Kananaskis Hiking Trails

Welcome to our detailed guide to the hiking trails of Kananaskis Provincial Park. This page will help you in selecting the perfect hiking trails that suit your interests and capabilities. We have split the Kananaskis hiking trails into easy, moderate, or difficult.

However, it’s important to recognize that these classifications are general guides and, depending on your fitness level, you may find some trails easier or more challenging than described.

We encourage you to click through and carefully read each trail’s description, assessing it against your own hiking ability and fitness level, to ensure the most enjoyable experience in Kananaskis Country’s breathtaking landscapes.

Easy Kananaskis Hiking Trails

These easy Kananaskis hikes are perfect for beginners, families with young children, or those looking for a leisurely walk in nature. These trails are generally less than 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) round trip and have minimal elevation gain, usually less than 150 meters (about 500 feet).

The paths are well-maintained, with some of them being paved or flat enough that they are accessible for strollers and sometimes even wheelchair users. These hikes usually take 1-2 hours to complete, offering a pleasant experience without requiring significant physical exertion.

Click through to read each detailed post on the hike or read or Top Easy Kananaskis Hikes post.

The Grassi Lakes in Canmore have an incredible deep blue-green color

Hiking Grassi Lakes: Your Guide with Local Tips

The Grassi Lakes hike is a scenic and family-friendly trail near Canmore, Alberta, leading to two stunning turquoise lakes set against a backdrop of dramatic … Read more
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View on Ptarmigan Cirque - best larches hikes Kananaskis

Ptarmigan Cirque Hike in Kananaskis

The Ptarmigan Cirque hike is a very popular Kananaskis trail near the Highwood Pass (the highest paved pass in Canada). This fun, kid-friendly Kananaskis hike … Read more
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The Blackshale Suspension Bridge in Kananaskis Country is a popular kid-friendly hike

Blackshale Suspension Bridge Hike in Kananaskis Country

The Blackshale Suspension Bridge is a super fun outing for kids of all ages in Kananaskis Country. I mean, who doesn’t love crossing a bouncy … Read more
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The Troll Falls hike to a pair of beautiful Kananaskis falls is easy and fun for all ages

Troll Falls Hike in Kananaskis

The Troll Falls hike is one of the best easy hikes in Kananaskis. An easy walk through an evergreen & aspen forest to a beautiful … Read more
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West Wind Pass hike with Kids in Kananaskis

West Wind Pass Hike in Kananaskis

The West Wind Pass is one of our favourite short Kananaskis hikes. A highly enjoyable hike up the side of a river valley to a … Read more
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The Heart Creek Trail is one of the best easy hikes near Canmore

Heart Creek Trail in Kananaskis Country

The Heart Creek Trail is an enormously popular Kananaskis hike and for good reason. The Heart Creek hike is fun, easy and beautiful, a powerful … Read more
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MOderate Kananaskis Hiking Trails

These moderate hikes in Kananaskis are ideal for those with a fair level of fitness and offer a more challenging hiking experience. Typically, these trails range from 5 to 15 kilometers (3 to 9 miles) round trip, with elevation gains between 150 to 500 meters (500 to 1600 feet).

The terrain might include uneven surfaces, roots, and small rocks, with some steeper sections. Expect these hikes to take about half a day, providing a challenge without being overly strenuous. They are not usually recommended for very young children or those with limited mobility.

The Arethusa Cirque trail is one of the best larch hikes in Kananaskis

Hiking Arethusa Cirque Trail in Kananaskis

Arethusa Cirque is an extremely scenic short Kananaskis hike near the Highwood Pass. It’s not as well-known as the nearby Ptarmigan Cirque trail or the … Read more
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The Rocky Mountain scenery on the Chester Lake hike in summer is incredible

Chester Lake Hike in Kananaskis Country

Blessed with stunning mountain scenery, the Chester Lake hike is one of the best hikes in Kananaskis. It’s certainly one of the Kananaskis hikes we … Read more
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The Ha Ling trail is one of the most popular hikes near Canmore, Alberta

Ha Ling Peak Hike in Kananaskis Country

The Ha Ling Peak hike is a popular day hike with Canmore and Banff locals. It a short, but very steep slog up the north-western … Read more
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Miners Peak is a great alternative to the Ha Ling trail - one of the most popular hikes near Canmore, Alberta

Miners Peak Hike in Kananaskis Country

The Miners Peak hike is an excellent alternative or add-on to the very popular Ha Ling Peak hike near Canmore, Alberta. Miners Peak and Ha … Read more
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Hiking Wasootch Ridge Kananaskis

Wasootch Ridge Hike in Kananaskis

The first time we hiked Wasootch Ridge, a popular Kananaskis hike, we were blown away by the views. Being up on the ridge offers hikers … Read more
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Yates Mountain Trail is often known as Prairie View Trail or Barrier Lake Fire Lookout Trail

Yates Mountain via Prairie View Trail in Kananaskis

The Yates Mountain Trail is a popular and rewarding Kananaskis hike from the Barrier Lake day use area. One of the best hikes in Kananaskis, … Read more
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Difficult Kananaskis Hiking Trails

The difficult hikes listed here are designed for experienced hikers seeking a challenging and rewarding adventure. These trails often extend more than 15 kilometers (over 9 miles) round trip and feature significant elevation gains of over 500 meters (1600 feet). Hikers will encounter steep gradients, rough and potentially hazardous terrain including loose rocks, stream crossings, and exposed sections.

Completing these hikes can take most of a day or longer, requiring good preparation and a high level of fitness. These trails are not suitable for inexperienced hikers, young children, or anyone with health or mobility issues.

A vista of Canadian Rocky Mountains seen from the top of the Burstall Pass trail in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.

Burstall Pass Trail

A challenging Kananaskis hike, the Burstall Pass Trail passes a series of mountain lakes and meadows on the way to an incredible viewpoint.
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The EORR hike near Canmore involves a lot of scrambles

East End of Rundle Hike (EEOR) in Kananaskis

The East End of Rundle hike is a popular day hike with Canmore and Banff locals. EEOR (pronounced “Eeyore”) is a short, but very steep … Read more
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A woman hiker nears the chain section on the Mount Yamnuska hike

Mount Yamnuska Hike – Kananaskis Country

Mount Yamnuska (officially known as Mount John Laurie) is one of the best hikes in Kananaskis Country. The Mount Yamnuska hike has many iterations, ranging … Read more
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