Best Hikes in Kananaskis: 2025 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 – 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.
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7 Best Hikes in Kananaskis to Explore this Summer
Kananaskis Park Pass
To visit the Kananaskis region of Alberta, you will need the Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park in this area. The funds help support the Alberta Parks in the region to help maintain the area for future generations.
If you are planning just a day trip to Kananaskis, you can purchase the pass online for $15.75. If you plan on visiting Kananaskis Country & The Bow Valley Corridor more than once during your summer, consider getting the annual pass which is $94.50. There is also an option of purchasing a multi-day pass if you intend on staying overnight to do some camping.
I would suggest you purchasing your pass online when you have cell service, as the reception is limited once you are in the Kananaskis Day Parking Lot. If you did forget to purchase you pass, stop by the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre on your way in to get wifi there or purchase one at their reception desk.
1. Wasootch Ridge Trail
Wasootch Ridge Trail is a beautiful summer hike to put on your bucket list. Once you get past the forested area at the beginning, you’ll be surrounded by mountain views in all directions. Be sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen, as there is little shade on this hike.
Distance: 13.4 km round trip
Duration: 3-7 hours
Elevation: 938 m
Level of difficulty: Moderate
2. Nihahi Ridge Trail
In the summertime, you will find pretty wildflowers in the meadow, as well as panoramic views along the Nihahi Ridge Trail. This is a moderate hike which offers stunning views of the Spray Lakes Reservoir and surrounding peaks. If you choose to walk the ridge, it will turn into a challenging hike. Be sure to take care on the trail and know your hiking ability to stay safe.
Distance: 11 km round trip
Duration: 3-5 hours
Elevation: about 450 meters
Level of difficulty: moderate-challenging if you go to the end of Nihahi Ridge
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 will find the prettiest viewpoints depending on your time and how you want to spend your day.
Distance: 12 km round trip
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation: 509 meters
Level of difficulty: moderate
Read more: Barrier Lake Hiking Guide
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 climb opens up to a really gorgeous meadow with summer wildflowers and beautiful views of the elbow river in the distance.
Distance: 11 km round trip
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation: 516 meters
Level of difficulty: moderate
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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 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.
No hiking is required to get to the Upper Kananaskis Lake, but if you continue on the Upper Kananaskis Trail to Rawson Trail it will lead you to Rawson Lake – a majestic green waters surrounded by mountains and meadows. It’s one to definitely have on your day hike list when you visit the rockies in Alberta.
Distance: 7.8 km round trip
Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Elevation: 320 meters
Level of difficulty: moderate
Read more: Upper Kananaskis & Rawson Lake Trail Guide
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.
Distance: 7.4 km round trip
Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation: 763 meters
Level of difficulty: moderate-challenging
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.
Distance: 9 km round trip
Duration: 4 hours
Elevation: 590 meters
Level of difficulty: moderate
Read more: Raspberry Ridge Trail Guide
