Last updated on February 27th, 2024 at 12:41 am
The Chester Lake hike in Kananaskis is a must do winter hike! Referred to as the Chester Lake Snowshoe trail by Alberta Parks, the winter trail follows a different path to the trail used in summer. While snowshoes would certainly be necessary for trail breaking in the early season or for those who want to have fun in the meadow near the lake, the trail was very packed down when we visited in February and just spikes were perfect for completing the Chester Lake hike.
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The Chester Lake Hike
Distance: 3.4km one way
Elevation: 287m gain
When you get to the parking lot and see the trail sign, beside it you’ll notice a second sign post. This shows that the snowshoes trail heads right into the forest, while cross country skiers should head left. Please respect the two trails and only complete the Chester Lake hike on the snowshoe trail in winter.
As you set out on the Chester Lake hike along the snowshoe trail it undulates a bit to begin with as it crosses an old creek before heading into the forest. To begin with the Chester Lake hike gains elevation fairly slowly, hiking through the forest which can look like a complete winter wonderland.
Before long though the trail becomes quite steep as it continues through the trees. This is where we had to put our ice spikes on as it was quite icy in patches and trying to climb up was difficult. They also made coming back down considerably easier.
Eventually the trail levels out and opens up into a big snow filled meadow offering up some gorgeous views. You’ll want to stay on the well walked trail here. Stepping off to the side will see you sinking deep into the snow if you aren’t wearing snowshoes.
Cross through the meadow, through some trees and then back out into the open, you’ll see the ski trail on your left hand side. Through the last few trees and you come out beside the lake. Enjoy the peace and quiet and take in the views looking up over the towering mountains which surround the lake.
It is possible to continue the Chester Lake hike a short distance further, we followed a well packed down trail along the lake shore before it started gaining elevation through the trees. A few hundred metres past the lake are the Elephant Rocks. These huge rocks are incredible to see in person and explore and make a great addition to the Chester Lake hike.
It’s then time to turn around and head back, make sure to follow the snowshoe trail to complete your return on the Chester Lake hike. There wasn’t a sign post at the junction on the way back from the lake but keep left and you will stick to the snowshoe trail and avoid the ski trail.
There is no cell reception near or on the Chester Lake hike so make sure you tell someone where you are heading and check the trail conditions online before heading out.
Where Is The Chester Lake Trailhead
If you are heading from Canmore to complete the Chester Lake hike you’ll drive through downtown and follow signs towards the Nordic Centre. Once past the Nordic Centre, keep following the Smith Dorrien Trail for 42 kilometers. The Smith Dorrien road can be rough and is unpaved depending on when it was last maintained.
If you are heading from Calgary, follow Highway 1 and then head south on Highway 40 into Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, shortly after entering the park, there is a junction on the right for the Smith Dorrien Trail, follow the trail for 23 kilometers.
The Chester Lake parking lot is clearly signposted from the Smith Dorrien trail coming from either direction.
Since the Chester Lake hike is located within Kananaskis you’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, you buy a daily pass or an annual pass, either in person at a visitor center or online.
Things You Might Need To Complete The Hike
Some of the elevation on the Chester Lake hike is gained over steep sections of trail, we found a few of these, very icy! You’ll want ice spikes and it’s better to carry them even if you don’t end up needing them!
Alternatively if you are completing the Chester Lake hike after a fresh snowfall, you may want snowshoes. Not only will these allow you an easy ascent if you are breaking trail, they are also great if you want to explore in the meadow, where there is no packed down trail.
Make sure you dress in lots of good layers, starting with a moisture wicking base layer. I was sweating hard on the climb but once the trail levelled out I soon got chilly when the wind picked up, and so my Arc’teryx Atom jacket was a great layer to keep me warm.
Pack a small backpack with snacks or a picnic and take a foam seat pad or small backpacking chair, so when you get to the lake you can sit, have a snack and enjoy the views from your hard work!
Places To Stay Nearby
If you want to stay near the Chester Lake hike, nowhere is closer than Mount Engadine Lodge, this cute lodge in the middle of Kananaskis serves up excellent food and even has glancing tents as an accommodation option. A perfect base for exploring Kananaskis.
If you are looking for something a little more connected, check out the MTN House Hotel by Basecamp in Canmore, its perfect location makes accessing the highway to get to your hike so easy.
