If you’re planning a trip to Banff or Jasper and still have a day to fill, Kananaskis is well worth considering. It has jaw-dropping alpine lakes, incredible hiking for every level, dramatic mountain scenery, and of course, the chance to spot wildlife.
Many visitors come to the Canadian Rockies focused on Banff and Jasper, but Kananaskis deserves a spot on your itinerary too. Whether you want to do a great hike, enjoy a scenic drive, paddle on the water, or simply spend a day somewhere that feels a little quieter and wilder, Kananaskis has a lot to offer.
In this guide, I’m walking you through what Kananaskis actually is, why it deserves a full day on your itinerary, the best hikes, biking options, and what you need to know before you go.
What is Kananaskis?
One of the first things to understand is that Kananaskis is not actually one single park. Kananaskis Country is a huge mountain recreation region west of Calgary made up of more than 10 different parks and protected areas.
These include places like Bow Valley Provincial Park, Kananaskis Valley, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Spray Valley Provincial Park, and the Highwood Pass area. For most visitors, you will not even really notice when you are crossing from one part to another unless you are paying close attention to the signs.
What all of these areas have in common is incredible mountain scenery and a huge variety of things to do. There are more than 150 official hiking trails, ranging from family-friendly walks to big backcountry routes. On top of that, Kananaskis also offers cycling, paddling, climbing, camping, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing.
Kananaskis is not some hidden secret. It gets around five million visitors a year, which puts it right up there with Banff National Park. But even though it is busy, it tends to feel wilder and more local. There are fewer buses, fewer organized tours, and the region is much more spread out. So even when you are at a popular trailhead, there is still often that sense of being out in real mountain wilderness.
What you need to know before visiting Kananaskis
Before heading out, there are a few important things to know.
First, you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park at trailheads and day-use areas. The pass is tied to your vehicle’s license plate. If you forget to buy it in advance, you may not have cell service to do it in the parking lot, but you can still purchase it before midnight that same day.
Second, if you are planning to visit the Highwood Pass area, that section of Highway 40 is closed from December 1 to June 15 every year due to wildlife protection.
Third, cell service in the mountains is very limited. Download offline maps before you leave and take screenshots of any important information you may need.
Fourth, always check trail reports before heading out. Trails can close because of bear activity or other safety concerns.
And finally, always have a backup plan. Parking lots can fill up, especially on summer weekends. Having a second option in mind can save you a lot of frustration.
Why Kananaskis deserves a full day on your itinerary
A lot of visitors build their Canadian Rockies itinerary around a handful of famous Banff spots like Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Johnston Canyon. Kananaskis offers something a little different.
It still has stunning mountain scenery, but the experience feels different as there are less tour buses, paid attractions and overall tourist infrastructure. That wild feeling is what makes Kananaskis stand out. For many travellers, that is exactly the experience they are looking for.
In Kananaskis (like any other outdoor recreation area), it is often the easier stops and easy hikes that are busiest. Places like Upper Kananaskis Lake and Barrier Lake can be very busy on weekends because they are easy to drive to and enjoy without doing much hiking. But even then, the region still feels less commercial than Banff.
The best hikes in Kananaskis
One of the main reasons people visit Kananaskis is the hiking. The trail selection here is fantastic, and there really is something for every level. If you want a more options, start with my posts on Easy Kananaskis Hikes and Best Kananaskis Hikes.
Easy hikes in Kananaskis
Troll Falls Hike is one of my top recommendations for families or anyone who wants a short and satisfying hike. It is about 3.5 kilometres return, the trail is wide and forested, and the waterfall at the end is always a fun payoff. Kids tend to love this one, and it is great in every season. In winter, the frozen waterfall is especially beautiful.
Grassi Lakes Hike is another easy favourite. Even though it is very close to Canmore, it is technically in Kananaskis. The hike is about 3.4 kilometres return and does include some elevation gain, but the reward is worth it. The lakes are an unreal blue-green colour and sit right below towering cliffs. On a sunny day, it is one of the prettiest easy hikes in the area.
One thing many people do not realize is that you can take Roam Route 12 from Canmore to access the Grassi Lakes area.
Heart Creek Trail is another great easy option. It is about 4.7 kilometres return and takes you through a fun canyon with several little wooden bridges crossing the creek. The trail ends at a natural canyon and hidden waterfall, and it is one of those hikes that works well for a wide range of visitors.
If you want another easy walk to add to your day, Many Springs Trail is a great choice in Bow Valley Provincial Park.
Moderate hikes in Kananaskis
Rawson Lake Hike is absolutely one of the top moderate hikes in Kananaskis. Starting from Upper Kananaskis Lake, the trail climbs through the forest and ends at a dramatic alpine lake backed by steep rock walls. It is one of those places where you arrive and just want to stop and take it all in. Hiking to Rawson Lake is about 7.8 kilometres return.
If you want to turn it into a much bigger day, you can continue on to Sarrail Ridge Hike. This is a more challenging extension, but the views are some of the best in Kananaskis.
Chester Lake Hike is another hike I love, especially in fall. The trail climbs through the forest and then opens into a meadow and lake setting that feels especially beautiful when the colours are changing. If you do this hike, make sure to walk over to see the Elephant Rocks just beyond the lake.
West Wind Pass Hike is another trail I recommend often when people want great views without a full-day commitment. It is only about 5.4 kilometres return, but the scenery over Spray Lakes Reservoir is excellent. The view-to-effort ratio is really hard to beat.
Challenging hikes in Kananaskis
For experienced hikers, Tent Ridge is one that people rave about for good reason. It offers a dramatic ridge experience and huge mountain views, but it does include some scrambling, so it is important to know what you are getting into before heading out.
Wasootch Ridge Hike is another strong option if you want a tougher day with open ridge scenery.
One of my personal favourites is Wind Ridge Hike, which is closer to Canmore but still part of the broader Kananaskis region. It is a big hike, but it is beautiful and offers incredible views.
Because many of these hikes pass through grizzly territory, it is especially important to carry bear spray, make lots of noise, and check trail closures before you go. Trails like Tent Ridge and the Rawson Lake to Sarrail Ridge area are frequently affected by wildlife closures.
Biking in Kananaskis
Hiking gets most of the attention in Kananaskis, but biking is also a great way to enjoy the area.
If you are looking for an easy paved ride, there are some really good options. The Bill Milne / Evan-Thomas trail is one of my favourites. It is an 8.5-kilometre paved path that winds through meadows and forest with beautiful views of Mount Kidd. It is a multi-use path, so you will be sharing it with walkers, but it is wide and very enjoyable if you want a scenic ride without technical terrain.
You can access this trail from Kananaskis Village, where you can also rent bikes from Kananaskis Outfitters.
Bow Valley Provincial Park also has a great paved trail that works well for families, especially if you are camping there. And if you are staying in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, there is a 12-kilometre paved trail system connecting campgrounds and day-use areas, which makes biking there incredibly convenient.
If you want something more rugged, Kananaskis has mountain biking options too. The High Rockies Trail is one of the premier mountain biking routes in the region. It is a longer, more serious trail, but you can also ride shorter sections of it as an out-and-back. Terrace Trail is another good moderate option right from Kananaskis Village.
If you want more biking ideas, see my post on Kid-Friendly Bike Trails in Banff and Kananaskis.
It is also worth mentioning that the Canmore Nordic Centre is technically part of Kananaskis Country and has an excellent singletrack trail network. You can rent bikes from Trail Sports there.
A perfect one-day Kananaskis itinerary
If you have one day in Kananaskis and want to experience a little bit of everything, there are two good ways to approach it.
One option is to build a sightseeing-style day with short walks and scenic stops.
You can begin by stopping at the Kananaskis Visitor Centre as you drive in. It is a good place to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.
From there, head to Barrier Lake. This is one of the places in Kananaskis with plenty of options for activities. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, or just enjoy the shoreline and scenery. There are also hikes leaving from the shores of Barrier Lake.
Next, stop at Mount Lorette Ponds. It is an easy and beautiful walk that works well as a relaxed stop in the day.
If you want to add an easy hike, Troll Falls Hike is nearby Kananaskis Village and makes a great addition.
Stop for lunch in Kananaskis Village. If the weather is nice, grab something to go and enjoy the views around the Village Rim Trail paved trail.
After lunch, continue south toward Upper Kananaskis Lake. Even if you are not doing a hike there, it is worth visiting just to stand by the water and take in the scenery. If the Peter Lougheed Visitor Information Centre is open, it is worth a quick stop, especially for current wildlife and trail information.
If you want to keep the day focused on sightseeing, that is plenty.
The other option is to choose one really great hike and make that the focus of the day. Kananaskis is the kind of place where the drive to and from the trailhead is already part of the experience, so you will not feel like you missed out by skipping lots of smaller stops. Rawson Lake Hike, Chester Lake Hike, or Tent Ridge are all great examples depending on your ability level and how much of a challenge you want.
Tips for visiting Kananaskis
When to visit
Summer, especially July and August, is peak season and the easiest time to access the most areas. But there is really something to do here in every season.
Late September into early October is one of the best times for larch hikes. Spring can be beautiful too, but trails and roads may still be closed, so it is important to check Alberta Parks trail reports before you go. Chester Lake, for example, does not open until late June. If you want easier hikes with some early wildflowers, Bow Valley Provincial Park is a great place to explore.
Winter is also wonderful if you enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Easy trails like Troll Falls are especially fun when they are frozen.
Weather
Mountain weather changes fast, so always bring a warm layer and a rain jacket, even in summer. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, so it is smart to start hikes early and plan to be off exposed ridges by early afternoon.
Wildlife
As always, wildlife safety matters. Bears, cougars, and elk all live in this region. Carry bear spray on every hike, keep it accessible, and make noise on the trail. Check Alberta Parks trail reports for any active wildlife warnings.
What to bring
You should also bring good hiking footwear, plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and offline maps downloaded before you leave home. There are not many places to buy food once you are out in the park, so it is a good idea to pack more than you think you will need.
If you are planning to stay overnight, my guides to Camping in Kananaskis and the Kananaskis Conservation Pass are good resources.
