Ultimate Guide to the Canadian Rockies

NOTE: IF YOU'RE SEEING THIS GUIDE IT IS BECAUSE YOU'RE ON MY VIP LIST TO BE THE FIRST TO SEE MY GUIDES! I'M STILL ADDING MORE PHOTOS & LINKS, BUT I WANTED TO GET THIS TO YOU ASAP. I APPRECIATE YOU BEING ONE OF MY SUPPORTERS AND HOPE THIS INFO IS HELPFUL TO PLANNING YOUR TRIP!

Visiting the Canadian Rockies? I’ve done the hard work for you and compiled all of the most important information about the Canadian Rockies for you in this guide below!

The Canadian Rockies is nothing short of a bucket list adventure that everyone should experience in their lifetime! You could spend months there, and while this guide can't cover it all, I want to focus on  the spots where I believe you'll create memories that stick with you your whole life. I've included the can't-miss locations, some hidden gems, and most importantly how to spend your time in each area to squeeze the most out of your trip to the Canadian Rockies!

Regions Covered in this Guide: Yoho National Park, Jasper, Banff, Kananaskis Country

What to Expect when Visiting

Stepping foot into the Rockies might as well be stepping into another dimension. From one peak to the next, it's a mountain-lovers paradise full of alpine lakes and untamed wilderness. Towering mountains draped in snow, enchanting alpine meadows, crystal-clear turquoise lakes, and wildlife encounters you've only dreamed of. It's deserving of a spot on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket-list. This guide will equip you with all you need to know, from practical tips to personal experiences. So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let's plan your adventure to the heart of Canada's natural beauty - the Canadian Rockies.

General Info

• Location: The Canadian Rockies stretch across the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta
• Established: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site on September 28, 1984.
• Area Size: 180,000 square kilometers (44.5 million acres)
• Most Known For: Towering peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. The region is home to prominent national parks like Banff, Yoho, and Jasper.
• Top Activities: Hiking, canoeing, skiing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing
• Miles of Hiking Trails: Over 15,000 miles (24,140 km) of hiking trails; there's an adventure for everyone from the novice hiker to the seasoned trekker.
• Top Wildlife to See: Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even the elusive Caribou!
• Top Flora to See: The region boasts a diverse range of flora, from alpine wildflowers to ancient cedar and hemlock forests.
• Annual Visitors: The 4 National Parks in the region alone host over 8 million tourists annually.
• Closest Major Airport: The closest major airport to the Canadian Rockies is Calgary International Airport (YYC), located about 1.5 hours drive from Banff.

Getting There

1. Flying in: I highly recommend flying in to the Calgary International Airport in Alberta. This is going to be your best option for the most flight availability and relatively affordable flight options. Just going to Jasper National Park? Edmonton International Airport is similar driving distance as YYC, but don't let this fool you; The transportation options from Calgary are better, the route there is magical, and you can see so much more along the way.  
2. By Car: The most common and arguably most scenic experience of the Canadian Rockies is by car. From Calgary, you'll spend most of your time road tripping along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and the famous Icefields Parkway. Dont be surprised to see Grizzly Bears or other wildlife crossing the Icefields Parkway ready for their close-up with an absolutely epic mountain backdrop behind them.
3. By Campervan or RV: Looking to road trip the Canadian Rockies on a budget? Although this guide won't cover the details of vanlife in the rockies, renting a campervan is a great way to combine your vehicle rental cost and your accommodation cost into one. It won't save you huge amounts since the demand for this option is pretty high, but it might help cut costs and it's a fun way to explore; Some of my best memories have been made renting campervans!
4. By Shuttle Service: If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride, there are various shuttle services and buses that operate between Calgary and Yoho, Banff, and even Jasper. These services typically include pick-up and drop-off at the Calgary International Airport and several locations within the park. It's a convenient option, but it doesn't allow you the freedom this road trip deserves. I only recommend this option in special cases, or if you're only planning to visit a single area.
5. By Train: For a truly unique way to see the Canadian Rockies, consider flying into Vancouver and taking one of the most scenic train rides in the world! The Rocky Mountaineer offers an unforgettable journey to the Canadian Rockies from Vancouver via the Kamloops. You'll get to experience Banff, lake Louise, Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway by motor coach as part of the package! I won't lie, this is a luxury experience and it doesn't come cheap as the 10 day trip will typically range from $4,000 to $7,000 per person. It's an option that will certainly have its appeal depending on what you're looking for and you can still use this guide to choose top excursions!

When is the Best Time to Visit the Canadian Rockies?

There are few trips better than a late Summer or Fall trip to the Canadian Rockies. That being said, it's a year-round destination, and epic in every season. However, your ideal time to visit will depend on your interests and desired experience, so I'll break down what the options are going to look like.

Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time to visit the Canadian Rockies. The weather is warm, trails are open, and the lakes are at their most vibrant. This is the best time for hiking, camping, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. However, popular spots can get crowded, and accommodation can book up quickly.

Fall (September to October): Fall in the Rockies is a spectacular sight; If you time it right, golden larches will be lighting up the mountainsides. The weather is cooler but still pleasant for hiking, and the summer crowds have started thinning out. You may catch the elk rutting season too!

Winter (November to March): If you love winter sports, this is the time to visit the Canadian Rockies. The mountains turn into a winter wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, and snowshoeing. The downside is that some roads and facilities may be closed, but if the snowy landscapes and quieter atmosphere are what you're looking for, then it's a great time.

Spring (April to May): Spring is a bit of a gamble in the Rockies. It can be difficult to know which trails will be accessible and what lakes will have thawed by your trip dates as it can change yearly. You'll want to bring snow gear just in case. On the bright side, it's a quieter time to visit, ideal for those who want to avoid crowds.

How Long Should I Stay?

Minimum Recommended Time: With 5 days, you can choose 1 to 2 of the regions in this guide to dive in to. I would advise against stretching your time across too many parks on a shorter visit or you'll end up feeling like you only scratched the surface of each place.

Full Highlights: Around 10 days. This allows you to explore each park more thoroughly, spend time hiking on the trails, visit less crowded spots, and have some downtime to simply enjoy the natural beauty.

Relaxed Visit: Two full weeks or more. This gives you ample time to immerse yourself in each park, take on longer hikes, try a variety of activities, and maybe even take a rest day (I've heard some people do that). This timeframe is perfect for those who want the full experience without feeling rushed.

What to Bring to Explore the Rocky Mountains

To make sure you’re prepared, here's a list of items you should consider packing. This list doesn't include gear for tent-camping, so if you will be opting for that rather than booking accommodations, be sure to pack accordingly.

Outdoor Gear

• Hiking Boots: Durable, waterproof hiking boots are a must for those mountain trails.
• Backpack: A comfortable hiking day pack; consider one with a water bladder
• Camping Stove: Even when I'm not camping, I love having a lightweight stove on longer day-hikes. Whether it's brewing coffee or making a hot lunch, it always makes the hike even more rewarding.
• Water Bottle or Bladder: This is personal preference; I use a Grayl with a built in filter.
• Headlamp: For early morning hikes or hiking after sundown.
• Bear Spray: At a MINIMUM you need one can of bear spray hiking on your own or with two people. Ideally, everyone in the group should carry their own bear spray.
• Hand Warmers: When you need them, they're the best 50 cents you ever spent.

Clothing

• Wool or Synthetic Base Layers: The weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable. Pack clothes that can be layered to adjust to changing temperatures. For those who haven't tried wool layers or synthetics, just trust me. Once you convert, you'll never go back. I know they can be a little more pricey, but invest in some a couple pieces from Smartwool and you'll be glad you did.
• Hiking Pants: I have a friend who is notorious for ripping his pants on hikes. The last thing you want is the person behind you looking at your underwear the whole way up.
• Rain Shell: A lightweight, waterproof jacket is a must-have. Preferably bring a rain shell which is lighter and designed for outdoor activities like hiking.
• Warm Hat and Gloves: For those chilly mornings and evenings.
• Wool Socks: Hardly anything touches my feet these days that isn't a pair of Darn Tough Wool Socks. And no, they didn't pay me to say that.
• Swimwear: For the inviting lakes, hot springs, or just the hotel hot tub!

Miscellaneous

• Sunscreen: The sun can be intense in the mountains, so don't forget to protect your skin.
• Insect Repellent: Keep those pesky bugs at bay. I don't use bug spray anymore as I prefer Permethrin, but that is a topic for another blog
• First Aid Kit: Always be prepared for minor injuries.
• Binoculars: Don't head to the Rockies without these; wildlife spotting is crazy in Alberta!
• Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged on the go, you'll want to take so many photos your phone is going to die much more quickly.
• Downloaded Google Maps: This can be a lifesaver in areas with poor reception.

The Ideal Canadian Rockies Road Trip

This guide will focus on touring the Canadian Rockies by car. I have done around 50,000 miles of road trips and the itinerary below is what I believe is the ideal route for road tripping the Canadian Rockies, but feel free to modify this however you would like to fit your trip!

I've Built the Map Below to Help You Navigate the Two Week Itinerary Outlined in this Guide!

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Day 1 - Calgary

Start by flying into Calgary International Airport (YYC). I recommend booking a flight that arrives at least 2 hours before sunset, and driving to Yoho National Park upon arrival. If your flight is arriving at night, stay at the Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel. This is the quickest, most convenient option and will help get you up and running again first thing in the morning!

Day 2 - Yoho National Park

I highly suggest Yoho National Park as your first stop and booking a two night stay here. The first night you can get settled in after your flight and initial drive. It's just over a two hours from Calgary, so most arrivals will allow you enough time to make this drive in the daylight, or even better during sunset.  After that, you'll get to enjoy a full day in the park and enjoy a night of rest before the next leg of your journey. Yoho is by far the smallest National Park on this list, making it the ideal starting point to whet your appetite for the epic adventure to come.

• Location: British Columbia, Canada
• Established: October 10, 1886
• Area Size: 1,313 square kilometers (324,447 acres)
• Most Known For: Impressive waterfalls, including the spectacular Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest in Canada, and the unique natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River.
• Miles of Hiking Trails: 240 miles (400 km) from gentle walks to challenging backcountry treks.
• Annual Visitors: 660,000
• Popularity: While less known than its neighbor, Banff, Yoho is a beloved destination for those seeking a quieter, yet equally beautiful, mountain experience.

Where to Stay In Yoho National Park?

There aren't a ton of lodging options convenient to Yoho, and many of the affordable options that are there require a stay of nearly a week. That being said, below are three of the best stays depending on your budget and the experience you're seeking.

Truffle Pigs Lodge: I'm a sucker for cozy stays and if you don't need luxury amenities, these rooms fit right in to the setting with their cabin feel.

Emerald Lake Lodge: For the quintessential experience (and an extremely convenient location), stay at the Emerald Lake Lodge. If you're visiting in peak season, this will be a bit spendy, but surprisingly affordable in off-season.

Cathedral Mountain Lodge: If you are looking for a luxury stay that's still immersed in Yoho's scenery, the Cathedral Mountain Lodge is what you're envisioning.

Top Hikes and Things To Do In Yoho

Yoho National Park may be the smallest park on this list, but that also means you can pack a lot of things in with just one full day here! Here are the can't miss experiences in Yoho National Park:

1. Walk the Emerald Lake Trail You can't visit Yoho without seeing Emerald Lake. This easy, family-friendly loop trail takes you around the scenic Emerald Lake, offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.

• Typical Duration: 1-2 hours
• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
• Elevation Change: 30 m
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Trailhead: Emerald Lake parking lot

2. Canoe on Emerald Lake Boathouse Trading Company offers canoe rentals on a first come first served basis for around $90 per hour. It might seem steep (and it is), but you can fit 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children in a single canoe and an hour on the water will be enough to make a great memory! Fortunately, my friends Stephen and Giselle had brought their inflatable stand up paddleboard, so we took turns exploring on the cheap!
   Note: The paddleboard did have to be certified, but this was a quick on site process to make sure Emerald Lake stays preserved.

3. ‍Takakkaw Falls This short, easy walk takes you directly to the base of Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. It's a great option for those short on time or just looking for some low effort views.

• Typical Duration: 30 minutes
• Distance: 1.4 km (1 mile)
• Elevation Change: Minimal
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls parking lot

4. ‍Wapta Falls Trail This trail leads you through a beautiful forest to the impressive Wapta Falls, which is the largest waterfall of the Kicking Horse River. It's a relatively easy hike with a rewarding payoff at the end. Bonus points if you're doing this in winter when the falls is frozen!

• Typical Duration: 1-2 hours
• Distance: 4.6 km (2.9 miles)
• Elevation Change: 90 meters (295 feet)
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Trailhead: Wapta Falls parking lot

If you have more time in Yoho:

1. Hike the Lake O'Hara Circuit If you can score day use reservations for the Lake O'Hara area via the Parks Canada Lottery, the circuit around Lake O'Hara is an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in Yoho National Park.

• Typical Duration: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 7.8 km (4.9 miles)
• Elevation Change: 165 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trailhead: Lake O'Hara parking lot

2. ‍Hike the Iceline Trail This is one of the most challenging day hikes in Yoho, but it offers incredible views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. It's a strenuous trek, but the panoramic views of the Yoho Valley make it well worth the effort.

• Typical Duration: 6-8 hours
• Distance: 20.8 km (13 miles)
• Elevation Change: 710 m
• Difficulty Level: Hard
• Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls parking lot

Always check with the National Park Service for any recent changes or closures before you set out!

Days 3 thru 6 - Jasper National Park

• Location: Alberta, Canada
• Established: September 14, 1907
• Area Size:  Jasper National Park is nearly TEN times the size of Yoho at 11,228 square kilometers (2.7 million acres), making it the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
• Most Known For: Jasper is famed for its stunning landscapes, especially Maligne Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and the Miette Hot Springs.
• Miles of Hiking Trails: Over 1,200 miles (1,930 km) of hiking trails
• Top Wildlife to See: Though the Caribou population here has declined to less than 100, it is still one of the best chances to see Caribou for many visitors!
• Annual Visitors: Over 2 million
• Popularity: Jasper offers a less crowded alternative to Banff, but remains a popular destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience in the Canadian Rockies.
• Closest Major Airport: If you're only visiting Jasper, you could opt to fly in and out of YEG instead of YYC. Both airports are about 3.5 hours away. I recommend flying both in and out of YYC so you can enjoy the scenic route twice. The entire 3.5 hour journey is far from a chore; it's one of the top three drives of my life so far.

Where to Stay In Jasper National Park?

Affordable Accommodations

Maligne Lodge: Located in Jasper townsite, this lodge offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. Expect to pay around $100-$250 per night depending on season.

Tonquin Inn: A charming inn offering well-equipped rooms with mountain views. Typical room prices range from $100-$260 per night depending on season.

Luxury Stays

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: This luxury resort offers elegant rooms and cabins, along with top-notch amenities and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Prices for a typical room start at around $300 per night in the off season and around $600 a night in prime season. The lodge is gorgeous and offers several dining options. We ate at The Great Hall twice and it was absolutely delicious! Don't forget to enjoy the spa amenities. The outdoor heated pool and hot tub sit just above Beauvert Lake offering beautiful views regardless of the season.

Best Hikes and Things To Do In Jasper National Park

With 3 full days in Jasper National Park, you could check off everything on this list. If you only have 2 full days, you'll need to pick favorites, but Ive included a few tips to help you cram more in.

1. Canoe on Maligne Lake Rent a canoe and paddle across the iconic Maligne Lake. For the ultimate journey, head all the way to the landing adjacent to Spirit Island. This is a full day send, canoeing 14 km each way. It's an adventure I'll never forget. Surrounded by majestic peaks, this is a picture-perfect way to spend the day. If you want to see Spirit Island, but the canoe trek just isn't for you due to time (or energy) constraints, opt for a cruise to Spirit Island!
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2. Explore the Columbia Icefield Take a tour on an all-terrain Ice Explorer and walk on the Athabasca Glacier, or step out onto the Glacier Skywalk for a thrilling view.
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3. Soak in Miette Hot Springs After a day of hiking, unwind in the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies. The pool's stunning mountain views are the cherry on top.
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4. Maligne Canyon Trail This is the deepest canyon in the park filled with waterfalls, fossils, and stunning limestone walls. A shortened version of this hike is also doable!

• Typical Duration: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 4.4 km (2.7 miles) loop
• Elevation Change: 120 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trailhead: Maligne Canyon Picnic Area

5. ‍Wilcox Pass Views of glaciers and the Columbia Icefield, this hike is a must-do. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep!

• Typical Duration: 3-5 hours
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles) round trip
• Elevation Change: 480 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trailhead: Wilcox Creek Campground

6. ‍Valley of the Five Lakes An easy hike through lush forest and past five stunning lakes all shaded different hues of blue and green.

• Typical Duration: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles) loop
• Elevation Change: 66 m
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Trailhead: Valley of the Five Lakes Parking Lot

7. ‍Stargaze in the Dark Sky Preserve Jasper is one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world.

Remember, always check trail conditions before heading out and respect the park rules to keep these beautiful places preserved for future generations!

Days 7 thru 11 Banff National Park

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• Location: Alberta, Canada
• Established: November 25, 1885, making it Canada's first national park and the third in the world (after Yellowstone and Mackinac Island).
• Area Size: 6,641 square kilometers (1.6 million acres).
• Most Known For: Stunning turquoise-colored lakes, particularly Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, its picturesque townsite, and abundant wildlife.
• Top Activities:
• Miles of Hiking Trails: 1,600 km (1,000 miles)
• Annual Visitors: Banff National Park is a major tourist attraction, welcoming over 4 million visitors each year.
• Popularity: As Canada's oldest national park, Banff holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians and foreigners alike, making it one of the most popular destinations in the country.
• Closest Major Airport: The closest major airport to Banff National Park is Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive away.

Where to Stay In Banff National Park?

Day 7 will mostly be dedicated to driving the Icefields Parkway from Jasper. This can and SHOULD be made into a half to full day adventure. And when you are oohing and ahhing the entire way, you'll understand why. I'll plan to post a separate blog covering the details and stops I recommend on this epic drive!

Once you arrive in Banff National Park towards the end of Day 7, I recommend staying in the town of Banff (with a couple exceptions listed under Luxury Stays). Banff is such a fun and aesthetic mountain town with solid options for coffee, food, and around town excursions. More importantly, it's still close to most of the highlights!

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Affordable Accommodations

1. Banff Rocky Mountain Resort: This resort provides cozy rooms adorned with rustic decor, conveniently situated within a few minutes drive of downtown Banff. This is where we stayed and really enjoyed our time there!
2. ‍Tunnel Mountain Resort: Offering spacious suites and chalets, this resort provides a comfortable stay with stunning mountain views.

Luxury Stays

There's no shortage of upscale stays in the Banff area. Below are a few of the best that I'd recommend.

1. Fairmont Banff Springs: Known as the "Castle in the Rockies", this iconic hotel offers luxurious rooms, excellent service, and breathtaking views.
2. Moraine Lake Lodge: What better view can you ask for than picturesque Moraine Lake? The real selling point for this stay though, is ACCESS. I recommend the splurge if you have the cash because getting to Moraine Lake has become more and more restricted. Check out my Instagram Post that covers everything you need to know to visit Moraine Lake.
3. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Situated directly on the lakefront, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms and stunning views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains. It's an ideal base for exploring the park, with easy access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities.

Top Hikes and Things To Do In Banff National Park

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1. Sunrise at Moraine Lake
   Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise at Moraine Lake. The Rockpile and Shoreline trails offer the best vantage points. Getting to Moraine Lake (especially for sunrise) has gotten tricky. You can check out my Instagram @travelwithdalt for the best guide on how to make sure you get to Moraine Lake despite the restrictions!

2. Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass Don't miss this trail after your sunrise at Moraine. The breathtaking views of Ten Peaks are well worth it. Bonus points if you are there in the fall as the larch trees turn golden, creating a magical landscape. We hiked in mid to late September and were just a little early to get peak Larches.

• Typical Duration: 4-6 hours
• Distance: 11.6 km (7.2 miles) round trip
• Elevation Change: 792 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
• Trailhead: Moraine Lake Lodge

3. ‍Canoe on Lake Louise
   Rent a canoe and paddle across the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Surrounded by majestic peaks, it will be a core-memory kind of day.
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4. ‍Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
   Beautiful views of Lake Louise ending at a charming tea house where you can enjoy well earned cup of tea.

• Typical Duration: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip
• Elevation Change: 385 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trailhead: Lake Louise Shoreline

5. ‍Little Beehive Trail The overlook of Lake Louise and the Bow Valley is top notch. You can add this one to the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail

• Typical Duration: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 8.4 km (5.2 miles) round trip
• Elevation Change: 540 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trailhead: Lake Louise Shoreline

6. ‍Big Beehive Trail - Arguably the best panoramic view of Lake Louise. A relatively steep trail, but well worth it!

• Typical Duration: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 10.3 km (6.4 miles) round trip
• Elevation Change: 647 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trailhead: Lake Louise Shoreline

7. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
   This trail offers stunning views of glaciers, Lake Louise and rugged mountain peaks. Opt for this hike instead of Little Beehive and Big Beehive if you prefer a single longer hike that gets further from the crowds.

• Typical Duration: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 13.8 km (8.6 miles) round trip
• Elevation Change: 587 m
• Difficulty Level: Hard
• Trailhead: Lake Louise Shoreline

8. ‍Johnston Canyon Trail
   Explore the depths of a limestone canyon, complete with waterfalls, caves, deep pools, and lush forest on this trail. There are several variations to this hike including a one hour hike to lower falls, a two hour hike to upper falls, or a four hour hike to the Ink Pots! The trailhead is located at the Johnston Canyon Parking Area.
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9. ‍Relax at Banff Upper Hot Springs
   After a day of hiking, soak in the hot mineral spring pool while enjoying panoramic views of Mount Rundle.
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10. ‍Sunset at Vermillion Lakes End your day with a serene sunset at Vermillion Lakes. The changing colors of the sky reflected in the water create a stunning spectacle.

Day 12 Kananaskis Country

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Kananaskis Country is a large area that I've only just begun to explore. However, this is an incredible gem in Alberta and I cant wait to get back. I want to note here, Kananskis Country is beloved by locals. PLEASE respect this place as much as you would any of the others on this list. Leave no trace and enjoy these lands that are made accessible for everyone to enjoy!

• Location: Alberta, Canada
• Established: December 12, 1977
• Area Size: 4,200 square kilometers (1 million acres)
• Most Known For: Stunning mountain scenery, epic views, and the iconic Three Sisters peaks
• Top Activities:
• Miles of Hiking Trails: 1,200 km (745 miles)
• Annual Visitors: 4 million visitors annually
• Popularity: Less crowded than nearby Banff, Kananaskis is a beloved destination for those seeking a quieter, yet equally beautiful, mountain experience.

Best Hikes in Kananaskis Country

1. Rawson Lake Trail This trail takes you through a beautiful forest to a serene alpine lake, with stunning views of Sarrail Ridge along the way.

• Typical Duration: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles) round trip
• Elevation Change: 320 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trailhead: Upper Kananaskis Lake Day Use Area

2. ‍Pocaterra Ridge This hike offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's especially beautiful in the fall when the larch trees turn golden.

• Typical Duration: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 11.2 km (7 miles) point-to-point
• Elevation Change: 700 m
• Difficulty Level: Hard
• Trailhead: Highwood Pass Day Use Area

3. ‍Prairie View Trail Offering breathtaking views of Barrier Lake and the surrounding mountains, this trail is a favourite among locals.

• Typical Duration: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 8.5 km (5.3 miles) round trip
• Elevation Change: 420 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Trailhead: Barrier Dam Day Use Area

4. ‍Tent Ridge One of the most visually rewarding hikes in Kananaskis Country and I view that lives rent free in my mind. This loop trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Be prepared for a bit of a scramble, and make sure to stick to the trail to prevent erosion. Remember, this hike is typically done in a clockwise direction, and it's recommended to start early to avoid the afternoon showers.

• Typical Duration: 3 hours
  Length: 10.1 km (6.3 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 765 m
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
• Trailhead: Tent Ridge Trailhead

Day 13 Return Home

Head to YYC and prepare for your flight home, you've earned some much needed rest; but trust me, these memories will last a LIFETIME!

I hope you've enjoyed this guide and be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for notification as I currently have around 10 more guides in the works covering my adventures all over North America and Europe!

To Your Next Adventure,

Dalton aka travelwithdalt