Upper Kananaskis & Rawson Lake Trail
As I make my way through the photos I took on my summer hikes last year, the ones at the Upper Kananaskis Lake and Rawson Lake trail are some of the most memorable.
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.
Upper Kananaskis & Rawson Lake Trail
- How to get to the Upper Kananaskis Parking Lot
- Purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass
- What to Pack on Day Hike
- Length and Difficulty of the Hike
- Best Time to Go
- Where to Begin your Hike
- Helpful Tips from a Local
How to get to Rawson Lake Trail
The drive from Calgary to the Upper Kananaskis Day Use Parking Lot is about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass
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.
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.
What to Pack on a Day Hike
- hiking shoes
- hiking backpack
- water, snacks and lunch
- sunscreen + mosquito repellant
- bear spray
- comfortable clothing/layers/rain jacket (weather may change quickly)
- crampons and hiking poles (for the winter hike)
Length and Difficulty of the Hike
The Upper Kananaskis Trail is an easy hike. When you get to the Rawson Lake Trail, because of the steady elevation, it increases to an intermediate hike.
The distance to Rawson Lake is about 7km in total. It’s considered an out and back trail, meaning you come back the same way your enter.
It takes an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Plan for a bit longer if you plan on having lunch at Rawson Lake or are stopping to take photos.
Best Time to Go
This trail is open all year around (check the Alberta Parks or All Trails for up to date information of trail closures and bear activity before making your trip). The summer months are the best to see the gorgeous lakes. The winter months are best for a winter hike and snowshoeing.
- the summer months of July to early fall
- the winter months of November to April
Where to Begin the Rawson Lake Trail
The hike to Rawson Lake begins at the Kananaskis Day Use Parking Lot. At the parking lot, when facing the Upper Kananaskis Lake, take a left to get to the start of the trail head.
Upper Kananaskis Trail
You first start by walking along the Upper Kananaskis Trail, which hugs the Upper Kananaskis lakeshore. I couldn’t help but stop multiple times to admire this beautiful calm blue lake. As you enter further into the forest, the lake starts to disappear, but the glow of the crystal blue water peaks through at certain points as you make your way along the shoreline.
The Upper Kananaskis Trail is fairly flat and easy. The trail so peaceful and serene as you watch people kayaking or paddle boarding on the lake.
When you are about 1.1 km into the hike, you’ll come across a wooden bridge that crosses Sarrail Creek, a mossy waterfall that flows into the Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Rawson Lake Trail
After the wooden bridge, keep going and you will see a fork in the road. This trail has fairly good signage and when you get here, just pay attention to which path you need to take. You’ll want to keep left to get to Rawson Lake, which is only another 2.2 km away.
Rawson Lake Trail starts out as a few switch backs with steady elevation through the subalpine forest. A bit more effort is needed here on the hike, but it’s manageable even for a beginner hiker like me. You’ll know when you get to Rawson Lake when it eventually opens up to this emerald green lake, leading your gaze upon the towering Mount Serrail.
From this view point, you can keep going just a bit further, wrapping around the lake to get to the end of the trail. Rawson Lake is the perfect picnic spot on a beautiful summer day. Unpack your lunch here and take in the views where the alpine meadows meet the mountain peaks.
Helpful Tips from a Local
I hope you enjoy Rawson Lake as much as I did! The views of the lake are incredible and is in my opinion one of the best summer hikes! Let me know what you think of the hike, I would love to hear how your day went.
