Upper Kananaskis Lake Loop

Upper Kananaskis Lake is a 15.7 km (9.8 mi) loop around a mountain reservoir, linking forest, waterfalls, open shoreline and a rocky slide. Allow about four to five and a half hours. The trail rolls along the lake rather than making one long summit climb, so distance and a few uneven sections are the main effort. Start at Upper Lake Day Use or North Interlakes Day Use; the full circuit is the same either way. From North Interlakes, cross the dam and follow either of the early upper or lower paths; they rejoin. At the Three Isle Lake junction, take the descent back toward Upper Kananaskis Lake to stay on this loop. Continuing uphill leaves the circuit for a different hike.

From Upper Lake Day Use, Sarrail Falls is about 1.1 km along the shore. The trail continues through spruce and fir, with water and mountain views appearing through the trees, then passes Lower Kananaskis Falls. A wooden footbridge crosses a rocky stream near the far side of the circuit. Expect changing footing as the path moves between dirt tread, stones and shoreline rubble. If the full loop is too much, the walk from Upper Lake Day Use to Sarrail Falls and back makes a shorter waterfall outing.

On the north side, the route crosses the Palliser rockslide, a broad field of gray rock beneath Mount Indefatigable. This is the circuit's most distinctive change of scene: loose-looking rock and a narrow path replace the softer forest tread, with the lake and ridges opening below. Take care with footing here. For a photograph, include the rubble in the foreground and Mount Indefatigable beyond; a straight shot across the lake misses the scale of this section.

The lake was dammed to add to Calgary's water reserves. Dark, dead tree trunks still rise from parts of the water, a visible reminder that this is a reservoir as well as a mountain lake. Between the falls and the slide, the circuit gives you both the close details of a working landscape and longer views across the water to the surrounding peaks.

Upper Lake Day Use is the south-end access and has pit toilets and a water pump; no food seller was found along the route, so bring lunch and enough water for the full walk. North Interlakes is the other official starting point. A few visitors report that Upper Lake parking can fill at busy times, so an early start may help. The three-and-a-half-kilometre section between North Interlakes and Point Backcountry Campground allows traditional bikes and e-bikes; the rest of the circuit is hiking-only.

Dogs are allowed on leash. The posted group-size limit appears as 15 / 35; because the applicable cap depends on the route section, confirm with the park before bringing a group larger than 15. Avalanche paths cross the route, so this is not a recommended winter walk. Check current advisories and conditions before setting out; seasonal snow can change footing well beyond the rockslide.