Northover Ridge Loop Hike in Kananaskis

I'm very focused on the airy part of the Northover Ridge hike

The Northover Ridge Loop hike in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis has been on my radar for years. I have read lots of trip reports about both the airiness of the Northover Ridge, and the drop-offs that could in theory send you to your death on the way to Aster Lake. This year something changed. I knew physically I could always do the hike, but mentally I felt stronger and decided that 2024 was going to be the year.

Was it hard? Yes, but the hike up to Aster Lake Campground wasn’t half as bad as I imagined it to be. Pay attention, don’t rush and any experienced hiker should be fine. Northover Ridge is another beast altogether, especially carrying a backpack. I was nervous, very nervous – on the narrow sections, but I also knew I could do it. It’s amazing what you’re capable of when there really are no other options but to go forward. That’s just what you do.

But make no mistake. You need lots of hiking and backpacking experience before you set out. If you’ve never climbed on steep scree before, this is no place to start. And if airy hikes give you a bad case of sewing machine leg, then give it a pass.

You might want to check out my Instagram reel for what it looks like hiking the Northover Ridge section.

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I'm all smiles now that the hardest parts of the Northover Ridge hike are behind us
I’m all smiles now that the hardest parts of the Northover Ridge hike are behind us

Northover Ridge Loop hike summary

Distance: 33.7 km as a loop hike.

Elevation gain: Approximately 1,500 m.

Time needed: Three days as a backpacker or 6.5 – 9 hours as a runner. (The runners blow me away!!)

Location: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country, starting from the parking lot North Interlakes Day Use Area.

Level of difficulty: Challenging. You need lots of mountain experience that includes scrambling to safely do this hike.

A word of warning: We spoke with a ranger on the way out (who was checking permits) and I asked him about injuries on the trail. He told us they happened frequently, mostly with runners, especially as they didn’t have much to fall back on because they travel light. Every year they do rescues – broken legs, hypothermia, falls, so please go very prepared!!

Dogs: Permitted, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Our dog is agile and did fine though the pads on her paws were sore by the time we got to Three Isle Lake. John dealt with her on the Northover Ridge, making a harness out of her leash. She listened closely, and followed his directions but I couldn’t have dealt with her and Northover Ridge at the same time.

Permits: You will need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. You can purchase one online or at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre on Highway 40. Day passes are $15 and yearly is $90.

Camping: Make reservations up to 90 days before your visit online for the Aster Lake and Three Isle Lake Campgrounds. The tarns in BC – where it’s possible to camp, do not require a reservation. There are obvious campsites by the tarns but there are no facilities and nowhere to hang your food. Consider taking a aUrsack bear resistant bag– something we used on our one week Yukon backpacking trip in Kluane National Park.

Map:Gem Trek Kananaskis Lakes. For a hiking app try Organic Maps as it works offline. It’s great at pinpointing your location and keeping you on the right trail.

Wildlife: You’ll be hiking in grizzly bear, moose and cougar country. We didn’t see so much as bear scat but do carry easy to access bear spray. We saw porcupines at both campsites, so keep your hiking boots and poles in your tent as they love to chew (and destroy) salty things.

Beautiful morning reflection in Aster Lake
Beautiful morning reflection in Aster Lake

How difficult is the hike?

The 33.7 km-long Northover Ridge hike is challenging and technical insofar as there is route-finding and scrambling required. (Many people make a wrong turn around Aster Lake.)

The Northover Ridge itself is 2.7 km long, and while the section closest to Aster Lake is wide and easy to hike, there is a long-exposed section that is shoulder-width wide and airier than many will like – myself included. There is nowhere to retreat quickly in the event of a storm.

Starting into the harder, steeper more exposed part of the Northover Ridge hike
Starting into the harder, steeper more exposed part of the Northover Ridge hike

What is the best time of year to hike the Northover Ridge loop?

August and early September are the best times to hike the Aster Lake – Northover Ridge – Three Isle Lake loop. You want the snow to have melted off the route – and the Aster Creek Canyon to be free of snow – or it’s way too dangerous to hike.

If you go later in August, you’ll also find fewer biting insects around Aster Lake. Typically, the weather too is more stable with fewer thunderstorms. The downside is that there might be smoke – but that seems to occur with such frequency in the summer now, that it’s more a matter of luck.

If you hike in the fall

If you do the Northover Ridge hike in September, you’ll be dealing with fewer daylight hours and more bear activity but chances of a thunderstorm at elevation will be rare.

Try to be spontaneous on this hike as the weather matters. You do not want to be heading up or on Northover Ridge in any type of storm, be it thunder, rain, wind, snow, or hail. There is nowhere to hide on top. Cancel your campsite reservations if the weather forecast is truly bad!!

If you’re concerned about the route’s conditions, call the Kananaskis Visitor’s Centre and ask to speak to someone who can give you an update.

You'll want the Northover Ridge itself to be snow free - and that's why we waited till August
You’ll want the Northover Ridge itself to be snow free – and that’s why we waited till August

Where should I stay on the Northover Ridge backpacking trip?

Assuming you are not a runner knocking off the full Northover Ridge loop in one longish day, plan to do the hike with a stay at Aster Lake Campground on night one and Three Isle Lake Campground on night two (or vice versa if you go counter-clockwise).

You can book both Alberta Parks campsites online 90 days out.

Some people will hike all the way back to their car from the Aster Lake Campground and knock it off in two days, but I wouldn’t recommend it, unless you’re in amazing shape.

The revamped Aster Lake Campground enjoys a scenic location
The revamped Aster Lake Campground enjoys a scenic location

What direction should I hike the Northover Ridge Loop?

I was told by two runners I respect to hike the Northover Ridge in a clockwise direction – though we saw many people doing it the other way.

I think the advantages are that it’s easier going up the exposed scree-rock mix towards Aster Lake rather than down and while it’s very steep coming off Northover Ridge, I think it would be way worse going up with a loaded pack.

Something we all hadn’t considered until after we’d finished the hike is that if you’re right-handed, you will be hiking Northover Ridge with your strongest hand/arm available to negotiate the rocks. It might not count for a lot but when you’re balanced precariously, it counts for something.

We met these guys running the Northover Ridge loop counter-clockwise
We met these guys running (sliding) the Northover Ridge loop counter-clockwise

Part of the steep section coming off Northover Ridge as we head for Three Isle Lake Campground
Part of the steep section coming off Northover Ridge as we head for Three Isle Lake Campground

Backcountry Hazards on the Northover Ridge

  • Wild animals like bears or cougars.
  • Loose and falling rock.
  • Rapidly rising water and unassisted stream crossings.
  • Difficult exposed terrain and route finding.
  • Rapidly changing weather.
  • Limited or no cell service to access 911.

What should I bring on the hike?

Always take the 10 hiking essentials but because this hike is remote compared to most in Kananaskis – and challenging – I would also recommend that you carry aGarmin InReach Mini 2in case of emergency.

If you have ANY concerns about snow, carrymicrospikes.

Hiking polesare incredibly useful, especially collapsible ones you can attach to your pack when you don’t need them.

Awater filteris a must. And lots ofhigh energy protein bars.

It was cold at night even in early August, so don’t forget adown jacket, a cozy hat, and gloves. Take awarm sleeping bagand aninsulated sleeping pad.

John, our friend Judy and I ready to start the Northover Traverse Loop hike
John, our friend Judy and I ready to start the Northover Traverse Loop hike

Northover Ridge loop hike description – Day 1 – Upper Kananaskis Lake to Aster Lake Campground

Distance: 11.4 km

Elevation gain: Approximately 550 m

Aster Lake Campground facilities: Six tent pads. Pit toilet, grey water disposal, bear lockers, two picnic tables and one bench. Water source is a nearby stream. No fires permitted.

We were hiking by about 10 AM on a perfect August day. As we chose the clockwise loop, we started from the North Interlakes Day-Use area by Upper Kananaskis Lake and took the lower trail by the lake 0.8 km into the hike. (The upper trail heads to the Forks and Three Isle Lake Campgrounds.)

The hiking is easy and scenic for the next 5.0 km as you make your way past the turnoff to the Point Campground, over a bridge spanning Lower Kananaskis Falls to reach the signed turnoff to Hidden Lake.

The trail is rougher and the trees larger and more densely spaced on the way to Hidden Lake. I understand that if it’s been a rainy summer, the water level of Hidden Lake could be high – forcing you into the trees, but we had no such issues and remained on the trail. Above Hidden Lake you’re in forest for about 15 minutes an when you pop out, the tough climbing begins.

Hiking up the canyon on the scree slopes of the west face of Mt. Sarrail isn’t hard per se other than catching your breath, put sections of it are above a big vertical drop – which can be intimidating, though less so on the ascent then the descent in my opinion. Pay close attention to your foot placement as this is no place to fall.

You head up towards a waterfall (see photos below) – cross the stream and then deal with one more obstacle – a shimmy up a wide chimney, or a walk up a green bench and then an easy climb on rocks with good traction to meet up above the chimney. Our dog required a lift to get up the chimney section.

From there you’ll reach Foch Pond where there is a ranger patrol cabin which we didn’t visit. From here on it’s up and down, mostly on dirt trails lined by August wildflowers. Cross over a stream and then zig zag up a rocky cliff beside scenic Fossil Falls gorge and pop out by the bear boxes and picnic tables at the Aster Lake Campground. A little further on towards Aster Lake you’ll find 6 tent pads – though there are really 7 as one has been well used but isn’t numbered.

Great views of Upper Kananaskis Lake at the start of the hike
Great views of Upper Kananaskis Lake at the start of the hike
Hiking counterclockwise around Upper Kananaskis Lake through a rock field on the way to the turnoff to the Aster Lake Campground
Into the forest on a good trail on the way to Hidden Lake
Negotiate a rocky trail above Hidden Lake
Negotiate a rocky trail above Hidden Lake
Looking down at Hidden Lake with Upper Kananaskis Lake below Mt. Indefatigable
Looking down at Hidden Lake with Upper Kananaskis Lake below Mt. Indefatigable
The trail climbs towards Aster Lake, steeply at times on the Northover Traverse hike
The trail climbs towards Aster Lake, steeply at times
Note the trail cutting across steep slopes where you don't want to fall!
Note the trail cutting across steep slopes where you don’t want to fall!
We're heading to the right of the waterfall
We’re heading to the right of the waterfall
Getting close to the last obstacle on the way to Aster Lake Campground on the Northover Traverse hike
Getting close to the last obstacle on the way to Aster Lake Campground on the Northover Traverse hike
A beautiful view looking back (note the faint trail through the scree) to Hidden Lake
A beautiful view looking back (note the faint trail through the scree) to Hidden Lake
Judy and I opted to climb a grassy ramp and then scamper up a short rock face with lots of good handholds
Judy and I opted to climb a grassy ramp and then scamper up a short rock face with lots of good handholds
John had to help the dog up through this notch and then pull himself up to meet Judy and I just above this obstacle
Enjoy views of Fossil Falls for a good long while as you hike up towards the Aster Lake Campground
Enjoy views of Fossil Falls for a good long while as you hike up towards the Aster Lake Campground
Easy hiking from here through the wildflower-filled forest to Aster Lake Campground on the Northover Traverse hike
Easy hiking from here through the wildflower-filled forest to Aster Lake Campground on the Northover Traverse hike
The wildflowers the second week of August were a total delight
The wildflowers the second week of August were a total delight
A brief stop at Foch Pond
A brief stop at Foch Pond
Aster Creek beside the Aster Lake campground drops into a rocky gorge
Aster Creek beside the Aster Lake campground drops into a rocky gorge
Aster Lake Campground is a very pretty one
Aster Lake Campground is a very pretty one

Northover Ridge loop hike description – Day 2 – Aster Lake Campground to Three Isle Lake Campground

Distance: Approximately 11.9 km

Elevation gain: Approximately 630 m.

Three Isle Lake Campground facilities: 16 tent pads, pit toilets, bear lockers, picnic tables. No fires permitted.

Today will be a day to remember. By the time you roll into Three Isle Lake Campground you’ll feel a great sense of satisfaction for making it across Northover Ridge in one piece. For some it will be nothing special as you’re used to airy ridge walks. For the rest of us, it’s a thrill that comes with a real sense of accomplishment.

The hike starts off easily enough as you head for Aster Lake and continue clockwise around it. The trail is narrow so be careful you don’t slip into the lake. Continue across the gravel flats and then start climbing the grassy slopes towards a pass. As the grade starts to moderate look right and you’ll see a gully with a well-trodden path. Take that, but exercise caution as you get near the high point.

Ahead on your left are the two Northover tarns – where you can camp free of charge because it’s in British Columbia. Climb steeply up to Northover Ridge. I boot climbed part of it on snow as it was easier going than the rock. Reach the high point of Northover Ridge at 2,830 m.

The views once on the ridge are glorious. To the west is the Royal Group made up of eight peaks including massive Mount King George and two glaciers. To the east is Mount Lyautey and south is the Mangin Glacier and Mt. Joffre.

You’ll be hiking the Great Divide separating BC from Alberta as you make your way along Northover Ridge. The first part was easy enough with minor elevation changes but nothing crazy. The trail early on was wide too.

As we moved towards the narrower part of Northover Ridge – I thanked my lucky stars that we had one of the nicest, non-windy summer days you could ever have. Sheer luck on our part as I’d booked the campsites in May.

As we got closer and closer to the crux of the ridge, my heart beat harder and harder. I was laser focused on foot placemen and made steady progress. I took the time to look around on occasion and curse – and then continued as the easiest way down was continuing forward.

As described by Craig Copeland in The Premier Trails in Kananaskis Country Near Calgary and Canmore – “at one point you must step from one dinner-plate-size stone to the next, with the earth falling away dramatically on either side.”

After passing the narrowest part of the ridge, the hiking got easier bit by bit. There were more ups and downs before we descended to the pass. From there we descended a steep scree slope that would be truly awful going up.

Continue the descent looking for the trail through the muddy flats that will lead you to Three Isle Lake. I think the route finding through here is also less of an issue going clockwise as you get a good overview of where you’re heading from up high.

Once you reach Three Isle Lake turn right and hike counter-clockwise around the lake to reach a set of stairs going up to the campground. There are two camping locations at Three Isle Lake. Go right at the top of the steps for the closest campsites. If you go left, it’s a 0.5 km walk to the other part of the campground and after a day like today, you probably are ready to sit – and maybe even swim.

Don't fall into the water on the narrow trail around Aster Lake
Don’t fall into the water on the narrow trail around Aster Lake
Enjoy the wildflowers not far from Aster Lake
Enjoy the wildflowers near Aster Lake
Cross the gravel flats and start heading up the grassy slope towards Northover Ridge
Cross the gravel flats and start heading up the grassy slope towards Northover Ridge
We all loved this easy part on the Northover Ridge loop hike
We all loved this easy part on the Northover Ridge loop hike
Hang a right above the grassy patch and zig zag up this scree slope
Hang a right above the grassy patch and zig zag up this scree slope
Another place where you wouldn't want to fall though at least you probably wouldn't die
Another place where you wouldn’t want to fall though at least you probably wouldn’t die
The tarn on the left is in BC - and you can camp by it but there is nowhere to hang your food!
The tarn on the left is in BC – and you can camp by it but there is nowhere to hang your food!
What a view looking down at the tarns on the BC-Alberta border
What a view looking down at the tarns on the BC-Alberta border
The easy part of the Northover Ridge is closest to Aster Lake
The easy part of the Northover Ridge is closest to Aster Lake
Northover Ridge is getting steeper and airier
Northover Ridge is getting steeper and airier
The mountain views are out of this world from Northover Ridge
The mountain views are out of this world from Northover Ridge
Quite the dropoffs on either side of the Northover Ridge
Quite the dropoffs on either side of the Northover Ridge
Through the airy part and now trying to enjoy our surroundings on the Northover Traverse
Through the airy part and now trying to enjoy our surroundings on the Northover Traverse
The hiking is getting easier as we descend to the pass
The hiking is getting easier as we descend to the pass
Looking down into a desolate looking valley from the end of the Northover Ridge
After the scree we can see Three Isle Lake in the distance
After the scree we can see Three Isle Lake in the distance
Three Isle Lake
Three Isle Lake
This porcupine hung out around the eating area at Three Isle Lake for at least an hour
This porcupine hung out around the eating area at Three Isle Lake for at least an hour

Northover Ridge loop hike description – Day 3 – Three Isle Lake Campground to the parking lot

Distance: 10.4 km

Elevation loss: 475 m

If you’re hiking counterclockwise read my blog on the hike to Three Isle Lake.

The hike down to the parking lot from Three Isle Lake Campground took us about 3.5 hours with a snack break at the Forks Campground. I’ve done this route three times now and it never gets old.

The descent off the headwall is steep and you do need to take your time as there’s plenty of pea-sized scree to land you on your butt. After 3.0 km reach the Forks Campground. It’s got pit toilets and picnic tables, so it’s the perfect place for a short break.

From the Forks Campground to the parking lot, the trail is very good, mostly flat and fast. Cross the Kananaskis River and then Invincible Creek, 3.8 km from the parking lot. Hike through the Palliser Rockslide and stay high on an old rocky road. Below you’ll see the trail you hiked to Aster Lake. From the intersection on a side trail down too the lower trail around Upper Kananaskis Lake, it’s 2.1 km to the parking lot.

Congratulations. You did it – but would you do the Northover Traverse Loop hike again?

The view from near the top of the headwall before you reach Three Isle Lake
The view from near the top of the headwall before you reach Three Isle Lake

More backpacking trips in Kananaskis Country

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The Northover Ridge 3 day loop hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta

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