Hiking trails in Alberta

Snowshoe Trails in Alberta

Province in Canada

The Canadian Province of Alberta is an outdoor-lovers paradise. World famous destinations like Jasper, Lake Louise, Waterton and Banff draw the crowds, and for good reason – they’re beautiful. Big mountains, stunning emerald coloured lakes, abundant glaciers, forests, game and fresh air make Alberta one of the best places for your upcoming holiday.

With most of the accessible Rocky Mountains in Alberta protected by national and provincial parks, a holiday in Alberta is special. There are big mountains, stunning emerald coloured lakes, glaciers, forests and fresh air. Alberta has some of the best, untouched wilderness on earth, and the ideal way to explore this wonderful province is on foot, ski or bike.

In winter, there are downhill ski areas, most famous are the ski resorts Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. Winter is not just about downhill skiing, there is also abundant xc-ski trails and exhilarating backcountry skiing options. Winter is also low season, and a trip to Alberta in winter means great hotel rates.

Summer sees Alberta’s national parks fill up with eager outdoor explorers. Luckily there is just so much nature that you only notice the crowds in a few places, the rest of the Canadian Rockies stay peaceful and tranquil. While hiking is the most popular summer activity, you can also climb, bike, canoe and kayak.

After a hard day outdoors, one of the best parts of Alberta are the great mountain towns. Full of everything from campsites to 5-star hotels, these towns allow you to enjoy some civilization, which means great coffee, good food and fun bars!

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Snowshoeing regions in Alberta

Best Snowshoe Trails in Alberta

Open details for Rummel Ridge

Rummel Ridge

Moderate
7.0 km
680 m
4-6h

The Snowshoe trip to Rummel Ridge is a relatively safe and easy ascent to an incredible viewpoint above Rummel Lake. The in-your-face view of Mount Galatea and those of massive peaks across the valley compete for your attention.

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.8
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Open details for Commonwealth Ridge

Commonwealth Ridge

Very Hard
6.9 km
550 m
3-6h

Snowshoeing up Commonwealth Ridge is no easy feat, but you will be rewarded with an up-close view of spectacular Mount Smuts and The Fist. The wonderful cornice scenery on the upper slope make Commonwealth Ridge an exciting snowshoe outing. This trip is only suitable for people with avalanche training and avalanche gear.

User Ratings
No Reviews
Open details for Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots

Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots

Moderate
11.7 km
608 m
3-4h

The snowshoe trail from Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots takes adventurers through the incredible icy landscape of Johnston Canyon before leading into the quiet forest. The trail emerges into a subalpine meadow, where you will find the frozen ink pots.

User Ratings
No Reviews
Open details for Chester Lake

Chester Lake

Moderate
7.0 km
300 m
3-5h

Snowshoeing to Chester Lake is one of the most popular Snowshoe routes in Kananaskis. The spectacular view of Mount Chester rising above the meadows surrounding Chester Lake justify this trip as the most popular snowshoe trail in Kananaskis.

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.3
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Open details for Moraine Lake Road

Moraine Lake Road

Moderate
24.0 km
993 m
6-8h

The multi-use Moraine Lake Road snowshoe sees cross-country skiers, ski tourers, snowshoers, and sometimes even fat bikers! This is an excellent way to experience the majestic Moraine Lake in the Valley of The Ten Peaks without the summer crowds. This is easily the most popular summer destination; however, it sees very few visitors in the winter. Spend a full day on this route, enjoying the grandeur of the lake before you turn back.

User Ratings
No Reviews
Open details for Rummel Lake

Rummel Lake

Moderate
10.5 km
385 m
4-6h

Snowshoeing to Rummel Lake brings you to some wonderful viewpoints in the Kananaskis Range. Mount Galatea, the highest in the area, towers over Rummel Lake while awesome snowy scenery and views of peaks in the Spray Valley make the ascent interesting.

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.5
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Open details for Sulphur Mountain Snowshoe

Sulphur Mountain Snowshoe

Hard
13.1 km
906 m
4-5h

Snowshoeing the Sulphur Mountain Trail via Cosmic Ray Road will take you from valley bottom to the summit of Sulphur on a rarely visited route. Avoid the crowded front side of Sulphur Mountain and find solitude on Cosmic Ray Road. You’ll begin at Cave and Basin National Historic Site before gaining elevation and views of the Sundance Range. After gaining the summit, you’ll descend via the main trail towards the Town of Banff.

User Ratings
No Reviews
Open details for Little Lougheed

Little Lougheed

Hard
5.5 km
780 m
3-6h

The snowshoe up to Little Lougheed offers a perfect vantage point to view the spectacular Spray Lakes Reservoir and the snowy peaks surrounding it. An entertaining maze of boulders on the ascent and the challenging avalanche terrain turns this shorter route into a challenging and interesting day out!

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.0
Technical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Open details for Shadow Lake Snowshoe

Shadow Lake Snowshoe

Very Hard
34.2 km
1,016 m
8-10h

The Shadow Lake Snowshoe Trail is rated as difficult due to its distance. It is a well-graded trail that leads you up roughly 1,000 m over 17.0 km before returning the way you came. This is commonly used by those who will be staying the night at Shadow Lake Lodge and not often frequented by day users. If you are comfortable with the longer distance, this is an excellent way to spend a full day in the winter and experience Shadow Lake amid snowy scenery.

User Ratings
No Reviews
Open details for Rawson Lake

Rawson Lake

Easy
7.3 km
300 m
2-3h

Snowshoeing to Rawson Lake is a Kananaskis Classic! Enjoy this trail as it goes along Upper Kananaskis Lake before going up through a giant pine forest towards Rawson Lake. The picturesque Rawson Lake is stunning in winter.

User Ratings
Overall Rating
9.8
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

Change happens, fees shouldn't

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