Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

To do this hike in its most common form, start at the Interlakes parking lot by Upper Kananaskis Lake. The trail will head north and cross a small dam before turning west to circumnavigate the lake. The trail will split about 2 km in. Take the lefthand trail, which will drop down toward the lake.

Eventually, you'll come to a boulder field. The trail is still clear and there are some cairns to mark the way. After the boulders, you'll be heading south through forest with open views to the east, overlooking the lake. After crossing a bridge over Aster Creek, there will be a smaller unmarked trail. This leads to Aster Lake. Keep on the main trail though. You'll mostly be hiking through forest at this point, so enjoy the views when they come.

You'll cross a couple streams along the way and eventually come across a lovely double waterfall. Not long after, you'll come across a day-use area; keep hiking. You'll pass by picnic sites and then cross a stone dam. Once across the dam, the trail will bend left and continue along the lakeshore. Just keep following this, and you'll find yourself back at the Interlakes parking lot in no time.

From mile 9.3 to the loop end, and from the loop start to mile 2.1 is a segment of the GDT (Great Divide Trail).