This post is all about the best hiking in kananaskis country in Alberta, Canada.
The Canadian Rockies is full of magical views, stunning landscapes, and unbelievable adventures. Want to avoid the summer tourist traffic of Lake Louise or Banff National Park? Hike in Kananaskis Country. Many of these trails are easily accessible, making it the perfect place for your next trek. With living relatively close to Kananaskis, I am lucky to have been able to hike numerous trails over the years. I am here to give you the best hiking in Kananaskis. Ensure you get the best views for the work it takes to get to the summit!
Table of Contents
Do I Need a Permit or Pass to Hike in Kananaskis?
Yes—you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, but they are easy to get and relatively cheap, depending on how long you’re here for/how long you’re going to want to hike in the area. I typically get a year pass, as I hike frequently, but that may not be the best option for everyone. You can either buy the pass ahead of time or stop on your way in to the trails to get it. I typically find it’s easier to just buy it ahead of time online.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Hike in Kananaskis?
The most popular time of year is late spring to early fall (June-October). Many areas in Alberta have a short summer. Snow tends to stick around a lot longer in the mountains than you’d think. Now there are some hikes that are popular for winter, but you have to be cautious that you’re not in avalanche territory without appropriate training or equipment. So I tend to enjoy summer hiking the best. Just be mindful of the bears. Be prepared ahead of time for any potential wildlife encounters, as they do happen.
Are Dogs Allowed on Trails in Kananaskis?
Yes, dogs are allowed, but they MUST be leashed. Do your research on the trails that you’re hoping to tackle with your dog, as there are a number of trails that have technical or scrambling sections that aren’t suitable for them. Also, be aware of the wildlife; off-leash dogs may chase or provoke the animals, so it’s safer to have your dog leashed at all times.
Best Hiking In Kananaskis: Top Trails
Easy Kananaskis Hikes: Family & Dog-Friendly
*Grassi Lakes
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner, Family-Friendly, Dog-Friendly
Length: ~3.6km
Elevation Gain: 181m
Time Estimate: ~1 hour
Route: Out & Back or Loop
Located just outside of Canmore, this trail is perfect for those seeking an easy or beginner-friendly hike without compromising on the epic views. With two lakes on this short trail, you can experience the crisp, turquoise water that the Canadian Rockies are known for. The best part about Grassi Lakes is you can bring the kids or fur babies along without any challenges. I’ve seen many strollers and baby carriers on this trail. Also, this Kananaskis hike can be completed in about an hour, so it’s perfect if you want to do a quick one before or after other adventures or sightseeing.
*Arethusa Cirque
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner, Family-Friendly, Dog-Friendly
Length: ~4.4km
Elevation Gain: 347m
Time Estimate: ~2 hours
Route: Loop
Arethusa Cirque is another perfect family-friendly hike in Kananaskis. With 360-degree views, you won’t be disappointed. Now this trail is super popular during the fall due to it being larch tree season. I really enjoyed this hike both during September for the larch trees and in the peak of summer. It’s beautiful at any point. We did the trail counterclockwise, which had a steeper decline. If you did it clockwise, you would start the loop with a steep incline. Poles came in handy during the descent, but my bulldog did it without issues.
*Elephant Rocks Via Chester Lake
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner, Family-Friendly, Dog-Friendly
Length: ~9.3km
Elevation Gain: 419m
Time Estimate: ~3 hours
Route: Out & Back
Chester Lake hike has two options. You can stop at Chester Lake or continue on a little bit further to Elephant Rocks. I would still consider this hike a beginner-friendly one; however, it is a bit longer than the other two mentioned above. Most of the elevation is right at the start, and then it levels out. It is also a popular route for snowshoeing or skiing in the wintertime. I love this hike, as it has it all: beautiful mountain landscapes as well as a deep blue, scenic lake.
Moderate Kananaskis Hikes: Non-technical Hikes
*Yates Mountain via Prairie View Trail
Difficulty: Moderate, Dog-Friendly
Length: ~12.6km
Elevation Gain: 610m
Time Estimate: ~3-5 hours
Route: Out & Back
Yates Mountain Summit hike is a super popular option and was actually my first hike after moving to the area. It’s convenient, as it’s one of the closest hikes from Calgary; it takes about an hour to drive there. With the stunning views of Barrier Lake and the option to view a fire lookout at the top, it’s a solid choice. This hike does have a lot of elevation gain the entire way, so be prepared for that. It is also primarily switchbacks through the trees with minimal views until closer to the top. But trust me, it is worth it! I wouldn’t put it on my list of best hikes in Kananaskis if the trek wasn’t worth the view.
** If you do make it up there, say hi to the fire watch! It’s incredible what they do: live on the top of the mountain in solidarity, watching for forest fires. The fire watch when I was up there on two occasions is a guy who produces some amazing music under the name Mountain Mansion.
*Ha Ling Peak
Difficulty: Moderate, Dog-Friendly
Length: ~8.7km
Elevation Gain: 780m
Time Estimate: ~3-5 hours
Route: Out & Back
Ha Ling Peak is another popular hike, as it’s located just outside of Canmore. With stunning views of the town as well as surrounding bodies of water, it’s a hike I enjoy taking visitors on. This hike is a little more difficult than Yates, as it has more elevation in a shorter distance. However, I have seen kids, dogs, and adults of all ages complete this hike. It’ll have you huffing and puffing, but as I’ve said before, the work is worth it.
*West Wind Pass
Difficulty: Moderate, Dog-Friendly
Length: ~5.4km
Elevation Gain: 355m
Time Estimate: ~2-3 hours
Route: Out & Back
West Wind Pass is located on the beautiful Spray Lakes. Hikes that overlook this reservoir are typically my favourite views. I will discuss a few hikes with this view; however, this is the easiest one of them all. West Wind Pass is a quick, moderate hike that most people can do. Just be sure to follow the trail, as there are multiple trails that start from here. When you come to a fork in the road, you’ll want to veer to the right. The left will take you up Rimwall Summit. Another thing I like about West Wind Pass is that if you don’t feel too fatigued, you can continue up to Windtower Summit.
*Mist Mountain Hot Springs
Difficulty: Moderate, Dog-Friendly
Length: ~8.2km
Elevation Gain: 600m
Time Estimate: ~3-5 hours
Route: Out & Back (if you only go to the springs and back)
Mist Mountain, another popular hike in Kananaskis, is known for its natural hot springs. My tip for this one is to start EARLY. You want to get there before the crowd. There are two small springs, so you either get there early or wait your turn. We spent about an hour there, and ~45 minutes of it alone. It truly is a remarkable spot. Also—be prepared that there is no area to change; it is pretty wide open. I suggest bringing a towel or something to change under.
Hard Hikes: Increased Elevation And/Or Technical Hikes
*Sarrail Ridge via Rawson Lake
Difficulty: Hard
Length: ~11.9km
Elevation Gain: 922m
Time Estimate: ~3-5 hours
Route: Out & Back
Sarrail Ridge is the hike in Kananaskis that I will never stop talking about. It is a fun, challenging hike that has the most epic views I have ever seen in K-country. This hike takes you around Rawson Lake and then up the side to Sarrail Ridge. The climb from Rawson Lake to the ridge is STEEP. So wear appropriate footwear and bring poles. I saw way too many people in jeans and flat shoes, rolling down the hill like bowling balls. Don’t be this person! There’s a section that requires you to use a rope to get up. There are also a couple small scrambling sections (where your hands are needed to climb up). This isn’t a good hike for beginners, but when you get there, it is worth it!
*Tent Ridge
Difficulty: Hard
Length: ~10.5km
Elevation Gain: 837m
Time Estimate: ~4-6 hours
Route: Loop
Tent Ridge has the best view of Spray Lakes in my opinion. I have done this one a couple of times now and will keep coming back. I thoroughly enjoy loop hikes, as there are different views along the entire way. This hike is a challenge, with some steep ascents and descents, as well as some small scrambling sections, making it not for those with a severe fear of heights. But I also love that you walk along the ridge for a large portion of the trek, making for 360-degree views. I’ve seen a few elopement and engagement shoots up here because the views are THAT good.
*Smutwood Peak
Difficulty: Hard
Length: ~18.6km
Elevation Gain: 975m
Time Estimate: ~5-7 hours
Route: Out & Back
If you’re ready for a challenging hike in Kananaskis, Smutwood Peak is the one. It is a long hike that takes several hours. It starts very flat but turns into a gruelling ascent to a view that can’t be missed. To get to the summit, you have to face a pretty challenging scramble, so it’s not for the faint of heart. Smutwood is one that I’ve only done once so far, due to the distance, but it is a must-do for my fellow adventurers.
*East End of Rundle (EEOR)
Difficulty: Hard
Length: ~5.4km
Elevation Gain: 819m
Time Estimate: ~3-5 hours
Route: Out & Back
East End of Rundle, or EEOR, is a grind. If you’re looking for a shorter hike with a ton of elevation, this is it. From the very start, you’re climbing up. You then reach a bit of a scree slope before reaching the top. This view overlooks Canmore and Ha Ling Peak and is absolutely breathtaking. It is worth every single hard breath to the summit. With it being so close to Canmore, it’s a pretty popular hike but is less busy due to its challenging nature.
*Rimwall Summit
Difficulty: Hard
Length: ~5.5km
Elevation Gain: 714m
Time Estimate: ~2-4 hours
Route: Out & Back
Rimwall Summit starts out at the same trailhead as West Wind Pass but veers off to the left. This is another Kananaskis hike that has an amazing view of Spray Lakes. When I told you I was obsessed, I wasn’t lying. This trail has a decent amount of elevation to the top, with a good scree slope. So once again, adequate hiking shoes and poles are essential!
*King Creek Ridge
Difficulty: Hard
Length: ~6.9km
Elevation Gain: 792m
Time Estimate: ~3-5 hours
Route: Out & Back
Last but not least on my list of best hikes in Kananaskis is King Creek Ridge. This hike is another steep adventure with minimal switchbacks to the ridge line, but once you’re there, the views are spectacular. Although there are no lake views on this hike, the mountain ranges in this area make up for it in every way. Just ensure you follow the trail; when you reach the ridge, you want to go left, and remember this spot, as it’s easy to miss it on the way back. But it truly is a rewarding hike. Pictures will never do it justice!
Kananaskis Country in the Canadian Rockies is absolutely breathtaking. If you’re looking to avoid the tourist rush but not compromise on the stellar views, you must visit. There is so much to see and hike. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures! Just be sure to stay safe out there. XO Syvannah
This Post Discussed The Best Hiking in Kananaskis. We Gave you the Top 13 Hikes in Kananaskis, Alberta.
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