Last updated on April 10th, 2025 at 11:08 pm
If you are looking for an easy, scenic hike in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, you have to check out the Upper Kananaskis Lake hike, a relaxing hike around the beautiful lakeshore of Upper Kananaskis Lake, it’s the perfect way to spend a day and is suitable for a wide range of abilities.
The Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, for many, are the pinnacle of the area and a perfect spot for numerous hiking opportunities. Nestled at the end of the road in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, the lakes provide a backdrop for hiking and water activities galore.
We’ve visited the area many times, mostly for hiking and scrambling opportunities. One weekend we decided to camp at Interlakes, a perfectly located campsite for those with canoes and other boats with easy access to lots of trails and hiking opportunities as well. On this particular trip to the area we decided to complete the hike around the Upper Kananaskis Lake.
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Quick Stats For The Kananaskis Lake Loop Hike
Distance: 15.7km
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trailhead: North Interlakes or Upper Lake Parking areas
When To Hike: The trail is best hiked in summer from June to October. There is some avalanche risk around the lake during winter.
Pass Required: You will need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass in order to park and enjoy the trail.
The Upper Kananaskis Lake Hike
As new canoe owners we decided while we were in the Upper Lakes area we would hike out along the Upper Lake Trail in order to check out the Point campground. A short paddle allows you to access this campsite and take more than you would be able to carry if you chose to hike in, which is what appealed to us. To find out more or book a site at Point (reservations are mandatory) head over to the Alberta Parks website.
The Point Campground is approximately 3km from the North Interlakes parking lot and it is pretty easy hiking, passing around the base of one side of Mount Indefatigable, the terrain is varied. Starting from the parking lot you head through the forest with glimpses out at the lake. As you get closer to Point Campsite, the trail opens up and becomes more rocky near the base of the mountain. This area provides open and sweeping views of the lake.
From Point we got back on the trail and headed for our objective, the falls, just a short distance away. Heading down a steep trail shooting off the main path you find a bench at the base of the falls. A perfect rest stop to enjoy some peace and quiet and have a snack!
After hiking back up to the main trail you hike along a relatively well maintained and mostly flat trail through the forest, where you enjoy repeated, expansive views of Upper Kananaskis Lake and the surrounding mountains. When we hiked it, as commonly occurs in the mountains, we got all four seasons in one day but when the sun shines the lake has a color to rival it’s more well known counterparts in Banff National Park.
Nearing the Upper Lake Parking area a trail branches off to Rawson Lake, if you have it in you, the short (approx 2km) but steep hike is a beautiful option to take. If you continue along the lake trail you’ll soon appear at the Upper Lakes Parking area.
This is a stunning spot for a picnic, the area is all open with great views and there are numerous benches around to stop for a bite. This is the other option for a start/end to your round trip. However if like us, you parked or camped at Interlakes, from the Upper Lake day use area, it is just a short hop back to where you started, over the dam and around the last stretch of lake.
Although a long loop the trail gains little elevation, making it an excellent choice for great views without a huge amount of effort and a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
What To Take On The Hike
Trail Runners – The Upper Kananaskis Lake hike is a well worn trail, so you can easily get away with wearing trail runners rather than heavy hiking boots if that is your preference, although hiking boots would be perfect too.
Day Pack – The length of this hike means you’ll want a good day pack to carry snacks, water and a extra layer or two just in case the weather changes.
Bear Spray – Hiking in bear country means it is important to carry bear spray on hikes and know how to use it.
Where To Stay Nearby
Interlakes Campground – The closest campground to the Upper Kananaskis Lake hike is the Interlakes Campground, a beautiful spot on the Lower Kananaskis Lake. That being said, there are a lot of camping options in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park depending on what kind of facilities you are looking for. Boulton Creek is another very popular camp spot, with showers and even a camp store for any forgotten items or just an ice cream!
Pomeroy Mountain Lodge – This is a stunning hotel located in the heart of Kananaskis, with modern hotel rooms and fantastic amenities, it is the perfect base camp for exploring the area.
Sundance By Basecamp – For a glamping experience in Kananaskis, check out the options at Sundance by Basecamp, they have beautiful trappers tents which cater for different levels of comfort and group sizes. An ideal option for those who love to camp but are travelling and don’t want to take their gear.
