A Loop Hike Around Beautiful Upper Kananaskis Lake

The loop hike around Upper Kananaskis Lake is a moderate one that offers lake side walking along with beautiful mountain views. I’d classify the 15.8 kilometre hike as easy if it weren’t for its length. You never have to climb more than 60 metres above Upper Kananaskis Lake but the trail is undulating and there is a surprising amount of vertical over its 15.8 kilometres.

The start of the Upper Kananaskis Loop also provides nice views of Lower Kananaskis Lake

Where to start the Upper Kananaskis Lake Loop

Reach the trailheads in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park after approximately a two hour drive from Calgary. Take Highway 40 and then Highway 742 and follow the signs. 

We started our hike from the parking lot near the North Interlakes picnic area. The other option is to park at the Upper Lake Trailhead. (See photo of the map at the end of the post.) We opted to hike in a counter clockwise direction though I don’t think it really matters. We did the hike in November before the snow arrived. It’s also a great early season hike and it would be an awesome hike in summer.

What you see on the loop hike

Mountain views from the get-go are excellent especially if you catch a bluebird day. You can see Mount Lyautey, Mount Sarrail, Mount Foch and Mount Fox from portions of the trail.

Cross the dam and enjoy a pleasant walk through the forest alongside the lake until you reach a section of rockfall called the Palliser Slide. Look up to your right and you’ll see Mount Indefatigable.

Upper Kananaskis Lake Camping

Hike counterclockwise around Upper Kananaskis Lake. Once you’re through the rockfall reach The Point Backcountry Campground. This is one of the nicest campgrounds I’ve come across in Alberta. Camp sites are scattered across the peninsula and some overlook the lake. All have tent pads and picnic tables and there’s a good supply of firewood provided. Book early for summer weekends.

Continuing counterclockwise around the lake

From there it’s a long stretch of walking along the south shore of Upper Kananaskis Lake – past a couple of waterfalls. For the most part the views are still excellent and there’s even the rare bench to rest your by now weary body.

Look for the trail to Rawson Lake. If you have the energy it would be very worthwhile. You can continue even further up to Sarrail Ridge. Otherwise come back and hike into it from the Upper Lake Trailhead and enjoy it as a much shorter day hike.

The final section of trail hugs the shoreline of the lake. I was in awe of the number of old tree trunks with a new life as driftwood.

All told allow approximately five hours to hike the full loop. An out and back hike especially starting where we did would also be a great way to spend a few hours.

The photos take you on a hike around the lake in a counterclockwise direction.

It’s a windy day when Kananaskis Lake is nothing but whitecaps

For most of the hike you’re in close proximity to Upper Kananaskis Lake

Part way around the lake you reach the Palliser Slide and nothing but mountain views

Check your mileage with this map

A pretty forest section with mountain views

The campsite is close by

There’s a beautiful campground beside the lake with excellent, private campsites

Book a campsite 90 days out

Pass a couple of waterfalls on this hike

Cool off here in the summer

Enjoy the mossy beauty of the forest

If you’ve got the energy you could add on an out and back to Rawson Lake

Don’t mind if I do stop and admire the view

There’s some off trail exploring to do as well – especially in summer

Campfire anyone?

I guess practicing bagpipes along this trail is a good a place as any – probably keeps the bears away

Back full circle – 15.8 kms later

Take a picture of the map on your phone as a backup – so you always have it with you

Other nearby hikes you might enjoy include the following:

• The King Creek Ridge Hike in Kananaskis Country
• The Hike to Black Prince Cirque
• The Hike to Burstall Pass in Kananaskis Country

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