Grand Views For A Small Hike
Whether it be the crisp spring air or the welcoming breeze of summer, your perfect hike may just be this 2-3 hour one in Kananaskis. The Black Shale Suspension Bridge hike offers hikers and families the opportunity to enjoy verdant-lined paths, aqua-blue lakes and stunning views of the Canadian Rockies without the exertion of a more advanced hike. Located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, this well-groomed trail highlights a suspension bridge with views as rewarding as those from any summit – year-round. Kids will marvel at the forest floor below, feeling the magic of Kananaskis as they watch the clouds evaporate into the horizon.
Where Is It?
Located a mere 105-minute drive from Calgary turn off the TransCanada onto Highway 40, then exit onto the Smith-Dorrien Highway and drive approximately 3 km. The Black Shale Suspension Bridge trail does not have an official trailhead. You’ll know that you’ve gone 200 m too far if you spot the Peninsula Day Use Area. Parking is accessible in the Mount Black Prince parking lot. The Peninsula trailhead is found on the east side of the highway.
Blackshale Suspension Bridge Via Black Prince
The suspension bridge may be the highlight of the hike, but the slow, elevated climb to the top can also be appreciated as the forest teems with life and colour. Walking from the Black Prince Day Use Area – 300 m across the Smith-Dorrien Highway – the trail will lead you to the right. The smooth, wide path is accessible to hikers, runners, and mountain bikers in the warmer months, providing plenty of options to reach the bridge for future trips (we promise you’ll come back!). The trek to the suspension bridge lasts 3 km, enough to build anticipation for the picturesque scenes. The bridge slopes through an open awning in the heart of the forest, allowing you to take in the rugged architecture of mother nature. While Black Prince parking lot hosts an arrangement of picnic tables, you may also choose to take a snack break close to the suspension bridge’s outcropping of trees and open skies.
Tips
- This is a popular trail. During peak times there is a safety limit of 20 people on the bridge at once. Hiking earlier gives you more selfie time with the trees!
- Leashed dogs are welcomed on the trail.
- The Black Prince Cirque Interpretive trail branches from the parking lot for an extra 4.8 km loop around the glassy Warspite Lake.
- As mountain bikers frequent this trail, stay aware while you hike the path up to the suspension bridge.
- Practice caution on the suspension bridge and bring bear spray as warmer months draw bears and cougars to the area.
- Before you leave, check the weather pattern and trail reports for the Black Prince Area.
- Fill up on water before you go as this trail does not offer drinking water facilities.