You will now soon arrive at Baruch’s corner, one of the best views of the hike. The trail is well packed so you don’t need any heavy snow equipment, but ice cleats won’t hurt! This is a great hike in the winter! Sunglasses: The sun reflects on the snow and makes sunglasses indispensable, Finally, we advise you to bring a warm hat, scarf, and gloves. Turn right onto Kananaskis Trail/AB-40S. There are quite a few in Kananaskis, and each one is as dazzling as the next. Skip to main content. The canyon through Jura Creek can only be tackled in winter when the water is well frozen under a layer of ice and snow. It’s a hike that doesn’t get much attention, so it’s a great place to escape the crowds. Turn right onto Ribbon Creek Rd and turn into the Ribbon Creek Day Use Area. The trail first takes you through the forest, before reaching a boulder field. When you see the sign for the Karst Spring Trail, follow it. For instance the designated trails to lakes such as Rawson Lake and Chester Lake are are safe. During the snowier months, the trail may be less visible so it may take some time to find the correct path. drive from the west end of Calgary) For a full description on how to get to the trailhead and how to find the canyon, read through to the end of this post where I have directions copied from last year's story that I wrote on Jura Creek, Ice Ice Baby - Winter Canyon Hiking. The hike is more over 9km there and back with more than 400m of elevation gain. You can also see full list of Kananaskis designated trails HERE. Please avoid walking on the ski-tracks and make sure to yield to skiers on the downhill sections, some of them achieve high speeds at these sections. Ribbon Creek snowshoeing in … This trail is very steep, but short, and ends at a viewing platform. Beautiful views, especially in the winter! This trail is so nice in the winter! Globetrotters in heart and soul. The Prairie Mountain trail is an out and back trail that is enjoyable throughout the year but is even more incredible throughout the snowy winter months. These trails are shared with fat bikers during winter, so be sure to keep an eye out and yield to them. Continue on AB-742 until you reach Driftwood Day Use Area. The trail continues and is generally wide and consists of a gravel or dirt packed pathway. Beautiful hike! If the parking lot is complete, you can also park on the side of the road. The trailhead is located off of the Upper Kananaskis Lake Day Use Area. Our selection is based on the distance of the trail, elevation gain, and hikers’ reviews. Kananaskis Country Maps and Interpretive Pamphlets or if you prefer Interactive Maps. Winter hikes to frozen waterfalls are popular with locals and visitors. As you proceed along the trail, watch for a sharp 90 degree turn. We brought spikes and hiking poles which helped a lot! During the winter you can complete the hike easily with ice cleats while enjoying picturesque views of the trees covered in snow. Preparation is the key to make your hiking trip hazard-free. Head out on a Rocky Mountain Blizzard fat bike with 4.5″ wide tires, to visit … 1. For the winter of 2020 - 2021 Active by Nature will provide guided hikes on the trails listed below, on an as requested basis. Upper Kananaskis Lake: A Winter Gem The epic hikes off of Highway 40 just West of Calgary are familiar to many outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning to hike this in the summer or add this to your winter hiking in Kananaskis, we are certain you will love this trail. Explore Marmot Creek’s cascades and waterfalls beyond Troll Falls on the new trail to Upper Falls. There has been frequent requests in social media by snowshoers and winter walkers with little winter experience for information on trails in Kananaskis Country that are not in … Although the temperature may feel OK when you start your day down in the village it may be a lot colder if you are higher up on the mountains and exposed to frisk winds. Keep out of such areas when Avalanche Danger is Considerable or higher. Turn right onto Kananaskis Trail/AB-40S. You can fnd more about this hike here. Kananaskis hikes. Stop and enjoy the view of the mountains and trees covered in snow from this point before continuing on to the lake. Winter trails in Banff and Kananaskis from top left clockwise: Elkwood Loop, Grotto Canyon, Sulphur Mountain, Ribbon Creek. The trailhead is located off of the Chester Lake parking lot. The Rawson Lake Trail is a long and easy hike that has elevation gain but does not get significantly steep at any one point. AllTrails has 411 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. In case you haven’t heard the news yet, Kananaskis Provincial Park is the new Banff National Park. Winter Equestrian use is permitted between the WBC parking lot and West Meadow junction. During the winter highway closure, you can park on the mountain-side of the highway, just past the Elbow Falls parking lot entrance, which will also bring you closer to the trailhead. At just under an hour up, it can quickly be done at sunrise or sunset as well. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. The beautiful dog-friendly Chester Lake Trail is a beautiful winter hike that starts out with a short and steep uphill climb and levels out to become an easy trail that is manageable for many skill levels. Read: Snowshoeing in Kananaskis – 9 Trails to Explore. Beautiful and scenic winter hike! Skip to main content Main navigation. There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. We brought snowshoes, but probably would have been fine with just ice cleats. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites without extra cost to you. The final portion of the hike is steep and involves scrambling. This is a great winter hike! Currently you have JavaScript disabled. The trail starts from the road, opposite of the Engadine Lodge turn-off. You’ll know you are close when you see a turn-off for Mount Engadine lodge. For instance, Burstall Pass is spectacular in winter … This list of 16 hikes is sure to have at least a few options that are perfect for you. Trails above the tree line (2000 m) may be exposed to danger. Bring layers and some hiking poles to make it … Therefore you may face trouble in finding your desired road and end up taking the wrong one instead. The trailhead is located at the southwest corner of the Station Flats parking lot. While there are other good hikes in Kananaskis that can be done in winter, Jura Creek is something special because it's a hike that can not really be done in summer. Not very crowded during the winter months which was a definite plus. The snow was packed so it was easy to hike. Take Highway 22 from Bragg Creek south. It will first get you to the lake and soon after it takes you up the mountain. Elevation Gain: 1,485 m. Difficulty: Easy, but long. Although the views and surrounding peaks were familiar, the scrambling was … He’s very good at mentioning if there is any avalanche Danger. As this parking lot is located lower in the valley it would mean 282 meters more of elevation gain. Next, turn right onto Kananaskis Lakes Trail/AB-742. Kananaskis may not have hikes as famous as those in Banff National Park, but they’re just as incredible. There’s a lot of snow but when we went it was packed down which made it much easier! We went on a snowy day and we didn’t have issues with ice. If you start the hike early in the morning to witness the sunrise, you will be able to get a beautiful and memorable view. This evening tour is just one of many snowshoeing ideas for Kananaskis Country. Right now is a really good time for snowshoeing, the base has firmed up and the snow isn’t yet isothermal (wet from top to bottom), though it's getting there. It’s home to some of the most eye watering hikes, lakes and views in the world and we’ve been preaching it as the must-see destination in the Canadian Rockies for years. The Pocaterra Ridge trail is a point to point trail, which means you will have to coordinate leaving one car at one end, and driving to the other to start. The sight of the snow on the trees made everything look like a postcard. Note that this highway is closed between December and mid-June. The trailhead is located off of the Highwood Pass parking lot. Find information about local companies offering winter hiking tours, ice walks and guiding services for Kananaskis Country, Canmore & Banff. Kananaskis country is an ideal destination for outdoor recreation, and this is only more true during the winter months. Winter Hiking & Ice Walks. We did bring ice cleats just in case. Sunrise hiking elopement is an adventure in the mountains. Turn right onto AB-66 W and then turn onto Ranger Creek Road to access the parking area. It’s a smooth well-maintained trail the entire way, with stunning views over Barrier Lake. Some hikers use this route to build endurance and train for other hikes. This route has an Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale of Class 1. Winter trails in Kananaskis Country will be groomed for the 2020-21 winter season, thanks to a new and innovative partnership with the non-profit group, Nordiq Alberta. When you arrive at the lake, you can choose to hike around it. (about a 45 min. I hike to Chester Lake in Kananaskis in the winter! Be sure to stick to the trail, as if you start to hike uphill at this point you may be in an avalanche risk zone. There’s a new bridge in front of the falls, replacing the temporary log bridge that was in place after the … It’s well maintained but make sure you stay on the designated trail otherwise you might sink into the snow. Be sure to avoid the lakeshore trail during the winter: if you go beyond the advised and maintained winter route, you will be in avalanche terrain. Sometimes a trail can be officially marked as moderate even though hiking it may feel like a walk in the park. Upper Kananaskis Lake trail. You can start with the stairs on the left, which will get most of the challenging elevation gain out of the way upfront. It’s a long loop but we went in for an hour and then turned back to make it work for us. Here’s a comparison table of all the hikes that we cover in this post. Let start this post by sharing some general winter hiking tips. Trails will be groomed in the same locations as previous years: in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, Spray Valley Provincial Park and Sheep River Provincial Park. We took some amazing pictures! Kananaskis Country is an amalgamation of 10 provincial parks that are home to some of the best, and my personal favorite, day hikes in the Canadian Rockies.. The views from the summit are unparalleled! They are also a major tourism draw in the Kananaskis Region. Hiking poles are also a great option. It is recommended to bring ice cleats on this hike. Restrooms are located at the Allen Bill Day Use parking area at the opposite side of Hwy 66. Winter Hiking & Ice WalksKananaskis Country & Banff National Park. Winter trails in Banff and Kananaskis from top left clockwise: Elkwood Loop, Grotto Canyon, Sulphur Mountain, Ribbon Creek Winter outdoor adventures are wonderful, but require a bit more planning to stay safe. For instance, Burstall Pass is spectacular in winter and a worthy objective, but the area above treeline has a number of avalanche-prone slopes. "Kananaskis Provincial Park has lots of great trails for the summer and winter." The vast majority of the hike is spent in the trees, so … After Dinah and I attempted Mount Baldy when it was snow covered a month ago, we returned to climb all three peaks in dry conditions. You can see gorgeous lakes, towering peaks, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife. For the winter of 2020 - 2021 Active by Nature will provide guided hikes on the trails listed below, on an as requested basis. Watridge Trail is a well-maintained trail with wide gravel pathways that is classified as easy. The majority of the hike takes you through the forest and at the midpoint of the hike, you will get to experience the view of the Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail. If that parking lot is complete you can also park your car in the Allen Bill Day use area at the opposite side of the street. The Rummel Lake Snowshoe Trail is a great choice for a more experienced hiker who is looking for a less traveled and more isolated location. Work your way through this list of Banff winter hikes next! However, there is less public funding than there used to be for many services including ski trail grooming. Before you start, study thoroughly about the spots where you are going. Dogs must remain on a leash throughout the area. Tours are available 7 days per week, with start times between 9:00 am and 10:30 am to avoid busiest times on the trails. Turn westbound on Highway 66 and drive to Station Flats, which will be located on the right side of the road. These kind of incidents may lead you to a difficult situation, so check the trail map and trail conditions beforehand. At the next junction, go left to start the Sugar Momma hike. If you have hiking poles, it is worth bringing them for this section alone. Fat Tire Mountain Biking. It’s a smooth well-maintained trail the entire way, with stunning views over Barrier Lake. You will also come across a beautiful frozen waterfall. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. Merge onto AB-22. The Chester Lake area also has trails for skiers. Plans Afoot to Log West Bragg Creek — Again, Alberta Parks Proposal to Remove Trailhead Parking Areas From the Parks System, The new best route to Aura Creek Sand dunes, Spray Lake Sawmills logging plans for K Country. Avalanche hazard occurs from November to June. The view of the mountains and valley covered in snow that is visible through the trees as you climb, Hiking through the snowy forest before coming to a beautiful clearing, The views at the end of the Karst Spring Trail, A great hike with beautiful views where you won’t run into too many other hikers along the way, The large and beautiful meadow surrounded by the mountains, The Rummel Lake Trail is less crowded than most of the other trails in the area – a great options for those craving a more peaceful excursion, The view of the Elbow River as you ascend, The beautiful 360 degree views of the mountains, Ice cleats: Since trails are often icy during winter, we recommend you to bring ice cleats. And while tourists often frequent Canmore and Banff to go hiking, Kananaskis hikes are equally as beautiful and often quieter. While there will likely be snow during the winter, the trail is well maintained and well-traveled so the snow is generally packed and not too icy. If you don’t have any, read our list of recommendations here. Looking for a great trail near Kananaskis Improvement, Alberta? The trail is well maintained and stays relatively flat and even throughout, but the moderate rating comes from the length of the trail. There are loads of trails as you’ll see in the blog below covering the gamut from family-friendly to all day affairs. A winter hike up Baldy Pass in Kananaskis Country won't wow you like some hikes out there - but considering the trailhead is only an hour from Calgary and you can knock it off in half a day, it's a pretty sweet outing. To keep your limbs limber all year long, there are two indoor climbing locations … The first 15 minutes is flat, easy snowshoeing along the shoreline of Upper Kananaskis Lake with spectacular views to the mountains beyond. Once you arrive at the ridge the trail is very well defined and easy to follow. The road eventually becomes a dirt road. The trailhead is located off of the parking lot for Upper Kananaskis Lake. It’s also a great winter hike! From Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, take exit 93 toward Three Sisters Parkway/Bow River Campground. We hiked this trail in the winter. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. There is no official sign, you can use Google Maps and search for “Little Lougheed Trailhead” and it will tell you when you’re there. Where: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. There are many things to do in the winter in Kananaskis. The full loop from the main parking lot is around 16.5km and only around 300m of elevation. ant see much, but it's a great forest hike. The first portion of the trail is a climb with some steep spots, and that same route can be slick with ice on the way down so it’s important to bring ice cleats. So we advise you to check the weather forecast and the trail conditions before you go winter hiking in Banff. It is near both the picturesque Banff National Park and Calgary, and is a beautiful and peaceful location in itself. If you miss this turn, you will end up at Chester Lake (a beautiful but different hiking route). Post. This is the Sugar Daddy trail that will take us back down to the Elbow river. Although you can enjoy it throughout the year, seeing the landscape covered in snow is a unique and memorable experience. The trailhead is 7.4 kilometers past this fork. It wouldn’t hurt to bring hiking poles. There has been frequent requests in social media by snowshoers and winter walkers with little winter experience for information on trails in Kananaskis Country that are not in avalanche terrain. Although the hike may be too long to complete with small children or those who are not as experienced hikers, portions of the hike combined with the day-use areas provide a great excursion. Just be sure to check conditions before you head out. During the snowy months, it’s generally well packed, but ice cleats are recommended. At the highest points of the hike, you will be able to see beautiful views of the mountains surrounding you. Call 911 or satellite phone 403-762-4506 in case of an emergency. Winter Hiking – Kananaskis Troll Falls. They are popular enough that you can count on the trails to be packed down well enough to leave snowshoes behind. There’s a huge amount of variety – with respect to difficulty and terrain. The Black Prince Cirque Trail is a great winter hike in Kananaskis for families and for hikers of most skill levels. 2. The trail is well marked even when there is a lot of snow. If you are going to hike in winter, you must know the … The trailhead is located near the parking area along Ranger Creek Road. The canyon through Jura Creek can only be tackled in winter when the water is well frozen under a layer of ice and snow. In winter, it’s also not a bad idea to throw in a couple of hand or toe warmers as they can emit heat for up to eight hours. There are some small creeks and incredible views of Mount Black Prince – a mountain that stands at 2,939 meters tall. If you don’t have any, read our list of recommendations here. The route takes you through beautiful forested areas with periodic views of the surrounding area. The trail to Rawson Lake starts simply enough. Minimum group size is 2 with a maximum of 6 people, with physical distancing of 2 metres between non-cohorts. Many of these trails fall into the dead easy category, but still they’re very beautiful. The Prairie Mountain hike is a challenging and popular winter hike in Kananaskis. Check Out a Cozy 4-Season Patio. Fat Biking,Hiking (Winter),Horseback Riding (Winter),Snowshoeing,Equestrian,CyclingKananaskis CountryWest Bragg Creek-- West Bragg Creek PRA: Snowy Owl. Once you start this hike, you will proceed for 20 minutes before you come to a fork in the road to start the actual loop. The beginning of the hike will be steep, but don’t let that intimidate you. As if winter hiking into a slot canyon isn’t fun enough, the McGillivray Canyon Trail throws a bunch of obstacles at you along the way. Top Kananaskis Country Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of Hiking Trails in Kananaskis Country, Canadian Rockies on Tripadvisor. We’ve identified a dozen of the most memorable winter hikes in Alberta, arranged by our footwear recommendation. We therefore recommend starting at the Highwood Pass Parking lot. The Ribbon Creek trail is a dog-friendly winter hike in Kananaskis. Proceed along this route until you find the Black Prince Day Use Area. #32 of 84 Outdoor Activities in Kananaskis Country. The trail is marked, but some of the signs may be harder to spot. For more ideas buy Andrew Nugara’s A Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies. It might be hard to find Spencer Creek in winter as it’s just a narrow creek and it will most likely be hidden underneath thick layers of snow. The trailhead is at the entrance to the Mount Shark Parking Lot. You can park your car on the side of the road. We used snowshoes but we would have been just fine with ice cleats. The parking lot was full before noon – come early if you’re coming on the weekend! However, the main hiking season runs from May to October, although some lower-elevation trails are accessible in early spring or late autumn, and higher elevation trails can remain covered in snow until mid-June. The trailhead is located across from the Elbow Falls parking lot, next to the winter gates. 26 reviews. 90% of victims trigger their own avalanche, don’t be one of them. This trail is a great workout, and can be quite challenging at points. Browse our comprehensive directory of Canmore, Banff and Kananaskis-based companies which are featured on this website offer guided services, outdoor adventures and activities to make the most of your visit and enjoy a safe outdoor experience. This is where you will find parking and the trailhead. In winter, say goodbye to mosquitoes and crowds, and say hello to snow-capped peaks and ice falls! With the arrival of winter and the corresponding snowfalls, all mountain-lovers dream of putting on snowshoes and access more comfortably and safely to those wonderful landscapes covered by a white blanket. Tours are available 7 days per week, with start times between 9:00 am and 10:30 am to avoid busiest times on the trails. The Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail is a long but gentle hike through some beautiful scenery. Here are some recommendations for best winter leggings to wear while hiking. Great hike with beautiful views! Stay on trail as the snow is quite deep off trail. Be sure to carry out any trash that you bring in. If that parking lot is complete you can also park your car in the Allen Bill Day use area on the opposite side of the street. Whether you want a challenging all day hike or an easy stroll, Kananaskis offers both and so much more. Once you find the trailhead off of Spray Lakes Road, the trail itself will be well marked with orange ribbons and a small note indicating the trailhead. Winter hiking boots: Good winter hiking boots are indispensable if you go hiking in Banff during winter. From the Trans-Canada Highway, head east and take exit 118. Mount Allan. We brought ice cleats but didn’t need them. Length: 4 km (2.5 mi) to Troll Falls, 6 km (3.7 mi) to Upper Falls round trip. We brought ice cleats which really helped. Continue this way and make a right again at the first junction. But it is generally packed and easy to walk on, especially if you choose to use ice cleats. It’s also good to go all year round – even in the winter. Beyond this point, there is generally less snow on the trail and the sections that have it are much more manageable. Drive on Highway 22, past Bragg Creek towards Highway 66. If this is your first time going winter hiking, take a look at our winter hiking tips below. Hiking up Prairie View Trail is one of the most visually rewarding Kananaskis hikes relative to effort I’ve done. We saw some people with snowshoes but they probably wouldn’t be necessary unless it just snowed. Portions of the trail will have deep snow – snowshoes will help with this as well. The beautiful snow-covered trees that surround you for a majority of the hike, The views of Mount Black Prince from Warspite Lake, The views of the Spray Lakes reservoir from the boulder field. The Sugar Daddy/Sugar Momma hikes are part of the West Bragg/Elbow Trail System. Time: 5 … Drive along the Trans-Canadian Highway, and take the exit for Highway 40. The Best Winter Hikes Canmore. Hiking the first part of the trail alongside Upper Kananaskis Lake you will come to Sarrail waterfall at 1.1 km into the hike, with about 50 m elevation change. Rummel Lake is another extremely quiet and underappreciated hike in Kananaskis. Little Lougheed trail is a mid-length, but steep hike that is challenging but doable during the winter months. The West Wind Pass hike is beautiful year-round but is a particularly good winter hike as although it is challenging at points, it is well marked and well maintained. They’re worth bundling up for, I promise (don’t forget to pack your camera and a hot drink). Another hike close to Canmore and much different than any other hike around Kananaskis area. The trailhead is located at the west end of the day use area. Beyond the end of these trails you are in avalanche terrain. After the first 2 kilometers, the trail levels out. This is an easy trail with kids. Troll Falls and Upper Falls, Kananaskis. Tent Horseshoe Ridge is one of my favorite Kananaskis hikes in all of Alberta, it’s easily … Read on to discover 16 can’t miss winter hikes in Kananaskis. In the summer, this area of Kananaskis booms with eager hikers - but winter brings a special kind of magic to this place. We used snowshoes but we would have been just fine with ice cleats. Here are some recommendations for best winter leggings to wear while hiking. During the winter months, the area receives quite a bit of snow so we advise bringing ice cleats. At the very end of the skinny, winding "Kananaskis Lakes… Trailhead Closures before and during Covid 19.. Turn right onto Smith Dorrien Trail/AB-742 and then turn left onto Kananaskis Lake Trail. There are clearings along the top portion of the hike that are great for taking breaks, and even eat a picnic if weather permits. Next, turn right onto Kananaskis Trail/AB-40 S. Next, turn right onto Kananaskis Lakes Trail/AB-742 and follow this road for 13km until you reach the parking lot of the Upper Kananaskis Lake Day use area.