Hikes in Kananaskis Country

Hiking the Sugar Momma trail near Bragg Creek is a great way to spend a half day. The multi-use trail offers some wide open clearings with excellent views of the foothills and the rockies in the distance. This is a popular trail that has plenty of opportunities to explore nearby and connecting trails, so if you would like to lengthen or even shorten your trip, this is a great trail choice with many options.

The Lower Kananaskis Lake trail follows the lakeshore between William Watson Lodge and Canyon Creek campground. The trail has educational interpretive signs along the way and maintains a gentle grade that allows hikers to admire the surrounding peaks.

Hiking the Wedge Pond trail is as relaxed as things get in Kananaskis. The 1km trail wraps around the shore of Wedge Pond from the day-use area. It is a great way to explore the area when stopping for a rest or planning a half day of activities in the region .

The Coal Mine trail takes hikers to a now defunct mine site with amazing views. This is a great hike to choose when staying in the Kananaskis Village area. The route stays in the forest before opening up to stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

There’s an element of uncontained excitement when making your way to a destination with the name Hidden Lake. Just hearing the name evokes a sense of adventure, and you won’t be disappointed when choosing this route. It is a stunning trail that leaves from spectacular Upper Kananaskis Lake and ends at the almost fake-looking Hidden Lake.

The Lineham Ridge hike in Kananaskis is a beautiful trail that opens up above the treeline. It has quite the steady elevation gain, but the views are always worth it on this trail. This is an intermediate trail that requires some stamina.

Piper Pass is a challenging full-day hike reserved for those with some route-finding skills and a fair amount of endurance. If you are up for the challenge, this is an incredible way to spend a day in the mountains, and your group will be glad you chose this stunning pass with unforgettable views.

The Marl Lake trail is a moderately trafficked trail near Lower Kananaskis Lake that is accessible for all abilities. It has almost no elevation gain and follows a well-maintained path through the woods to the lake before turning back.

The Bull Creek Hills Loop trail calls for hikers who have decent route-finding skills and can prepare for a big day in the mountains. The trail is faint and at some points not even recognizable. Confident and strong hikers will enjoy this exciting traverse while beginners should stay away from this one.

The trail to the Kananaskis Fire Lookout follows the Mount Tyrwhitt trail up an old decommissioned fire road to the fire lookout. The trail has no technical sections and follows a wide open trail to the destination. For such a short hike, the views are excellent and there is a great chance you might spot some wildlife, so bring your bear spray!

The Tom Snow trail is a simple one. It follows mostly decommissioned fire roads between Elbow River and Sibbald Creek valley. It is a common route for horseback riders and mountain bikers, so be prepared for traffic while hiking this route.

The Hummingbird Plume Lookout trail is a beautiful half to full-day hike that has many options to extend and visit nearby landmarks. It passes by Troll Falls early on and follows the Skogan Pass trail before branching off to the lookout. There is a fair amount of elevation gain, but it is worth it for the view.

The trail to Memorial Lakes begins in the central Kananaskis Village area, following the Ribbon Creek trail before branching off on its own. The route can be tricky at times due to flood damage and maintenance; however, it is worth it. The three lakes are spread out, making the last segment of the trail much more exciting than the lead up to the lakes.

The Terrace Trail South is a great connecting trail that links Ribbon Creek with Galatea Creek. You can choose to do this as an out-and-back, or shuttle a vehicle and hike one way. This is a popular mountain bike trail, so be aware of traffic.

The Pig’s Back is a route to a prominent feature along the Commonwealth Ridge Traverse. You will hike up Commonwealth Creek before reaching Commonwealth Lake and finally the Pig’s Back. There is some route-finding required, so make sure you are familiar with your objective before setting out for the day.

This short and sweet trail is a great way to stretch the legs along Highway 40. The Eau Claire Hiking Loop Trail is an interpretive trail that has educational plaques along the route. The views from here are excellent considering the short distance of this quick stroll.

Hiking to Lost Lake begins on a very popular trail that leads to Lillian and Galatea Lakes. The trail becomes quite primitive once you depart the main trail, but it leads to a place of solitude and beauty. Be prepared to encounter down trees and other obstacles on this route.

Hiking the Mount Barwell Trail is a half to full day effort that is very rewarding. With minimal crowds and excellent views, you can hike this as a lollipop or an out-and-back route. Watch for other users as this is a multi-use trail that is frequented by mountain bikers.

The Powderface Creek trail in Kananaskis is a popular hiking, biking, and horseback trail, so be aware of traffic when you are using this trail. This route is well-maintained and follows an open bench that offers incredible views of the Elbow Valley. The wildflowers are plentiful midsummer as well.

Hiking the Gorge Creek Loop requires some route knowledge and a bit of extra effort as it is not as well-maintained as other Kananaskis trails. It is a beautiful loop that circumnavigates other trails in the area. Take in the views of the vast and remote wilderness that surrounds you on this gentle full day route.