Pros & cons
PROS
- Year‑round staging point between Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes
- Pit/vault toilets and generally ample parking
CONS
- Not a true picnic area
- No potable water on site
- Parking can fill on fair‑weather weekends
Overview
North Interlakes is the day‑use/staging area tucked between Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. It’s open year‑round and works best as a launch point: park, hit the trails, and soak up big water‑and‑peaks views right from the shoreline.
What You’ll Do
- Hike: It’s a popular start for lake‑edge walks and longer routes around Upper Kananaskis Lake.
- Bike: Mountain biking is permitted on designated trails, with e‑bikes allowed where posted.
- Winter: When the snow arrives, park‑wide options include snowshoeing, cross‑country skiing, and even ice fishing in season.
Facilities & Logistics
- Toilets: Pit/vault toilets.
- Water: No potable water is listed for the day‑use area—bring your own.
- Passes: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for vehicle parking in this area.
What It’s Not
Despite the scenery, this isn’t a picnic lawn with tables; think of it as a scenic trailhead and staging spot. If you’re set on picnicking, aim for other nearby day‑use areas instead.
Best Time to Visit
It’s open all year. On fair‑weather weekends, parking can fill—arrive early for the easiest start. Winter is quieter and beautiful if you’re coming for snowshoeing or ski touring on the local trail network.
Safety & Etiquette
You’re in prime bear country. Bear warnings and area closures are common—check Alberta Parks advisories before you go, carry bear spray, and keep all food secured.
Where it is
50.6318, -115.1407Tips for Interlakes Day Use Area
- 01Arrive early on fair‑weather weekends to snag a parking spot.
- 02Bring all the drinking water you need—none is provided at the day‑use area.
- 03Purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass before you park.
- 04Check Alberta Parks advisories for frequent bear warnings and any closures.
- 05Coming in winter? Download the Kananaskis Lakes ski trails map ahead of time.
Amenities
Near Interlakes Day Use Area
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayThree Isle LakeLakeshore cruise, spicy headwall, and a serene alpine basinChallenging · 12.7 mi · 9.5 hr
0 mi awayMaude-LawsonBig alpine push to Turbine Canyon and Maude Lake via The ForksChallenging · 21 mi · 12 hr
0 mi awayUpper Kananaskis Lake Rock Glacier TrailLake loop with bouldery rockslide and a stop at Sarrail FallsModerate · 9.7 mi · 5 hr
0.1 mi awayPanorama Day UseLow‑key lakeside stop with big Lower Kananaskis Lake viewsTrailhead · Parking
0.1 mi awayLower Kananaskis Lake DamSmall dam stop on the Kananaskis hydro systemRestroom
0.6 mi awayInterlakes CampgroundFCFS lakeside campsites with knockout views and easy lake accessCampground · Restroom
0.9 mi awayLower Lake Day Use – SouthWinter picnic spot with firepits and mountain‑lake viewsRestroom · Picnic Table
0.9 mi awayLower Kananaskis Lake Lakeside TrailGentle lakeshore walk with big views and easy logisticsEasy · 4.3 mi · 2.3 hr
