Kananaskis Hiking Guide: The Best Trails, Gear, & Info 2025
As a local Calgarian, I’ve spent years hiking and exploring in Kananaskis Country, and it still surprises me every time I visit. From scrambling up Yamnuska with jaw dropping views, to quiet family days at Barrier Lake, I’ve covered trails all over the area and can honestly say it’s one of the best outdoor playgrounds in Alberta.
Kananaskis, often called Calgary’s backyard, combines rugged peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and wildlife encounters that rival Banff or Jasper, but without the same tourist crowds. It’s where locals go when they want the Rockies experience to feel a little more wild and personal. Whether you’re after a short family friendly stroll like Ptarmigan Cirque or a full day adventure up Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge, Kananaskis has trails for every skill level.
Planning a bigger trip through Alberta? Check out my Calgary Travel Guide and my Banff Hiking Guide to build the perfect Canadian Rockies itinerary.
Hiking in Kananaskis?
Kananaskis is one of Alberta’s best kept secrets. With rugged ridgelines, turquoise lakes, and trails through forests and meadows, it offers a hiking experience as rewarding as Banff but with fewer crowds. From family friendly walks to challenging scrambles, there’s something for everyone.
The best time to hike is late June to early October, when trails are clear of snow and wildflowers or golden larch trees bring the landscape to life.
Wildlife is common here. Bighorn sheep linger on ridges, moose graze in valleys, and bears are occasionally seen along trails. Carry bear spray, make noise, and leave no trace so Kananaskis stays as wild and beautiful as it is today.
Best Hikes in Kananaskis
Tent Ridge
One of the most iconic ridge hikes in the Rockies, Tent Ridge offers panoramic views of Spray Lakes and surrounding peaks. It’s a loop trail with ridge walking and some hands on scrambling.
- Distance: 10 km loop
- Elevation: 800 m
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Yamnuska
A favourite among locals, Yamnuska offers one of the best introductory scrambles in Alberta. The ridge walk provides sweeping views over the Bow Valley.
- Distance: 11 km
- Elevation: 900 m
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (scrambling required)
East End of Rundle (EEOR)
Known for its Instagram worthy views over Canmore and Ha Ling Peak, EEOR is a steep climb that rewards with one of the best vantage points in Kananaskis.
- Distance: 6 km return
- Elevation: 900 m
- Difficulty: Challenging
Prairie Mountain
A year round favourite just outside Bragg Creek, Prairie Mountain is a steep but accessible hike that’s perfect for conditioning and quick summit views.
- Distance: 7 km return
- Elevation: 700 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
Ha Ling Peak
A classic Kananaskis summit right above Canmore. The upgraded trail makes it more accessible, though the final push is still steep.
- Distance: 7 km return
- Elevation: 800 m
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Opal Ridge
A striking ridgeline hike in Kananaskis with sweeping views of mountains and valleys. The trail climbs steeply right from the start, but the panoramic summit ridge makes the effort worthwhile.
- Distance: 8 km return
- Elevation: 1,000 m
- Difficulty: Challenging
Smutwood Peak
One of the most scenic hikes in Kananaskis, leading to a dramatic summit with views of Mount Birdwood, the Spray Valley, and turquoise alpine lakes. The approach is long but rewarding, especially in late summer and fall.
- Distance: 18 km return
- Elevation: 900 m
- Difficulty: Challenging
Sarrail Ridge
A steep extension from Rawson Lake that rewards with one of the best views in Kananaskis, a dramatic lookout over turquoise Upper Kananaskis Lake. The final climb is steep and demanding but unforgettable.
- Distance: 10 km return (via Rawson Lake)
- Elevation: 600 m
- Difficulty: Challenging
Ptarmigan Cirque
A short but spectacular alpine hike starting from Highwood Pass. This trail quickly climbs above the treeline into a cirque filled with wildflowers, larches, and dramatic mountain views.
- Distance: 4.5 km loop
- Elevation: 210 m
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Easy Kananaskis Hikes
Barrier Lake
A popular Kananaskis hike that climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the turquoise waters of Barrier Lake. The trail offers great views of the Bow Valley and is a favourite for both sunrise and sunset hikes.
- Distance: 8 km return
- Elevation: 450 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
Grassi Lakes
A short and family friendly trail near Canmore that leads to two striking turquoise lakes tucked beneath dramatic cliffs. The hike has both an easy path and a slightly more adventurous route, making it suitable for beginners while still offering a scenic reward.
- Distance: 4 km return
- Elevation: 250 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Grotto Canyon
This unique hike near Canmore takes you right through a narrow canyon with striking rock walls and ancient Indigenous pictographs. In winter, the frozen creek turns the trail into an ice walk, while in summer you can follow the rocky path deeper into the canyon for a fun and family friendly adventure.
- Distance: 4 km return
- Elevation: 150 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Recommended Gear
Here are my go to items for hiking in Banff and Kananaskis. These are essentials I bring on almost every trail:
- Osprey Daylite Daypack – Lightweight and perfect for day hikes
- Black Diamond Trekking Poles – Great for stability on steep or rocky trails
- Merrell Moab Hiking Shoes – Comfortable with good grip for varied terrain
- Bear Spray – Essential for wildlife safety in Banff (know how to use it)
- Convertible Hiking Pants – Quick-drying and perfect for changing mountain weather
- Airalo eSIM for Canada – Stay online in the park without roaming fees
- Travel Insurance – Peace of mind for injuries, etc
Where to Stay in Kananaskis
There’s something for every budget when it comes to staying in Kananaskis or Canmore. Here are my top picks:
In Kananaskis
📍Luxury: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge (Delta Hotels) – Full-service mountain resort with spa access and the famous Nordic Spa.
📍Mid-range: Mount Engadine Lodge – A cozy all-inclusive lodge in Spray Valley, surrounded by wildlife and stunning views, with all meals included.
📍Budget: HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel – Rustic, budget-friendly hostel close to major trailheads.
In Canmore
📍Luxury: Malcolm Hotel – Upscale hotel with mountain views, outdoor pool, and a downtown location.
📍Mid-range: Basecamp Resorts – Apartment-style suites, ideal for families or groups.
📍Budget: Canmore Downtown Hostel – Affordable and social, with a mix of private and dorm-style rooms.
FAQs About Hiking In Kananaskis
When is the best time to hike in Kananaskis?
The prime hiking season in Kananaskis is from late June to early October. Most trails are clear of snow by July, wildflowers peak in mid summer, and fall colours shine in September. Early spring and late fall can bring snow and icy conditions, so check trail reports before you go.
Kananaskis turns into a snowy playground once the temperature drops, check out my post on Things to do in Calgary in Winter for ideas beyond the trails.
Do you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass?
Yes. All vehicles parked at Kananaskis trailheads require a valid Kananaskis Conservation Pass. You can purchase it online or at Alberta Parks kiosks. Daily and annual passes are available, and funds go directly toward maintaining trails and facilities.
Are there bears in Kananaskis and is it safe to hike?
Yes, Kananaskis is bear country. Always carry bear spray, make noise on the trail, and know the basics of bear safety. Most encounters are avoided by being alert and traveling in groups. Hikers often spot other wildlife too, like mountain goats, elk, and marmots.
Final Thoughts on Hiking in Kananaskis
Kananaskis is one of the most beautiful places on Earth to hike, whether you’re looking for a relaxing forest loop or a summit above the clouds. As a local who grew up exploring these trails, I can confidently say there’s something for everyone here.
- Always carry bear spray and know how to use it
- Check trail reports for closures and wildlife warnings
- Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms
- Bring layers as mountain weather changes quickly
- Leave no trace and respect wildlife