Galatea Creek and Lillian Lake Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Galatea Creek and Lillian Lake
Snowshoeing to Lillian Lake is an increasingly popular trail in Kananaskis. This route only goes to Lillian Lake, which is rated as Simple-Class 1 avalanche terrain. We do not recommend going past Lillian Lake, unless you are well-trained for avalanche terrain, as the terrain changes to significant avalanche terrain.
Depending on how long it’s been since a big dump of snow, you may be able to hike this trail if you have micro-spikes.
To get to Lillian Lake, set out from Galatea Parking Lot on the clear path that goes initially downhill before crossing a bridge over the Kananaskis River.
The trail then goes up the Galatea Valley, following Galatea Creek, over which you will cross and re-cross several times. Along the way, you get some fine river views, however most of this first section is through the forest.
Continue going forward on the summer path – if you are in avalanche terrain you have gotten off the main path.
Eventually you reach the tip of Lillian Lake after 1.45-2 hours of snowshoeing, taking roughly 6.3 km while gaining 485 m. If you aren’t a regular snowshoer, expect this to take a bit longer.
Lillian Lake is a pretty lake, and a great place for lunch. We like bringing a nice lunch, a warm thermos of hot chocolate and something insulated to sit on and take a good break here. Throw your insulated mat on one of the nice benches along Lillian Lake and enjoy the view. There are also some toilets back from Lillian Lake.
Insider Hints for Galatea Creek and Lillian Lake
- Bring your microspikes, as the trail may be compacted enough that you don’t need snowshoes.
- Don’t go beyond Lillian Lake to Guinn’s Pass or Galatea Lakes unless you have avalanche training and gear, there is some very dangerous avalanche terrain above Lillian Lake.
- Snowshoeing in the Kananaskis is a remote activity. Make sure you are prepared for an emergency with warm clothes, extra food, matches and ideally a satellite transceiver, like a Garmin InReach. Cell phones do not work until you get to Canmore.
- Always check the avalanche forecast for Kananaskis before heading out.
Getting to the Galatea Creek and Lillian Lake Trailhead
From the Trans-Canada highway, go south on Highway #40 for 32.7 km, passing Nakiska. Take the signed turn for ‘Galatea’ on your right, just as you come over a rise.Route Information for Galatea Creek and Lillian Lake
When to do:
December - April
Mountain Huts:
None
Toilets:
Trailhead and Lillian Lake
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Avalanche Risk:
Simple
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
None
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Galatea Creek and Lillian Lake Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Galatea Creek and Lillian Lake
Hi Ken, Thanks for note. The ratings on the site come directly from Parks Canada or Alberta Parks ATES trail rating. The route from Galatea Creek to Lilian Lake rated as Simple (Class 1) terrain. Unfortunately Alberta Parks are currently updating their ATES rating document, so it is no longer available online. I have done that route myself, and I recall that the trail splits at those avy chutes and you can take a lower route that stays in trees. Perhaps that is the cause of their rating.
The trail to Lillian Lake is not simple class 1 avalanche terrain. It crosses several avalanche slopes and run out zones that slide frequently. In fact, the main photo of this post is taken standing right at the bottom of one.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.