Best Hikes in Kananaskis: 2024 Summer Hiking Guide
Kananaskis Country is home to some of the best summer hikes to explore in Alberta. Most people think about Banff when visiting the Alberta Rocky Mountains, but there are so many other beautiful mountain ranges to explore. What I love about the hikes in Kananaskis are that they make for the perfect day trip adventures.
Whether you’re looking for the best sunset hike after work, a scenic picnic spot for lunch or a great solo hiking trail, I think you’ll find that in Kananaskis Country. What makes hiking here so special are the pretty wildflowers in July, the glimmering clear lakes and picturesque sceneries of mountain ranges that seems to go on into the distance forever.
There is so much to love about the hikes in Kananaskis and I’m still in disbelief that these mountains are only a quick drive away from Calgary. To help you with your planning, I’ve listed 7 of the best hikes in Kananaskis for you to explore this summer.
7 of the Best Hikes in Kananaskis
- Grassi Lakes Trail
- Nihahi Ridge Trail
- Prairie View Trail
- Powderface Ridge Trail
- Upper Kananaskis & Rawson Lake Trail
- Ha Ling Peak
- Raspberry Ridge Trail
Note: You will need the Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park in the area. The funds help support the Alberta Parks in the region to help maintain the area for future generations.
1. Grassi Lakes Trail
One thing I love about Alberta are the friends you make who have a shared passion for the outdoors and adventure. I explored this short and sweet trail twice in one summer with new friends.
It’s an easy hike, a popular trail and family friendly option. It doesn’t take long to get to a majestic waterfall or the two turquoise glimmering lakes. And in my opinion, a perfect solo hike for beginners as well. Read more on my Grassi Lakes Trail: Beginner Hiking Guide.
What I love about this hike is that it’s also really close to the Town of Canmore. Since the trail is fairly short, you may as well head over to Canmore for part of the day to get some lunch and explore the town.
Level of difficulty: easy
Distance: 4 km round trip
Duration: 1-2 hours
2. Nihahi Ridge Trail
In the summertime, you can find cute wildflowers in the meadows, as well as panoramic views on the Nihahi Ridge Trail. This is a moderate hike which offers stunning views of the Spray Lakes Reservoir and surrounding peaks. Add this Kananaskis hike to your list if you want to see some wildflowers this summer.
Level of difficulty: moderate – challenging if you go to the end of Nihahi Ridge
Distance: 11 km round trip
Duration: 3-5 hours
3. Prairie View Trail
Barrier Lake is one of the most stunning lakes in Alberta. There are many trails surrounding Barrier Lake that will lead you to one of many beautiful viewpoints. I’ve had experience hiking the Prairie View Trail – also called the Prairie View Lookout, Barrier Fire Lookout trail and Yates Mountain.
I’ve hiked this trail twice in one summer, so it’s truly one of my favourite hikes in the Kananaskis area of Alberta. This trail is where you can find the prettiest viewpoints depending on your time and how you want to spend your day.
Read more on my Barrier Lake Hiking Guide
Level of difficulty: moderate
Distance: 12 km round trip
Duration: 3-4 hours
4. Powderface East Ridge Trail (South)
Powderface Trail is in the Kananaskis Country and I did this hike in August of last year. There area few trail variations of this one, but I completed the simpler out and back shorter version of this hike. The initial section is mostly uphill for a while – which gets your heart rate up fairly quickly!
The day that I went, there was a Powderface Mountain Marathon going on and I was in awe of those who were running up and down this mountain! The climb opens up to a really gorgeous meadow with summer wildflowers and beautiful views of the elbow river in the distance.
Level of difficulty: moderate
Distance: 11 km round trip
Duration: 3 hours
5. Upper Kananaskis & Rawson Lake Trail
Some of the most memorable moments are when you don’t quite have a plan for the day. You just get in your car, drive into the mountains and somehow end up at the most beautiful crystal clear lake you’ve ever seen. The Upper Kananaskis Lake is crystal blue and makes for the perfect postcard photos.
Start at the Upper Kananaskis Trail along the shoreline until you get to the Rawson Lake Trail. This will take you to Rawson lake, a must see in the summer time. The calm emerald green lake offers a serene atmosphere and is perfect for a mid-day picnic.
This is where the alpine mountains meet the grassy meadows. Mount Serrail stands tall and is breathtaking to see it reflect on the emerald green of Rawson Lake.
Level of difficulty: moderate
Distance: 7.8 km round trip
Duration: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
6. Ha Ling Peak
One of the most iconic peaks in the Kananaskis area is Ha Ling Peak. The trail path was recently restored and is quite well maintained. This is a challenging hike which provides incredible panoramic views on a beautiful summer day.
Level of difficulty: moderate to challenging
Distance: 7.4 km round trip
Duration: 3.5 hours
7. Raspberry Ridge Trail
Raspberry Ridge Trail is a lesser-known trail. This moderate-challenging hike offers a unique perspective of the Kananaskis Valley and is my absolute favourite. Even the name of the trail is cute. I didn’t see any raspberries along the way, but there were beautiful summer wildflowers dancing in the meadows all along the trail. I did this hike in July and it was such a dream to walk along the mountains peaks that seemed to go on forever in the distance.
Level of difficulty: moderate
Distance: 9 km round trip
Duration: 4 hours
