Kananaskis Country : The collection of Provincial Parks and wildland areas is located about an hour’s drive west of Calgary. Visitors arriving by car need to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Although Kananaskis may not be as famous as Banff, it sees a lot of visitors as it offers various activities. Kananaskis has something for everyone visiting – beautiful ponds, lakes, towering mountain peaks, rivers, hikes and biking trails.
Here are 6 amazing places to visit in Kananaskis…
Troll Falls
The Troll Falls hike is one of the most popular & easy hikes in Kananaskis Country. It is a must visit destination if you’re looking for a stunning waterfall with amazing views. Troll Falls is located in Kananaskis Country, about an hour’s drive west of Calgary and just 25 minutes from Canmore. You can easily do this hike within 60 minutes out and back.
If you want to hike a bit more, continue to Marmot Falls and Upper Troll Falls, this will take an additional 20-30 minutes. The Troll Falls hike is one of the short, easy and family friendly hikes in Kananaskis Country. You can enjoy this beautiful trail all year round. In summers, you can enjoy lush greenery; however, in winters it becomes a frozen wonderland.
Wedge Pond
The peaceful Wedge Pond sits against the majestic backdrop of Mountains and instantly takes your breath away. Whether you plan to spend the whole day here or make a quick stop, Wedge Pond promises an enjoyable time. Situated at a small drive from Calgary, this place offers a calm atmosphere. While you can visit Wedge Pond throughout the year, the mountain at its south casts a big shadow all over the place during winter.
Irrespective of your fitness level you can take a walk in the short loop trail circling Wedge Pond. You can complete the entire loop within half an hour provided you don’t make lengthy halts for admiring the scenery. The waters of Pond are pretty calm and you can go paddleboarding during summer months. Despite its small size, Wedge Pond can keep adventure junkies happy with a wide variety of water activities. Bring your picnic boxes along as Wedge Pond offers numerous picnic tables lining the shoreline.Â
Barrier Lake
Barrier Lake is a scenic place which will leave you in awe from the moment you experience its turquoise blue waters lined by rugged peaks. If you are visiting the Canadian Rockies, then you can make a perfect day trip to Barrier Lake, which is just a short drive from Calgary. Whether you are a solo traveller or have kids along, Barrier Lake offers the perfect blend of nature’s beauty and family-friendly activities.
Water babies can rejoice as Barrier Lake offers ample opportunities to enjoy its pristine water from up close. When the weather is normal and the water is calm, you can try out kayaking, paddle boarding and even canoeing. You will find some of the most picturesque hiking trails in Kananaskis surrounding Barrier Lake. For those who enjoy fishing, this beautiful lake can offer an excellent opportunity.
Continue reading amazing places to visit in Kananaskis…
Elbow Lake
The Elbow Lake hike in the Highwood Area is a perfect, family-friendly adventure. With a short distance from the trailhead to the lake, it’s an ideal first backpacking trip. Moreover, the trail offers a great introduction to hiking for beginners, families with kids, or those hiking with older relatives. Despite a moderate climb at the start, the vast, well-maintained path provides numerous scenic viewpoints to rest.
Starting from the Elbow Pass parking lot, the well-signed path takes you through 0.6 miles of wide trail until you enter a beautiful cirque with stunning mountain views. We recommend using microspikes during winter, as heavy snow can pack the trail. The path remains well-traveled up to the campground, where you’ll likely see tents pitched, even in the colder months. Prepare for strong winds on the lake’s eastern side, especially in winter, when hiking becomes more challenging.
Grassi Lakes
If you’re hunting for an outdoor adventure that’s easy on the legs and a feast for the eyes, look no further than the mesmerizing Grassi Lakes near Canmore. You can hike the Grassi Lakes trail all year round. But, a word of caution – keep an eye on avalanche cycles during winter and spring. This short 2-kilometer (4-kilometer round trip) hike climbs 250 meters. Plan for 2-3 hours to explore the lakes fully. If you are an experienced hiker, you can do it in 1-1.5 hours round trip. To avoid crowds, hike early or later in the evening, especially during summer. Be aware of wildlife like bears, moose, coyotes, and cougars. Don’t forget to carry a bear spray while hiking.
Elbow Falls, Kananaskis
Found near Bragg Creek, a 40 minutes road trip from Calgary, Elbow Falls makes for an amazing day trip in the Kananaskis region. There’s a plethora of wildlife in the area, so keep your eyes out for some native creature spotting. The hike is a mere 0.8 km loop trail and well worth the pay-off, making it a great easy Kananaskis hike for families. The fall is only about 6 meters tall; however the limestone and pine forest landscape makes it an exemplary picture-perfect Alberta experience. There are several viewing platforms to enjoy the sights and crystal clear water. It’s easily accessible all around the year; each season brings its own unique beauty.
Check out all the details about Kananaskis Conservation Pass.
