for all abilities. It is a great stopping point in Kananaskis Country and a must-do along Highway 40.

The Foran Grade trail is a great running and walking trail near Turner Valley, Alberta. It follows a semi-forested path with excellent clearings for sightseeing. This trail travels counter-clockwise through a birch forest and other beautiful groves between viewpoints.

The Upper Kananaskis Lake hike is a beautiful way to explore the lake without feeling crowded at the day use area. Hiking along the shore gives new perspectives to the surrounding mountains and has plenty of options to extend your hike.

The trail to Three Isle Lake leaves from the ever-popular Kananaskis Lakes area. There are many frontcountry and backcountry camp options as well as day-use areas and all types of hiking trails. Three Isle Lake is a stunning trip that is most commonly used by overnighters. There are easier trails in the area, so you won’t need to worry about there being too much traffic along the trail; however, it can get busy in summer months.

Leaving from the central Little Elbow area, Nihahi Creek is an excellent half-day trip that takes hikers up the creek and through the valley below Nihahi Ridge. If you aren’t up for the elevation gain that the ridge requires, this is the perfect trail for you.

The trail to Edworthy Falls is an exciting trail with many options to enjoy different views and landmarks. There are excellent mountain views along the way, two sets of falls, and of course Elbow Lake. The trail is a great option for families that can endure a half-day hike.

The hike to Ribbon Falls is a stunning half-day hike in a popular area. It sees plenty of hikers and backpackers throughout the summer, so be sure to head out early for your trip. Hiking up the valley of Ribbon Creek offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks on your way to the falls. Enjoy the falls and the amenities of the campground before heading back.

Karst Springs trail is a beautiful hike that goes past Watridge Lake to a natural piped spring, where you can enjoy fresh mountain water. This is a great trail for beginners and those who are looking for a relaxing trip while exploring Kananaskis.

Hiking the Pine Woods Interpretive Loop Trail doesn’t take long, but is an excellent way to find solitude in the woods. The less frequented area along AB-68 is free from the crowds that Highway 40 sees. Take the family on an educational outing along this easy forested trail.

Hiking to Watridge Lake is a great way to spend a few hours in Kananaskis. The wide, well-maintained trail to the lake is accessible to all abilities and makes for a quiet stroll through the woods. The trail is easy to follow and leads directly to the lake, which is the turnaround point.

Ole Buck Mountain is a great trail to tackle when exploring the Sibbald Flats area. Whether you are staying at the campground or just checking out Sibbald Lake, this achievable summit is well within your reach and definitely worth the effort.