Near Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail
Incredible views abound at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park!
Near Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail
Waterfall along the Upper Kananaskis Trail.
Near Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail
Cascade near Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Near Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail
Lower Kananaskis Lake
Near Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail
Trailhead

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Hike Trail

Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail

4.0 (4 Ratings)
An easy but beautiful hike around one of Kananaskis' premier lakes.
9.5
mi
Distance
954
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeLakefrontRiver/CreekSpringSwimmingViewsWaterfallWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
9.54mi
Distance
954ft
Elevation Gain
957ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
5,752ft
High Point
5,574ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
To do this hike in its most common form, start at the Interlakes parking lot by Upper Kananaskis Lake. The trail will head north and cross a small dam before turning west to circumnavigate the lake. The trail will split about 2 km in. Take the lefthand trail, which will drop down toward the lake. Eventually, you'll come to a boulder field. The trail is still clear and there are some cairns to mark the way. After the boulders, you'll be heading south through forest with open views to the east, overlooking the lake. After crossing a bridge over Aster Creek, there will be a smaller unmarked trail. This leads to Aster Lake. Keep on the main trail though. You'll mostly be hiking through forest at this point, so enjoy the views when they come. You'll cross a couple streams along the way and eventually come across a lovely double waterfall. Not long after, you'll come across a day-use area; keep hiking. You'll pass by picnic sites and then cross a stone dam. Once across the dam, the trail will bend left and continue along the lakeshore. Just keep following this, and you'll find yourself back at the Interlakes parking lot in no time. From mile 9.3 to the loop end, and from the loop start to mile 2.1 is a segment of the GDT (Great Divide Trail).

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Kevin Derksen