KANANASKIS HIKING | 10 Best Hikes In Kananaskis, Alberta

Looking to go hiking in Kananaskis? This video highlights the best hikes in Kananaskis Country in Alberta from our perspective. For each hike, we’ve included the difficulty level, distance, and time it took to complete.
10. Grassi Lakes
This was the 10th best hike in Kananaskis Country and is perfect for hikers of all abilities. Located only 10 minutes from the Canmore’s town center, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a short hike to do in the area but still be amazed by beautiful lake colors.
9. EEOR
Coming in at number nine, we have the East End of Rundle trail. Located in the Spray Valley, this hike takes you to some great viewpoints over the town of Canmore as well as the jagged Ha Ling Peak just across the road.We felt like we were climbing straight up right when we got on the trail. But the views at the top are worth the effort to get there.
8. Barrier Lake Trail
The eighth best hike in Kananaskis Country is Barrier Lake Trail. This hidden gem is one of most pleasant hikes in Kananaskis. That’s because the elevation gain is relatively slow and steady throughout, which is different from the more standard steep inclines of many hikes in the region.
7. West Wind Pass
West Wind Pass is the seventh best hike in Kananaskis. The hike winds through a beautiful forest for three quarters of the time before opening up to some stunning scenery. As the name suggests, it was extremely windy at the top. However, you do have great ridge views with Deadman’s Flats in view from one side and Spray Lake Reservoir on the other.
6. Centennial Ridge
This trail offered spectacular views of the valley below and mountain peaks around us. We saw unique rock formations that have evolved over centuries into wild formations on the ridge. It took us about 8 hours to do this hike because the elevation gain is significant.
5. Mount Smutwood
The fifth best hike in Kananaskis Country is Mount Smutwood. This hike is twenty kilometers out-and-back and you will climb almost 1000 meters. It’s not easy by any means as there is some scrambling involved as well as sheer drop-offs, but the views are outstanding.
4. King Creek Ridge
King Creek Ridge is the fourth best hike in Kananaskis simply for it’s long, beautiful ridge walk throughout. The hike up is incredibly steep to get to the ridge, so make sure you bring hiking poles. Once you get to the ridge, you will have some of the most amazing valley views you will find in the Canadian Rockies.
3. Tent Ridge
The third best hike in Kananaskis is Tent Ridge. You will be greeted at the top with one of the most jaw-dropping lake views you will find in the entire world with the expansive Spray Valley Reservoir below you.
2. South Pocaterra Ridge
The runner up is South Pocaterra Ridge. This is because it has the best risk vs. reward ratio. The whole hike took us just over 4 hours and the views from the top over the ridge were stunning.
1. ???
To find out what the best hike in Kananaskis is, you should watch the video! ;)
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VIDEO CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:46 Grassi Lakes Hike
1:42 East End Of Rundle Hike
2:35 Barrier Lake Lookout Hike
3:17 West Wind Pass Hike
3:52 Centennial Ridge Hike
4:55 Mount Smutwood Hike
5:58 King Creek Ridge Hike
7:03 Tent Ridge Hike
8:14 South Pocaterra Ridge Hike
9:12 Sarrail Ridge Hike
10:05 Outro
#kananaskis #kananaskishiking #besthikesinkananaskis

[@ninosymillas1000]

What amazing image.... So cool and enjoying video.. Keep going!

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks! Hiking in Kananaskis is amazing!

[@danielleinad6315]

Hey guys, really enjoyed this video. Found it very informative with the hike information you listed (difficulty, time, etc) Also the footage was very beautiful for each location. Keep it up :)

[@worldwildhearts]

Thank you for the kind words! We appreciate it. Glad you found the video informative and we hope you get the chance to do some of these beautiful hikes soon 👊

[@Aritul]

Thanks for this video.

[@miriampasag6602]

Enjoyed watching this amazing video. Wonderfully made. Love all the trails you guys picked.

[@worldwildhearts]

Glad you enjoyed it! There’s really no bad trails out there in kananaskis. Such great hikes!

[@miriampasag6602]

@@worldwildhearts totally agree 👍

[@averagetekkenplayer8376]

I moved to Calgary from Winnipeg about 3 months ago and I have been exploring all the beautiful places around it. Kananaskis has so many hidden places that I didn't even know about and your video has helped me learn more about it. I did visit the Barrier Lake in Kananaskis today and it was really beautiful.

[@worldwildhearts]

That’s awesome! You’ll have an amazing summer as there’s so much to explore

[@karolineseymour6047]

very well done.. love all of the hikes.. a day out is a gift..

[@worldwildhearts]

Indeed 🤩 thanks for watching

[@norwaynorway2763]

Hi there I have been to KANANASKIS COUNTRY several time and Your VIDEO braugh me back so many BEAUTIFUL memories from that part of CANADA. THANKS a lot for sharing your BREATH TAKING VIDEO.

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks for watching! 😄 it’s an amazing place!!

[@mattfield2511]

About to move over from the UK and cannot wait till spring/summer so I can start ticking these off!! Your videos are absolutely brilliant thank you :)

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks for watching! That’s an exciting move… you’ll love the mountains! Some of the best in the world 🌎🌎

[@wuduanyi3267]

This is truly amazing. I was about to go to Ha Ling trail with my not that active family but after watching your video I decide to go to South Pocaterra Ridge. Thank you very much for showing the beautiful view, difficulty and time. I'll try to do another trail if time permits. So excited to go to Banff and Kananaskis the end of this month.

[@worldwildhearts]

Aw that’s great to hear! Glad you found the video useful. You’ll have an amazing time at South Pocaterra Ridge. It’s so beautiful! Enjoy your time out there ☺️

[@mareksulowski5386]

Dziękujemy.

[@devanpellow6705]

great video! planning a trip and this video is super helpful! amazing footage too

[@worldwildhearts]

Glad it is helping you plan the trip! You’ll have a great time in the Rockies. Enjoy 😊

[@GusMcCrae01]

Excellent!

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks!

[@yeisonx]

Very well explained. Thanks for sharing !

[@worldwildhearts]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and it was helpful. Happy hiking 😊👍

[@TommyHuHao]

太棒了，感谢！

[@DonsaiRoadsOfficial]

Thanks for this video. Very, very well done!

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks for watching! 😊 some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth!!

[@jwxujerry]

Thanks for the video. We have been to Kananskis a couple of times but never did the trails. Looks like we missed quite a bit of the beauty the amazing, highly underrated place offers.

[@worldwildhearts]

It’s definitely a hidden gem for hiking in the Rockies! Glad you enjoyed the video 👍

[@melikekronfol4235]

Thank you for this very beautiful and informative video! I am looking forward to trying Sarrail Ridge hike!

[@worldwildhearts]

You are welcome!! Sarrail Ridge is so beautiful. You will have a blast ☺️

[@darreng1918]

Thanks so much for sharing, amazing video and pic's. I hope I can make it up to Sarrail Ridge this year.

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks for watching! Yes, sarrail ridge is a must if you have the time and good weather. You will love it. Most spectacular view in kananaskis from the top in our opinion!

[@jershed]

Thanks, great video!

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@maazullah]

fantastic video. thank you very much.

[@worldwildhearts]

No problem! Thanks for watching and welcome to our channel 🤗 happy hiking in Kananaskis!

[@sonal1909]

Fabulous video!!

[@worldwildhearts]

Thank you 😊

[@jeffreyswiderski]

Thanks for the insight! I’ll be visiting Banff & Jasper in October!

[@worldwildhearts]

Have a great trip! Enjoy the mountains 🏔

[@lawrencegleason4666]

Great video.

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it! We have many other videos about hiking in the Canadian Rockies

[@miso519]

Amazing video quality 👍

[@worldwildhearts]

Thank you 😍

[@himalayanlocalguidepvt.ltd2914]

Very nice Videos

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks☺️

[@LetsMakeADayOfIt]

Hey! Great video :) Thanks for sharing!

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks! Welcome to our channel ☺️

[@ThePioneerChannel]

Calgary represent 🤙🏻

[@daniellemarino1410]

This is so nice. I worked at the Lodge in Kananaskis just after collage. Such a beautiful place. I wish I would have done more hikes, but got in a few for sure. Maybe time to go back.

[@worldwildhearts]

Sounds like an awesome job! It’s just breathtaking! 😄

[@patriciayu6333]

Wow

[@elisa.sblogs5356]

Hi good evening, I am your new subscriber from Canmore Alberta Canada.

[@worldwildhearts]

Hi! Thanks for subscribing and stopping by our channel. We are jealous that you’re from canmore. We lived there for a summer and really enjoyed all the hikes around the area

[@HenryASaavedra11]

Thank you to share your list of the 10 best hikes in Kananaskis

[@worldwildhearts]

There are so many great hikes in Kananaskis!

[@johnnyroaming]

Thanks for sharing. Will do these hikes for sure most of them done in the past. What are you using to record your footage?

[@worldwildhearts]

Great! Have an awesome time on the trails! We have a GoPro hero 8 and canon EOS 80D to document our hikes and adventures ;)

[@sarabxyz]

👏👌

[@robertallaway3714]

Fantastic footage and advice. May I ask what time of year most of these routes will open up / be free of snow? thanks

[@worldwildhearts]

Most of them are doable from mid-July! Will still have some snow patches here and there!

[@travel-peter]

I was there last year, one of vest places on earth. I wish I saw your video before that

[@worldwildhearts]

Yes it's so beautiful... hiking opportunities are endless there

[@travel-peter]

@@worldwildhearts absolutely 💯 %

[@jamesnasium4688]

ok, guys......i've lived in Alberta for 53 Years. GREAT VIDEO !!!

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks. ☺️

[@1neilos1]

Very informative videos. Are the distances round trip or one way? thanks

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks! The distances are all round trip. Happy hiking 😊

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Didn't include Ha Ling / Miner's Peak on this list? That one is so incredible, even with it being covered in smoke when I was up there filming it.

[@worldwildhearts]

True we didn’t include that one! Wanted to do the hike when we were living in Canmore but were always turned off by the big crowds we saw in the parking lot. Would love to do it one day when it’s a little less busy though. Sounds like some great views there 👍 The list in this video includes our personal favorites

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

@@worldwildhearts I'm not sure if its because I hiked it when it was pandemic / smokey but there weren't too many people and they all stopped at the saddle between Ha Ling and Miners. There were only 6 people at the top of Ha Ling and 2 at the top of Miners peak when I did it. Worth going back to do that one!

[@wilmarmike21lambda98]

great video.... may i ask what camera did you use for these video??? thank...

[@worldwildhearts]

Thank you! We’re glad you enjoyed it. We use a GoPro 8 and Cannon EOS 80D to film our videos 🎥

[@nasdanrose4802]

Amazing views! My questions: 1 -Is it safe to hike sarrail ridge hike alone? 2-Do you think if September is a good time and crowds? Thanks in advance

[@worldwildhearts]

1. Given the presence of grizzly bears and moose in the area, we’d recommend hiking with at least one more person. You could link up with others via the Canmore Facebook group or at the trailhead… 2. September is probably still a good time!

[@YourHomeTorontoRealEstate]

This is really my favourite Channel! Thanks for your nice Videos, it is very enlightening, Waiting for your latest update. Canmore Park

[@worldwildhearts]

Thanks for the support 😊!!

[@janmarsh4104]

Um, the times on these hikes, is that round-trip or one way? Thanks for this guide-exactly what I need!

[@worldwildhearts]

That’s out-and-back!

[@evansmith5401]

my friend calder gibb went here

[@LilRascal427]

So I'm heading to the canadian rockies in a couple weeks on a solo trip for my b day. You wouldn't happen to know of any online communities where hikers could meet up with other people for a group hike. Particularly more so for these hikes in grizzly territory

[@worldwildhearts]

Yes there are some groups on Facebook you can join! We found hiking buddies via the “Banff & canmore community”. But there are many others!

[@jaeyeollauv8964]

can you please do a family hike recommendations with teens?

[@worldwildhearts]

Grassi lakes is a good option! Or hiking to Rawson lake (it’s on the way to Sarrail Ridge, but doesn’t involve the crazy slope). Many of the hikes in Kananaskis are quite rough and steep. But there’s tons of hikes around Banff that are easily doable, like the Big Beehive or Larch Valley. We have a video about those hikes in our Banff hiking video.

[@Travel.Equals.Freedom]

Hey just for clarification.... I only seen one hike where it said group recommended. I am going with just my boyfriend and I and am wondering if we could do those hikes just the two of us besides the one you mentioned the group? Any info greatly appreciated! We are avid hikers

[@worldwildhearts]

Hi! We also hiked most of these trails just with the two of us. It’s always recommended to have more people… just because Kananaskis has a fair amount of grizzlies roaming around. But many people do it with two or even solo so it’s not mandatory. We’d say that you’re most likely to see a bear at Sarrail ridge, Smutwood peak, and Centennial ridge. But you can always find people on the trail! At sarrail ridge we waited at the base of the ridge for some people because there was a grizzly on the trail! We found another couple to hike up with.

[@Travel.Equals.Freedom]

@@worldwildhearts and we are planning to go middle of September I'm guessing hiking is still doable in that month? I know it gets cold quick in some regions and may be too much snow even but I've never been to Alberta so no idea. Im in Ontario

[@worldwildhearts]

It really depends on the year! Some years it starts snowing early September and others it stays pretty warm until the end of the month! Either way the lakes won’t be frozen yet and the larch tree season is in bloom so some hikes are even prettier than ever before! South pocaterra and larch valley trail are prime hikes to do around that time!!

[@dilbertmcfly5986]

South Pocaterra Ridge is only medium hard - steep, but relatively short. Stupid mud forest though. I personally like Nihahi Ridge much more. Sarrail Ridge and Tent Ridge are good excellent choices but long grueling gravel drive. You can do WindTower or even more scary Rimwall instead of only the West Wind Pass. Finally, I think King Creek Ridge is far better. Very steep but only takes 50-60min to get up, and the ridge walk seems to last. Minutes melt into hours.

[@worldwildhearts]

You've explored all the trails! Some of the trails are definitely not for the faint of heart though!

[@tylerlove9275]

What would recommend to hike in kananaskis for this time of year?

[@worldwildhearts]

We’ve never hiked Kananaskis in the winter ourselves. The trails we’ve listed are likely all fully snowed in still. The only one we can think of that wouldn’t be too dangerous right now is the Grassi Lakes hike right outside of Canmore. There’s also the Tunnel Mountain hike right above the town of Banff that we did once in the winter. We just needed some ice cleats since it was a bit slippery going up

[@Luckwatchero_Outdoors]

Hello guys! I'm romzy and I'm from BC, just wanna ask How long I need to stay in Canmore to complete all those hikes?

[@worldwildhearts]

Hit Romzy! We would recommend at least a few weeks if you want to complete all the hikes and enjoy Canmore / Banff a bit as well. One reason is because the weather can be pretty variable and it’s not so fun to hike if it’s raining out. And second, it’s best to give yourself a recovery day or two in between so you have good rest for your body to enjoy each hike

[@Luckwatchero_Outdoors]

@@worldwildhearts oh..I thought it can be done for 1 week...maybe I will still do but only partial, probably the top 5, thank you guys...I love all your videos, keep it up and more power.

[@worldwildhearts]

@@Luckwatchero_Outdoors good plan! 5 is still a great taste of what kananaskis has to offer. Have a good time and thanks for the support 👊

[@elizaguevarra8106]

Hi!! How do you go to West Wind pass hike? Pls and thanks!

[@worldwildhearts]

You park on the side of the Smith Dorrien Trail Road. There are many cars there! If you search for "West Wind Pass Trailhead" on Google Maps, you'll find it!

[@jaytabac6525]

did you ever k=hike Mt. Trevor Kidd?

[@NerrawodranoeL]

Any budget friendly accommodation nearby?

[@worldwildhearts]

Budget friendly accommodation would be the campgrounds! There definitely are few in the area...

[@brunobellotto5151]

hi

[@Zerin666]

Are all these difficult hikes? :(

[@worldwildhearts]

No not at all! Grassi lakes, West wind pass and Barrier lake trail are easy ones!! 😄

[@michaelbourque8655]

Holy shit. I wil go 100%

[@worldwildhearts]

You definitely should! Kananaskis is a dream hiking destination

[@lowermountroyal221]

How would you recommend dressing for these hikes?

[@worldwildhearts]

For dressing, it depends what time of the year it is, but in general you should always bring a rain jacket and / or pullover sweater. The top viewpoints of these hikes are generally pretty windy and chilly, no matter how sunny it is that day. Plus, the weather can change at any time in the Rockies during your hike. We usually wore light hiking pants and then a light top which we could layer on top of as needed