Great Divide Trail: Elk Pass to North Kananaskis Pass

The Peter Lougheed stretch of the Great Divide Trail is a 13.75-mile (22.1-km) one-way point-to-point from Elk Pass Day Use Area to North Kananaskis Pass. It follows Upper Kananaskis Lake before heading up the valley through Forks, Lawson Lake and Turbine Canyon to the high pass. This is a hard, remote outing: allow about 10 hours for a long day on foot, and longer with a full pack or extended stops. The northern end has no road pickup, so plan a continuation into the backcountry or a separate route back; retracing the line adds another 13.75 miles.

From Elk Pass, the GDT follows the lake shore to Upper Lakes Trailhead, then continues north through the upper valley. The line stored here is the main GDT route to North Kananaskis Pass, not the Northover Ridge alternate via Aster Lake, Three Isle Lake and South Kananaskis Pass. It is also distinct from the short Elk Pass day hike and from all of Section C, which continues for many more miles beyond the pass.

The route passes Forks and Lawson Lake before reaching Turbine Canyon. The canyon is a narrow section of the high valley and a memorable contrast to the open lakeshore. Much of this approach follows established park trails, but signs may name local trails rather than the Great Divide Trail; carry an offline map and follow the intended mainline at junctions.

The final climb reaches North Kananaskis Pass at roughly 2,330 metres. The elevation profile rises from about 1,700 metres near the lake to more than 2,300 metres at the saddle; it is a high alpine crossing, not a simple valley walk. Beyond the pass the GDT enters British Columbia and descends toward Palliser Valley. That next stretch is outside this route and includes remote river crossings, so continuing requires its own navigation and trip plan.

Forks and Turbine Canyon are designated backcountry campgrounds; overnight stays require advance permits or reservations, and popular sites can book early. Turbine has 15 campsites, toilets and food lockers, with no fires permitted. There is no food service or resupply along this segment, so carry what you need. Vehicles in Kananaskis Country require a Conservation Pass. Dogs are allowed on the Alberta park portion when leashed no longer than two metres.