10 Easy Hikes in Kananaskis

From towering peaks to rolling hills, Kananaskis has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to get some great outdoor exercise in before winter or want to see some amazing autumn scenery from a different vantage point, these are some of the best easy hikes in Kananaskis.

Troll Falls

 

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Troll Falls is a staple hike for Albertans. The family-friendly trail offers a leisurely trek through Mother Nature’s finest handiwork, with only 154m of elevation spread out over 3.4 kilometers. 

The trail has two possible end points, with the main guiding hikers to the bottom of the trail’s namesake waterfall. The other option leads hikers to the top of the falls – where they are met by a creek and additional waterfalls. Both options can be completed with relative ease, and by any skill level. 

The hike has been known in previous years for attracting some uncanny visitors. Placing Troll Dolls amongst the trees– befitting with the hike’s name– became a popular game among hikers. These days, Alberta Parks has asked that people stop leaving the dolls for environmental reasons, saying that the dolls have said: “It’s cold out,” and, “we’d like to stay with you.” 

Nonetheless, the hike’s quirky past clearly demonstrates that it won’t leave you too exhausted to joke around. Only a five minute drive from Kananaskis Village, Troll Falls is the perfect activity to tick off before checking out the available dining and lodging options in the Village. To access Troll Falls, follow Kananaskis Trail from AB-40 S.

Chester Lake

 

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Known to Albertans as an annual autumn attraction, Chester Lake trail is home to seasonal picturesque golden-larch views that spread across the area’s sprawling forest. Outside of the fall, the surrounding soot-coloured slopes of Mt. Chester and Mt. Smuts provide a stark contrast against the emerald-green forest.

Hikers gradually climb 433m of elevation through the pine forest before emerging out of the trees and meeting the shimmering waters of Chester Lake. The incline offers an easy-moderate challenge depending on your skill level, but is broken up by a series of switchbacks before becoming mostly level.

Upon reaching the lake, hikers are rewarded for their efforts with epic panoramic views of the forest they’ve just trekked through. The trail continues and wraps around the lake before leading to a pile of ‘elephant rocks’ – a giant, climbable cluster of boulders that ornament the landscape. 

To access the trailhead for Chester Lake, take the Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W to the Smith Dorrien Trail.

Wedge Pond Loop Trail

 

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Hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and mountain biking are some of the activities for which people flock to Wedge Pond Trail’s flat, sprawling landscapes. The trail itself is only a 1.0 km loop around the pristine waters, making this the perfect destination for a mosey followed by lots of exploration and appreciation for the area’s scenery. 

Most people opt to hang around the lake for a while, utilizing the water for swimming and even paddle boarding. Additionally, this is a popular spot to visit for a picnic, with picnic tables and fire pits available in the day-use area. 

During the winter months, Wedge Pond becomes a sort of starting point for a number of cross-country ski trails. To access the Wedge Pond Trail Loop, take exit 118 from Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W.

Elbow Falls Loop

 

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Elbow Falls Loop is a short 0.8km loop around cascading waterfalls and a flowing river created from Prairie Mountain’s runoff. This hike is extremely popular due to its functionality as a viewpoint and its accessibility. The short trail is well-maintained with a paved ramp from the parking lot, and is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly – aside from the steep and rocky southern portion, which can be avoided.

This area’s alpine waters contrast against the rock formations they flow through, resulting in an epic spectacle of ever changing rock ledges and varying river flows. Continue your stroll to the lower part of the falls, where the water is calmer and you can take a dip in the alpine waters.

To access Elbow Falls Loop, Take AB-8 W and Hwy 22 before turning right onto AB-66.

Mount Lorette Pond Trail

 

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Something about being in nature often prompts us to sit, undisturbed by modern life and cell phones, and contemplate our place in the big old universe. Mount Lorette Pond Trail is the perfect backdrop for just that – with a short 1.0km loop trail. The surrounding woods are complete with tucked away benches and picnic tables, the perfect place to plan your next adventure or have a picnic. The pond exudes serenity with its glacial waters that reflect the mountain peaks high above, and rustling pine trees that trim its edges.

To access Mount Lorette Pond Trail, take exit 118 from Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Kananaskis Village is located just under 10 minutes away, so you can continue your serene experience at Forte Restaurant or Kananaskis Nordic Spa.

Grotto Canyon

 

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Grotto Canyon is slightly more challenging than some others on our list, offering a slight but worthwhile challenge to reach its many points of interest. With 154m of elevation over 7.1km, hikers exchange a bit of a leg workout to reach the trails inukshuk, caves, waterfalls, and even pictographs. This hike offers more of a meandering trail once near the top, providing the perfect environment to spend some time exploring nature. Grotto Mountain itself is named after the grotto-like cave found amongst its mountain slopes. The trail is a popular one year round, offering scenic seasonal backdrops as the leaves fall and snow melts.

In winter, the trail’s numerous waterfalls turn into stunning spectacles of cascading streams, frozen in place against their rocky backdrop. This icy-wonderland also allows hikers to experience a seasonal icewalk, traversing over slabs of ice and packed snow. As per its namesake, this is done while passing through the trails’ cavernous walls, ensconcing you in this magical winter landscape for the duration of this 2.5 hour trek. Grotto Canyon can be accessed from Bow Valley Trail off of AB-1A.

Blackshale Suspension Bridge via Black Prince Trail

 

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The hike to the Blackshale Suspension Bridge is not only stunning and adrenaline inducing, but offers hikers the option to either continue on or stop after re-kindling their fear of heights. Black Prince Trail brings hikers through a thicket of aspen and pine trees, which suddenly open to overlook Blackshale Creek and the bridge that delicately hangs across.

The bridge has become a popular tourist destination, with people planting themselves in the centre of the bridge to get that perfect social media photo. 

Upon crossing the bridge, Hikers have the option to breathe in the mountain air before turning back, or to continue along to where the trail links with Kent South Peak trail.

Lower Kananaskis Lake Trail

 

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Amble around the breezy shores of Lower Kananaskis Lake on partially paved pathways. Lower Kananaskis Lake Trail is a relatively flat 6.8 km located just outside of William Watson Lodge – a year-round, barrier-free wilderness lodge renowned for its accessibility. The trail itself can be accessed via the connecting paved path from William Watson Lodge, or from the Canyon Day Use Area. Both are accessed via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W and Kananaskis Trail/AB-40 S.

Those accessing from William Watson Lodge will notice that the steep hill connecting the trail is broken up by lots of paved switchbacks.

The lake is nestled beneath the overarching peaks of Mount Indefatigable, Mount Lyautey and Mount Sarrail, creating mesmerizing alpine reflections across the water’s surface. Once snow has fallen, the area is renowned as an icy alpine adventureland, becoming an incredibly popular spot to go snowshoeing on its flat winding paths.

Heart Creek Trail

 

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Heart Creek Trail is a gratifying immersion into nature. A narrow creek canyon leads hikers through 4.8 km of creviced rock, accompanied by the sounds of woodland waterfalls. The trek is aided by a number of man-made bridges, making this a great introductory hike for those looking for something that’s both easy and fills their afternoon. 

After walking through a mini canyon and past gurgling creeks and rivers, the small but charming waterfall emerges from behind the pine trees that line the trail. Relax a moment to take in the sounds and smells of the forest, and even explore the surrounding logs, rocks, and cliffs that line the fall. To access the trailhead, Take exit 105 from Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W to Lac Des Arcs Dr and Heart Rd.

Highwood Meadows Trail

 

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Take a stroll from the summit of the highest paved highway in Canada – at 2203m/7239 ft of elevation! Highwood Meadows Trail allows you to start at the top, and start your journey where the best views meet. This 0.6km trail is considered to be barrier-free, meaning it is paved and easily accessible for its entirety. 

During the fall, the area becomes one of the many breathtaking larch-viewing spots in the province, sporting pops of yellow and gold against the areas overlooking alpine giants. In the spring, the trail’s constant meadows become scattered with pops of primary colours, as wildflowers begin to speckle the landscape.

This is a popular trail for those looking to get the best reward for the least activity, as the trailhead is accessed via the equally beautiful Highwood Meadows Day Use Area on Highway 40.

See you on the trails!

Nature is meant to be– and should be– enjoyed by everyone. Kananaskis epitomizes the breathtaking beauty that is nature, and we hope everyone feels inspired to get out there and enjoy this mountainous paradise on a hike. See you on the trails!