There are three ice walks in Alberta - and they all provide unforgettable experiences. Enjoy…

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.

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.


















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The 5 things that come with me on almost every hike
I like something comfortable to sit on at lunch time. I love by my almost weightless inflatable seat cushion.
I like using hiking poles, the older I get. On this hike, you aren’t dealing with steep terrain but it’s long enough that it could help take pressure off your knees and hips.
No matter how the day starts I always carry rain gear. And I find a ball cap or brim hat with a chin strap invaluable in the rain or on a hot, in your face sunny day.
I always pack a buff – great on window days to keep the hair out of your face or on a cool day to warm your neck.
Another nice addition for those of you who love wildflowers is the book Popular Wildflowers of Alberta and the Canadian Rockies.
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
- Kananaskis Hikes: Opal Ridge South
Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
Is this the one with the stunning campsite you mentioned? How do you book a campsite there if so?
@Kristen You can click through the link with the name of the campsite. Reservations are done 90 days out. It’s an easy hike to get there.
Hello Leigh:
If you bike in to the Point, is it along a fire road? I have a Burley trailer for my MTB and have been looking for a place to go backpacking by bike. Single track wouldn’t work… LOL!
@Mandy I’d say going clockwise it definitely wouldn’t work as there is the rock pile to deal with. Going the other way it’s narrow at times. I’d call the rangers at Kananaskis and get their comments. At the very least its an easy awesome backpacking trip.
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[…] stay right on the upper trail. The lower trail is best used if you’re planning to hike the Upper Kananaskis Lakes Circuit – a very worthwhile day […]
[…] The Rawson Lake hike in Alberta’s Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is one of a few that you can do year-round, no matter what the weather throws at you. You can knock it off in half a day – whether you hike it in summer or snowshoe it in winter. It’s family-friendly if your kids are regular hikers and are 8 years of age or older. If you want to do a full day of hiking, outside of winter, you can add in the hike-scramble to Sarrail Ridge or the full loop hike around Upper Kananaskis Lake. […]
[…] A Loop Hike Around Beautiful Upper Kananasksis Lake […]