16 EASY Hikes in Kananaskis to Enjoy
Kananaskis Country is one of the most beautiful parts of Alberta, and everyone should get out and enjoy it. The inter-connected collection of provincial parks and wildland areas offers plenty of space to relax in the mountains. You don’t have to summit a mountain to feel fulfilled, as there are plenty of easy hikes in Kananaskis that everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re with your parents or young children on a sunset hike, winter hike, or sunrise hike, or just want a lovely day out in the mountains without too much work and stress, we’ve broken down some of our favorite easy Kananaskis hiking trails for you. When you’re up for more, see our full list of our favorite hikes in Kananaskis and Banff!
A Pass is Needed to Hike in Kananaskis
Visitors are required to hold a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, which covers Kananaskis and the Bow Valley Corridor. This pass is separate from the National Parks Pass needed to visit Banff and the other national parks. Passes may be purchased online and are attached to a license plate number. Requirements are around vehicles and parking, not the individual. This includes parking at the Canmore Nordic Center or Grassi Lakes.
Pass Prices
- Daily Pass: $15 (registers one vehicle)
- Annual Pass: $90 (registers two cars)
A Guide to Understanding the Kananaskis Conservation Pass
Easy Hikes in Kananaskis for All to Enjoy!
Watridge Lake
Watridge Lake, near Mount Shark, makes for a nice day on the trail. We love to recommend the hike as it is very approachable. The trail to the lake is wide and ascends slowly to the lovely lakeshore. It’s an easy hike but still a decent length at around eight kilometers.
It’s a mixed-use trail for hiking, snowshoeing, biking, and cross-country skiing! It’s also a beautiful lake with great mountain views, the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. If you are up for it, you can add the short and steep hike to Karst Spring, a highlight of the entire area.
Troll Falls
Troll Falls is a great trail year-round, with something to offer throughout the seasons. It’s most popular in the summer when the roaring waterfall cascades down into the narrow canyon. Few trails are as popular as Troll Falls, and if you plan to check off the hike, we suggest being strategic with your timing and dates. Avoid busy summer weekend days.
Winter is a great time to visit as it’s a quieter experience, and the frozen waterfall, with its towering icicles, is a sight to behold. If you are planning a trip in the winter, hiking poles, and microspikes are helpful.
It’s a short hike, and we recommend continuing to Marmot Falls and Upper Troll Falls if you don’t mind getting a few extra kilometers under your belt. Seeing all three falls is well worth the effort!
Grassi Lakes
Grassi Lakes is a hike in Kananaskis just outside Canmore. Grassi Lakes is one of our favorites and the one hike we’ve probably done the most in the Canadian Rockies, as we live just down the road from the trailhead in Canmore. Our visiting family loves this walk as it’s easy on the knees—perfect for kids, the elderly, and leashed pets!
The lakes are easy to reach, about five kilometers south of town. They make for a fabulous picnic spot, as they’re one of the most picturesque places around Canmore. The lake water is remarkable, and the lakes are in a wonderful natural setting with tremendous views.
Though there are other trails in the area, they’re clearly marked, and you’ll know to turn around when you’ve reached the impassably steep part. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the region, and few wonder why. Due to the popularity, we suggest avoiding on weekends or holidays.
Elbow Lake
Elbow Lake is a short hike perfect for picnics, fishing, or camping. We love the lake as it’s a nice setting along Highway 40. Due to its short approach distance, it presents several options to recreate in the backcountry without much hassle. People carry paddleboards to the lake, and it’s a great first backcountry camping trip for families at the Elbow Lake Campground.
If you want a longer hike in the area, consider the trek up to Piper Pass from Elbow Lake. It’s a stunning hike that is a wonderful way to escape crowds on more popular hikes. However, we should warn you that it’s a longer hike than most.
Blackshale Suspension Bridge
The Blackshale Suspension Bridge is a short hike that makes for a nice addition to a day exploring Kananaskis Country. It isn’t much more than a short walk and can easily be done by anyone in less than an hour. It’s still worth the time, as the suspension bridge is cool and offers some nice views up and down the steep Blackshale Creek.
The hike is a short loop, and we don’t believe the direction in which you hike in the short loop makes much difference. It isn’t the most exciting, with few views, and the main highlight is crossing the bridge itself. I wouldn’t expect to be blown away, but it still makes for a cool stop when visiting nearby lakes. It makes for a nice photo, too!
Ptarmigan Cirque
Ptarmigan Cirque is a short and sweet hike in Kananaskis that the whole family can enjoy. It’s just off Highway 40 at Highwood Pass, so it can only be accessed once the highway opens for the season. The hike is known for the larch trees that turn golden in Late September, but it is enjoyable any time in the summer.
The hike makes a short loop around the Ptarmigan Cirque and provides sweeping views as it stays just above the treeline. For a longer and slightly more challenging hike, check out Pocaterra Ridge or Arethusa Cirque.
Chester Lake
Chester Lake is a popular winter hike and a fantastic snowshoe trail. It’s also a beloved hike during the fall, as the area has many amazing larches. Another short and sweet hike on this list is great for beginner hikers, families with children, or anyone seeking a relaxing pace.
Most of the trail is pretty boring, but eventually, it will open up to an Alpine meadow around Chester Lake. Here, you can walk around the entire lake and the surroundings—the Elephant Rocks, a huge boulder field, is a popular addition to this hike.
Take your time at the lake to enjoy the views of Fortress Mountain, Mount Chester, and Little Chester! The trail is closed from May 1 to June 29th to allow the area some relief from recreation, as it’s popular all year.
West Wind Pass
West Wind Pass is a fun and rewarding hike with superb views of Spray Lakes. However, some of the elevation gains on the trail may really get your heart pumping – it gets pretty steep in some sections. When you make it to West Wind Pass, you’ll have great views of Canmore on one side and epic views of the Spray Lakes.
This is a popular hike in the summer, especially on weekends. For optimal enjoyment, head here during the mid-week at off-season times. If you have a little more in you, consider continuing to the Windtower or Rimwall summits.
Burstall Pass
Burstall Pass is an approachable hike that offers a full day out on the trail. The full route is longer than most other hikes on this list. However, it’s 667 meters of gain spread across 8 km, meaning the gain is gradual almost the entire way. It’s a little steep at the end. The hike moves past several marshy lakes and streams before a steeper ascent up to an alpine meadow and then finishes on a high mountain pass with grand glaciated mountain views.
We loved our time in Burstall Pass and spent most of our time alone in the woods. It has everything you could want out of a Canadian Rockies hike. If it’s a little too long of a day for you, don’t worry – you can turn around at any time and follow the same trail back!
Rawson Lake
The trail to Rawson Lake, starting at Kananaskis Lakes, is popular in the summertime. It is exciting as it skirts Upper Kananaskis Lake for its beginning, passing by waterfalls and streams along the way. The elevation starts around 1.3 km and continues climbing until Rawson Lake.
Once you reach Rawson Lake, you can walk around it and pick a nice spot to sit and relax. I suggest bringing some picnic supplies and enjoying the scenery under the mountains. It’s a lovely alpine lake frequented by wildlife such as marmots and pikas. Check for closures, as a female grizzly bear often dens with her cubs along the slopes above the lake.
For those looking for a more extended and challenging day, consider hiking the steep trail to Sarrail Ridge. It has some surreal views over the Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most popular photography locations in the park system.
Arethusa Cirque
As a well-known, family-friendly hike in Kananaskis, I wasn’t expecting much from Arethusa Cirque. We decided to do it with a 4-week-old newborn since it looked simple for a new mama. Boy, was I wrong about my perceptions of this one? The views from the trail completely blew me away, and it quickly shot up to one of my favorite larch hikes in Alberta.
If you are looking for an easy half-day larch hike, put Arethusa Cirque on your list. This is a loop trail that I would suggest taking clockwise. One very steep and loose section is better to ascend than descend – especially with children or older hikers. If you want to kill two birds with one stone, I recommend combining Arethusa Cirque with Ptarmigan Cirque!
Prairie Mountain/Barrier Lake Trail
Barrier Lake is one of the most popular places to head in the park. It’s one of the first stops as you drive into Kananaskis from Calgary, and it can easily be reached within an hour. Many choose to sit and enjoy the lakeshore, walk around the lake, or go for a paddle. The Prairie View Trail is an enticing option for hikers for sunrise, sunset, or winter.
The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views over Barrier Lake at the Prairie View Lookout. It took us less than an hour. Once you reach the viewpoint, you can head back down the way you came or make it a loop by following the Jewell Pass Trail. Those with more time and energy can head to the summit of Yates Mountain for views to the northwest.
The summit of Yates Mountain requires just 130 meters of elevation gain from the Barrier Lake Lookout. While the views of Barrier Lake are far better at the lookout point, if you continue on to Yates Mountain, you get to say you summited a mountain, see the fire lookout, and get views towards Mount Yamnuska. I highly recommend adding it to your day for a little extra challenge, as it’s not a hard trail and requires no scrambling.
Mist Mountain Hot Springs
The Mist Mountain Hot Springs, once a hidden gem, became popular due to social media. Reaching the hot springs can easily be done in under an hour, but be forewarned, if you visit at any time in the summer that isn’t sunrise or sunset, you’ll likely be waiting in a line to sit in the springs.
The springs consist of just two tiny pools capable of fitting five people. They are also not very hot, leaving you feeling chilled even on the hottest mountain day in the Rockies. There’s no privacy or trees for changing, so it’s best to hike with your bathing suit on or with a partner who can hold a towel over you while you change.
I say this not to put you off from visiting, just to manage expectations. The hot springs are a cool spot in the Rockies with amazing views, but unfortunately, they have been a little overshared on Instagram.
South Pocaterra Ridge
This is one of the more moderate hikes on this list, but it’s still relatively easy and requires no scrambling. Pocaterra Ridge is among the most popular larch hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Pocaterra Ridge is traditionally a point-to-point hike, making for a more prolonged and strenuous day.
However, if you only have one car and are looking for something shorter and easy, you can hike South Pocaterra Ridge. The hike to this “summit” is stunning, and it’s hard to believe your eyes during the larch season. The most difficult and steepest part is towards the end, as views open up towards Mist Mountain and Mount Tyrwhitt.
Porcupine Ridge
Porcupine Ridge is across the valley from Wasootch Ridge (mentioned below). It’s a similar Kananaskis hike to Wasootch Ridge, with similar views. However, I found it slightly easier regarding distance and elevation gained, so it’s why it’s mentioned before Wasootch.
The main difference here is the approach to the hike, which requires you to navigate a creek bed and crisscross over water a few times. This is not a problem in the late summer season, but you may get a little wet if you set out in the early season while there is still snowmelt.
Wasootch Ridge
Wasootch Ridge, as the hike, offers views of most of the trail after the initial ascent. The onset is steep, making this a moderate hike, but the trail is approachable enough for teenagers or strong children. Though dog and kid-friendly, it is a long day at 15.4 km and 938 meters of gain if you do the full route. It’s the hardest hike we have on this list.
The great news about this hike is that you are navigating a ridge most of the time and can turn around whenever you want. So if you get tired before the 7.5 km mark, you can easily turn around. The trail eventually turns into a scramble along the ridge, but most consider that the trail’s end. It’s best reserved for experienced scramblers as it has some high exposure.
More Information On Hiking In Kananaksis Country
Gear We Recommend
Many hikers will enjoy the security, comfort, and value in the Merrell Moab II. It’s a great beginner hiking boot.
Arc’teryx Cerium is our pick for the best down jacket. It’s incredibly light, and we bring it on almost every hike in the Rockies.
This nifty clip from Peak Design secures a camera to my backpack strap for easy reach. No more digging in the backpack!
20L feels like the ideal size for quick hikes and scrambles. We love the Nano from Gregory with a hydration reservoir.
There is not much cell service in the Canadian Rockies. In case of emergencies, we carry an emergency beacon with GPS.
Hiking Advice & Tips
- Take a conservative approach if this is your first time hiking in the Rockies. Our post for beginner hikers in the Canadian Rockies provides helpful tips.
- Pick an adequate hike for your fitness level, plan for plenty of time, pack water and food, and don’t be afraid to turn around. If you want to learn more, we have a great post about what to wear hiking.
- For some of these longer hikes, like Wasootch Ridge and Porcupine Ridge, set a turnaround time at the departure.
- If you plan to hike in Kananaskis, always carry bear spray. Practice wildlife awareness on the trail, and please give animals space.
- Leash your dogs. Dogs are allowed on these easy Kananaskis hikes but must be kept on a leash at all times in Kananaskis Country.
- If you plan on tackling some of these hikes in Kananaskis in the winter, snowshoes, microspikes, and poles are a huge help. If you plan on hiking a lot in the winter, taking an Avalance Safety Course is recommended.
- Since there is no cell service for most of these hikes, a Garmin Increach or something similar could save your life!
Where to Stay in Kananaskis
Camping—Kananaskis has plenty of front- and back-country camping sites. A few of our favorites are Spray Lakes West and Mount Kidd. We break down all the best camping spots in Kananaskis here.
Glamping—Camp in luxury at Mount Engadine! Mount Engadine is one of our favorite cabins in Kananaskis. They offer excellent all-inclusive packages at the remote property and offer a variety of rooms, from a yurt to glamping tents.
Kananaskis Hotels—There aren’t many accommodation options in Kananaskis Country, and only a few hotels. Our favorite in the park is Kananaskis Mountain Lodge near the base of the Nakiska Ski Resort.
Want More Kananaskis Hikes?
For more of a challenge, check out our list of amazing hikes in Kananaskis! A few of our favorites are Mount Allan, Smutwood Peak, and Tent Ridge!
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendations include the Banff Gondola and a cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island in Jasper. If you want a stress-free way to get to Moraine Lake, we highly recommend looking into Moraine Lake Bus Company.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car: The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
- Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going for airfare deals and travel credit cards to earn points on purchases. Those credit card points can be redeemed for free flights and hotels! Our favorite cards is the Capital One Venture X (which has an insane welcome bonus right now) as it has no foreign transaction fees.
- Hop On, Hop Off: This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus to visit all the best attractions at your own pace!
↓ Ask Your Questions ↓
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