Forever Hiking: Kananaskis Country
Hiking
Bow Valley
Grotto Creek Canyon
Grotto Creek Canyon is an amazing hike in the winter! The trail begins in the surrounding forest leading to a lookout before entering the canyon. Once you enter the canyon you'll hike on the frozen creek before arriving at the waterfall! Since we completed this hike in the winter, the waterfall was completely frozen and we were able to climb up the cascading frozen falls. Beyond the waterfall there’s plenty more trail to explore. Don’t forget your ice cleats in the winter!
⏱️ 2 hours
🥾 6 km round-trip
Heart Creek Trail + Heart Creek Bunker
Heart Creek Trail and Heart Creek Bunker are located 15 minutes from Canmore, Alberta and accessed from one parking lot. If you're looking to complete the Heart Creek Trail hike, it begins on the East side of the parking lot. This hike takes you to a waterfall and is perfect in the winter as you'll get to walk on the frozen creek. Heart Creek Bunker begins on the West side of the parking lot and takes you through the forest bordering the Trans Canada Highway. We completed these hikes on different days but they can easily be hiked together!
Heart Creek Trail:
⏱️ 1.5 hours
🥾 4 km round-trip
Heart Creek Bunker:
⏱️ 1 - 1.5 hours
🥾 4.12 km round-trip
Canmore + Area
Grassi Lakes
Grassi Lakes is a quick hike located next to Canmore! This hike takes you to 2 stunning blue lakes. Along the way, you'll have the choice of taking either the Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail or the Upper Grassi Lakes Trail. If you take the Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail you'll have the opportunity to stop for a quick break at the waterfall lookout before reaching your destination. However, there are plenty of stairs to climb before reaching the lakes. If you don't want to climb these stairs, the Upper Grassi Lakes Trail is a much more gradual incline.
⏱️ 1 - 1.5 hours
🥾 4.12 km round-trip
Elbow Valley
Elbow Falls
Elbow Falls is a beautiful waterfall located 20 minutes from Bragg Creek, Alberta. The trail leading to multiple viewpoints is paved making this a great spot to stretch your legs on your way to or from K-Country!
⏱️ 0.5 - 1 hour
🥾 1 km round-trip
Exshaw + Area
Jura Creek
Jura Creek is a quick hike located near Exshaw, Alberta. This hike is perfect during the winter as you'll walk on the frozen creek and through the canyon! Hikers have the option to continue exploring beyond the waterfall.
⏱️ 2 - 2.5 hours
🥾 7.21 km round-trip
Highwood / Cataract Area
Arethusa Cirque - Arethusa Shortcut Route
You'll have a few route options when hiking Arethusa Cirque! You can choose to complete the entire loop or take the Arethusa Shortcut Route which divides the loop in half. We started hiking the loop clockwise and took the shortcut route down. Along this hike, you'll spot a waterfall, cross a creek, and have unobstructed views of the valley. If you hike this trail in the fall, you'll have the opportunity to see yellow Larch trees!
⏱️ 2.5 hours
🥾 5 km round-trip
Raspberry Ridge
The Raspberry Ridge trailhead is located 40 minutes from Longview, Alberta. This hike begins with a gradual incline through the forest where you'll spot plenty of wildflowers. The forest will continue until you reach the Steep and Easy Trail Junction. At this spot, you'll have the opportunity to take the 1 km steep trail or the 2.6 km easy trail to the top of the ridge. At the top of the ridge, you'll be rewarded with 360 degree views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Take a break at the picnic table or fire lookout before heading down. We chose to take the short steep trail to the top and the easy but longer trail down.
⏱️ 5 - 7 hours
🥾 13.15 km round-trip
Kananaskis Valley
Troll Falls + Marmot Falls
Troll Falls is an easy hike located near Kananaskis Village. This trail will take you through a beautiful forest before reaching Marmot Creek and Troll Falls. Take a quick break at the Falls before continuing on to the Upper Troll Falls and/or Marmot Falls. These waterfalls are all stunning to visit in both winter and summer months. You'll have to decide which you like best and don't forget your ice spikes for winter treks.
⏱️ 1 - 1.5 hours
🥾 4.7 km round-trip
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Blackshale Suspension Bridge
The Blackshale Suspension Bridge is a great quick stop when visiting Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. You'll take switchbacks on this easy trail before reaching the Suspension Bridge. This is a great place to stretch your legs!
⏱️ 0.5 hours
🥾 1.3 km round-trip
Chester Lake
The hike to Chester Lake is extremely popular among locals in the summer and fall months! This trail takes you through a forest before opening up to views of the surrounding mountain range. During the fall, you'll have the opportunity to spot yellow Larch Trees along the way. Once arriving at Chester Lake, you can stop for a break or continue walking around the lake! The views from the opposite side are just as breathtaking! For those who would like to add some kilometres, you can continue beyond the lake to the Elephant Rocks.
⏱️ 2.5 - 3 hours
🥾 9.75 km round-trip
Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive Trail
The Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive Trail is the perfect hike if you're looking for an easy trail with stunning views! This hike quickly opens up to unobstructed views of the mountain range and valley. At the end of this trail, you have the option to continue on to a waterfall lookout. If you visit in the fall, you'll spot the yellow Larch Trees!
⏱️ 1.5 hours
🥾 4.3 km round-trip
Activities
Bow Valley
Barrier Lake
Barrier Lake is a man made reservoir located 15 minutes from Kananaskis Village. If you're looking to spend the day at Barrier Lake, you can have a picnic, relax by the water and take in the views or bring a Kayak / Canoe / SUP to paddle.
Kananaskis Valley
Kananaskis Nordic Spa
The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is the perfect mountain retreat! Located near Kananaskis Village, the Hydrotherapy Circuit features pools, sauna's, and steam rooms where you can spend either an entire day relaxing or the afternoon following a hike. The Nordic Spa is partnered with the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge if you're looking for a night stay or weekend retreat.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes
The Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes are two stunning lakes located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. When arriving at the lakes, you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. If you're looking to spend the day at the Kananaskis Lakes, you can bring a Kayak / Canoe / SUP to paddle the lakes, bring lunch to have a picnic, or relax by the water and take in the views. Multiple hikes also begin in the area if you're looking to explore beyond the lakes.
Hikes and activities to come!
K-Country has so many areas to explore that I haven't been able to explore all of them yet. Hikes and activities in the following locations will be added shortly!
- Sheep River
- Sibbald Area
- Spray Valley
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