Arethusa Cirque Hike

A Sense of Familiarity Amongst Nature

Distance
4.5km

Trail type
Loop

Elevation
378m

Level
Moderate

The Arethusa Cirque hike is one of Kananaskis’ many hidden gems. A year-round spectacle, this trail offers unique larch viewing opportunities in the fall, crunching fields of snow come wintertime, and a variety of exciting terrain in the summer. Upon reaching the top, awe-inspiring views of the surrounding slopes and their seasonally speckled golden or green trees mark the landscape. When hiking Arethusa Cirque in the winter months, we recommend snowshoes to keep you from sinking – available for rent at Kananaskis Outfitters.

 

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Our Little Secret

Arethusa Cirque is a rare hiking trail that combines the scenery and attraction of “official” maintained paths with untamed wilderness left unspoiled by human intervention. It’s the kind of path that makes you wonder, “Why aren’t there more people on this trail?”
As you gaze up at the Cirque, across the panorama of green blanketing the forest, or underneath the ambience of falls golden larches. That being said, maybe let’s not brag about its attributes too much – maybe we like wondering why we have this gem to ourselves.

Tips

This area can be a bear habitat during hiking season. As Arethusa Cirque is less trafficked than other trails, it is even more important to stay bear safe. Bring bear spray or noise makers to scare our forest friends off.