North and South Kananaskis Pass Loop

The North and South Kananaskis Pass Loop is a strenuous 43.4 km (27.0 mi) backcountry lollipop loop from North Interlakes. It follows the Upper Kananaskis Lake and Forks corridor to Three Isle Lake, crosses South Pass, traverses the British Columbia side by Beatty Lake, crosses North Pass, then returns through Turbine Canyon. The Upper Kananaskis Lake and Forks approach is repeated between Turbine Canyon and the trailhead, so that stem is walked twice. Most backpackers allow two nights and three days; plan roughly 20–22 hours on the trail across the trip, including ordinary breaks. This remote route suits experienced backpackers, not a day hike or a first backcountry overnight.

The difficulty comes from the distance, climbing and uneven ground, especially on the British Columbia side. Expect steep loose descents, brushy slopes, a narrow exposed scree traverse and faint, poorly signed trail. Carry an offline route and a map with a compass backup, and keep checking that the next section of tread is where you expect it. At the creek fords, look for the continuation on the far bank before entering the water; one crossing can be wide and deep enough that hikers remove their boots. Do not attempt a crossing if the water is too high or fast to ford safely.

From North Interlakes, follow Upper Kananaskis Lake through forest and rocky talus, with several bridged watercourses, to Forks. The Three Isle approach leaves the shared shoreline corridor and climbs steep rock steps and wooden stairs beside a waterfall to a headwall with a valley view, then descends toward the lake. Leaving Three Isle, the trail climbs again toward the open meadow and South Pass.

South Kananaskis Pass opens onto a meadow with boundary signs. From there the route descends toward Beatty Lake. Beyond the lake, a long scree slope narrows beside a steep drop. The British Columbia traverse continues to two LeRoy Creek crossings, then climbs steeply through brush toward North Pass. The crossings and faint trail make this the section where steady navigation matters most. North Pass crosses the Alberta–British Columbia boundary and the Continental Divide; the Royal Group panorama opens on the BC approach.

On the Alberta side, North Pass lies above Maude Lake and Beatty Glacier. Descend toward Turbine Canyon campground, which has pit toilets and secure food lockers; fires are not permitted there. The trail continues through meadow, past the Putnik Pond viewpoint and its long rockwall, then down a rough brushy connector toward Forks. In this direction the connector is a descent; its short switchbacks and slopes climb about 400 m over roughly 3 km when walked uphill. From Forks, retrace the Upper Kananaskis Lake corridor to North Interlakes.

Reserve the Alberta backcountry campgrounds ahead of time and carry all meals; there is no food service on the route. North Interlakes has pit toilets, and Turbine Canyon has pit toilets and food lockers. There is no potable water in the BC section; treat stream water before drinking. High passes can hold snow outside the main summer window, and mountain weather changes quickly; check current trail reports and be prepared for cold, wet or snowy conditions. Alberta rules allow pets on leash or in a carrier no longer than 2 m. Pets are legally allowed, but British Columbia advises that its backcountry is unsuitable for pets because of wildlife; leaving dogs at home is the safer choice for this trip.