Rawson Lake

Route Description for Rawson Lake

Snowshoeing to Rawson Lake is a classic way to explore the Canadian Rockies. While the route to Rawson Lake is rated as Simple-Class 1, there are many dangers lurking once you get there.

First of all, Rawson Lake is ringed with avalanche chutes and you shouldn’t venture out from the safety of the trees. In addition, Rawson Lake has a history of bad ice, and there have been others who have fallen through the ice while venturing out onto Rawson Lake. We don’t like to get too far from shore ourselves.

To snowshoe to Rawson Lake, leave the Upper Kananaskis Day Use parking lot and take the trail that goes to the left of the parking lot, past the toilets, and continue around the shore of Upper Kananaskis Lake. There are wonderful views across the lake here.

Soon you cross a bridge over Sarrail Creek and continue on the trail, looking for a path on your left. Follow the signs directing you to the Rawson Lake Trail on the left, which leaves the lakeshore and begins to gain elevation through the forest.

The trail gains steadily through dense pine forest towards Rawson Lake. You will be snowshoeing through the forest until you come abruptly to the lake shore. Enjoy the clearing here and admire Rawson Lake and surrounding peaks. If you’re here in midweek, you just may have all of Rawson Lake to yourself, which is a tremendous feeling.

Be aware of the dangers some of the snowshoe tracks leading off from here may pose. The tracks going left, around the edge of Rawson Lake lead into potential avalanche paths and should be avoided. In addition, the lake ice is hard to gauge, so be careful if you go on the ice. We personally avoid it.

Once you’ve had a great rest at Rawson Lake, return the way you came.

Insider Hints for Rawson Lake

• Enjoy a winter picnic at Rawson Lake, but remember to bring your thermos!
• Always check the avalanche forecast for Kananaskis before heading out.
• If there hasn’t been snowfall in a while, you may be able to get up to Rawson Lakes with microspikes, as the route has been packed down.
• 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.