Northover Ridge Loop

Most backpackers split the circuit across two or three days, usually camping at Aster and Three Isle. Budget about 14–16 hours of hiking, plus long stops and camp time. The 21 miles count the full closed loop, including the North Interlakes approaches and return connector, rather than just the ridge. Published totals vary around 33–35 km as descriptions count those connectors differently; the mapped line is 33.8 km and closely matches a 33.7-km loop description. The distance feels bigger than a smooth 21-mile path because much of the ground is rough and the ridge comes after a long climb.

From North Interlakes, follow the Upper Kananaskis Lake circuit before climbing away from the shore toward Aster Lake. The lakeside approach is easier walking; the route gets much rougher as it climbs the creek basin. Above treeline, the tread thins across loose rock and scree. Near Aster, cairns matter: the line can fade into the stones, and a wrong turn can send you toward Warrior Mountain instead of the ridge route. Slow down when the path disappears and keep the basin and route direction in view.

The link from Aster toward Three Isle crosses steep scree to a high, broken ridge above 2,700 metres. The scenery opens onto alpine basins, snowfields, glaciers and sharp peaks, but the crossing is the price of admission: expect loose footing, a short hands-on step and narrow, exposed sections. This is not a maintained, marked mountain path all the way. Give the ridge a generous weather window; if cloud, wind or lightning builds, turn back before you are committed on exposed ground.

After the ridge, the route drops steeply on loose scree toward Three Isle Lake. Watch each step and stay with the cairned line; it’s a tiring descent after the climb. The backcountry campground sits near the water below Mount Worthington, a welcome change from bare rock. From there, the Three Isle Trail and Upper Kananaskis Lake paths lead back to North Interlakes.

Aster and Three Isle are backcountry campgrounds with pit toilets and secure food lockers; fires aren’t permitted. Backcountry camping requires a permit, and reserve a site ahead if you’re planning to sleep at either campground. Bring what you need between camps; there are no road-access services on the loop. Dogs are allowed in the park on leash, but the steep scree and exposed ridge make this a poor choice for most pets.

The Aster approach is unmaintained, and snow can linger on the higher ground after the lower trail has cleared. The route is best suited to the snow-free summer window; early snow or a storm can make faint tread and cairns harder to follow. Carry a map and compass or a reliable offline route, and have enough time to turn around if visibility or footing worsens.

From the ridge, the view stretches across broken rock basins, snowfields and peaks, with Aster Lake and Three Isle Lake anchoring the two sides of the crossing. For a photo, include a bit of the trail or snowfield in the foreground so the scale of the basin comes through. The lake shore and campground are a gentler place to linger once you’re off the exposed crest.