Hiking The Delightful Dog Lake Trail In Kootenay National Park

Last updated on February 26th, 2023 at 03:39 am

The number of times I have driven past the sign for the Dog Lake Trail is more than I’d like to admit but I have never even once pulled off the Highway. Finally the other day after having to check out of our campsite at Redstreak in Radium at 11am we decided, if the May weather held, that we would give it a go.

Turns out we didn’t know what we had been missing. A relatively easy trail with some cool bridges and a lake at the end, ticks a lot of my hiking boxes!

I must say hiking it in mid May probably helped make it such a great hike since we were the only ones in the parking lot and therefore we had the lake all to ourselves when we arrived.

Before you head out, check out the latest trail conditions on the Parks Canada website, especially if trying to do this hike during the shoulder seasons.

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Where Is The Dog Lake Trail?

The Dog Lake Trail is clearly signposted from Highway 93S and the parking area lies approximately 28km North of Radium.

The trail can also be accessed from the McLeod Meadows Campground as the day use trail to Dog Lake passes right through the campground.

The Dog Lake Trail

Distance: 2.6km one way

Elevation gain: 135m

Elevation loss: 70m

The Dog Lake Trail is clearly signed from the parking lot, starting beside what looks like it used to be a day use shelter. The trail winds through the trees following a nice flat, easy going trail. Soon after it works its way through the McLeod Meadows Campground, popping out and crossing on of the campground roads before reaching the river.

There is a cool suspension bridge across the Kootenay river, shortly followed by a second, smaller bridge to cross the entire river. This is a really beautiful spot with the mountain tops peaking over the forest ahead and the huge blue river flowing below. 

Once across the river it is a slow and at times, never ending feeling, hill. Mostly in the trees, there is the odd view across the river valley to be enjoyed. After traversing above the river the trail heads towards the mountains in the distance while continuing to gain elevation.

The bench marks the peak of the trail, an odd spot, with no view other than one of the forest but it does provide a great moment to sit and catch your breath if you need it.

The Dog Lake trail then starts to descend, still in the trees at a slightly steeper gradient than the uphill earlier. When you start to see trails headed off to the right, you are getting close to Dog Lake. Please don’t be tempted to take the short cuts, they are damaging to the area, stick to the official trail. 

The official Dog Lake Trail comes out at the very far end of the lake, hang a sharp right to follow a well beaten path along the shoreline and find a spot to sit and enjoy the lake.

We were lucky enough to have the whole of Dog Lake to ourselves, it was an overcast day with threatened rain. It meant our time at the lake was incredibly peaceful and almost completely silent other than the occasional loon. We kept a look out for wildlife on the far shore, certain a moose would love to live around Dog Lake.

On a sunny day, make sure to take a day pack with a lunch to enjoy at the lake. I’ve also heard of people going wild swimming in Dog Lake to cool off, when I touched the water, it didn’t feel glacier cold but it certainly wasn’t warm. I’m sure on a hot day though it would be a relief to cool off in the lake.

To return to the car follow the trail back the same way. The initial uphill didn’t feel anywhere near as bad as I had expected and before we knew it we were losing elevation and back at the river. 

Things To Remember

The Dog Lake trail is in prime bear country, make sure to remember bear spray! If you are hiking it on a quiet day like us, also remember to make lots of noise while hiking to alert any wildlife of your presence. 

If you intend on going for a swim in the lake don’t forget your bathing suit and a travel towel. It’s doubtful you’ll have much privacy at the lake on a hot day!

Other Hikes Along The 93S

The Dog Lake Trail is just one of many awesome hikes along Highway 93S which runs between Castle Junction in Banff National Park and the town of Radium Hot Springs. Other awesome hikes to consider include:

Stanley Glacier

Floe Lake

Boom Lake