One of the most beautiful hikes in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is Upper Kananaskis Lake Loop.
I hiked this trail several times and each time was amazed at the scenery.
It is not the hardest hike and elevation gain is minimal but it is quite long.
How Hard is Upper Kananaskis Lake Loop Trail?
This is a relatively easy hike and almost anyone can do it.
Based on my Apple Watch the distance is 17 km and the total elevation gain is 350 m.
The trail is very easy to follow and it is mostly flat.
17 km might sound a lot but with a few breaks, it can easily be done in 5 hours when the trail is dry.
However, Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail conditions will vary depending on when you decide to go.
If you go early in the summer, it will be muddy and you might encounter some snow.
The best time to hike Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail is between the end of June and the end of August.
Of course, if you don’t feel like doing an entire hike, you can always do a shorter version.
How to Get From Calgary to Upper Kananaskis Lake in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park?
If you are driving from Calgary, take Trans-Canada Highway towards Banff and then turn onto Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail) at Stoney Nakoda Casino.
Drive south on Highway 40 towards the turn to Kananaskis Lakes.
It will be on your right side just before the winter gate.
From there follow the signs to Upper Kananaskis Lake.
This hike is the loop so it doesn’t really matter where you park along the Upper Kananaskis Lake but I prefer to park at the furthest left side of the lake by the washrooms.
The same spot where you would park if you were hiking Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge.
If you live in the south of Calgary or Okotoks, it might be faster to take Highway 541 road to Highwood Pass from Longview.
This road is almost always empty and I love taking it.
However, keep in mind that Highwood Pass road is closed from December to the middle of June.
Hiking Upper Kananaskis Lake Loop Trail
Before planning your trip it might be worth checking the Alberta Parks website to ensure that the trail is not closed due to bear activity.
However they usually only close the Rawson Lake trail.
Like anywhere else in the mountains the weather can change quickly and I definitely recommend bringing some warm clothes and a rain jacket.
When I was there the last time, it was raining for almost half of my hike even though based on weather forecast it was supposed to be a sunny day.
This trail is pretty easy to follow and it just goes along the lake.
As you start going clockwise, you will see a waterfall where Rawson Creek enters the Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Rawson Creek inlet is a popular fishing spot in the summer.
Just make sure to get a fishing license and check the regulations if you want to do some fishing there after your hike.
Shortly after you will see the intersection with a sign.
If you go left you will end up at Rawson Lake, so continue going straight instead along the lake.
Hike to Rawson Lake is pretty easy and awesome as well but it might be a little too much to do both on the same day.
As you continue walking, you will see a lot of epic spots along the way where you can take awesome photos.
The trail goes mostly through the forest and there is quite a bit of shade which is great during the hot summer days.
In the middle of the hike, you will pass Upper Kananaskis River and waterfalls which is a great spot for a picnic.
Not far from there you will see Point Campground.
It is a pretty awesome spot to camp.
If you want to camp there, book your camping spot in advance.
From there the trail will become rockier and you will need to do a few climbs before you reach a scenic spot where you will get an aerial view of the Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Walking further you will get to the dam that connects Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes.
There you will also see Interlakes parking lot and day use area.
Some people start their hike from there instead and go counterclockwise.
There is also a campground which is usually quite busy during the summer months.
Continue walking along the Upper Kananaskis Lake and soon you will be back where you started.
Conclusion
Upper Kananaskis Lake loop trail is a perfect full-day family hike that allows you to explore the lake, rivers, and waterfalls on the same day.
If you are in the area and only have one day, I would definitely recommend doing this trail to really get a taste of what Kananaskis Country in Alberta has to offer.
Did you know that your internet service provider can track your online activity? Want to hide your identity online and keep your browsing habits private? Try NordVPN!
*This post might contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I might receive a small commission.
