North Interlakes Day Use Area

North Interlakes is a simple lakeshore day-use area at the north end of Upper Kananaskis Lake, with a broad 180-degree view across the water to the surrounding peaks. It's a good pause for the lake and a starting point for nearby walking. Alberta Parks lists picnicking here, but the setup is basic: pit/vault toilets are listed, while picnic tables and food service aren't. Bring what you need if you plan to stay for a meal.

The view opens across the lake to steep, forested slopes and pale rock faces. For a photo, keep the pebbled shore and lakeside bench in the foreground; the trees frame the full sweep of water and mountains better than a tight shot of one peak.

The lake has a bit of hidden history. During First World War-era mapping, five of its islands were named for Royal Navy ships: Cressy, Hawke, Hogue, Pegasus and Aboukir. Rising water in the hydroelectric reservoir submerged most of them; Hawke and Hogue usually remain above the surface, while Cressy can appear when the water is low.

North Interlakes is also the access point for the easy walk to Point Backcountry Campground. The route follows the Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit for 3.4 km one way, gaining about 25 m, to tent sites in forest by the shore. The day-use stop itself needs no hike. It's listed for year-round use, but bring food and water rather than counting on services here.