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An easy but beautiful run around one of Kananaskis' premier lakes.


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Map Key

9.9

Miles

16.0

KM

96%

Runnable

5,805' 1,769 m

High

5,589' 1,703 m

Low

774' 236 m

Up

785' 239 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Unknown

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

Description

To do this run 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 running 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 running. 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).

Contacts

Shared By:

Kevin Derksen with improvements by Joan Pendleton

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#23758

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#136

in Alberta

#23,758

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,002 Since Sep 6, 2017
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
0%
67%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Incredible views abound at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park!
Apr 20, 2015 near Canmore, AB
Waterfall along the Upper Kananaskis Trail.
Aug 5, 2019 near Canmore, AB
Lower Kananaskis Lake
Apr 20, 2015 near Canmore, AB
Cascade near Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Apr 20, 2015 near Canmore, AB
Trailhead
Nov 8, 2021 near Canmore, AB
A spring hike around part of Upper Kananaskis Lake, Alberta
Jun 1, 2015 near Canmore, AB

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Current Trail Conditions

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