Top 10 Hikes to Do in Kananaskis Country This Summer

‍Top 10 Hikes to Do in Kananaskis Country this Summer

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Kananaskis Country is your front-row ticket to some of the best hiking in the Rockies—from chill lake loops to big, bold ridge climbs. Whether you’re in it for the alpine meadows, the waterfalls, or the bragging rights, there’s a trail here with your name on it.

We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite hikes near Sundance by Basecamp—ranked from easiest to most challenging—so you can pick your pace and chase those views:

1. Wedge Pond Loop
Rating: Easy | Loop
Distance: 1.0 km (0.6 mi)
Elevation Gain: 32 m (105 ft)

A peaceful, year-round trail that loops around the reflective waters of Wedge Pond—perfect for a relaxing walk, a quiet start to the day, or a quick stretch post-hike. Expect forested views, mountain backdrops, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Dog-friendly too (on leash)!

2. Running Rain Lake Trail
Rating: Easy | Out & Back
Distance: 6.1 km (3.8 mi)
Elevation Gain: 288 m (945 ft)

A quiet, less-traveled trail that leads through forest to a tucked-away lake surrounded by lush greenery. This one’s perfect for a peaceful escape into nature, with fewer crowds and a cozy mountain vibe. The lake is a great spot to chill with a snack before the return trip.

3. Arethusa Cirque Route
Rating: Easy to Moderate | Loop
Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
Elevation Gain: 377 m (1,237 ft)

One of the most photogenic short hikes in Kananaskis. Arethusa Cirque offers a high-alpine feel without the huge effort. Expect flower-filled meadows, gentle creek crossings, and dramatic rocky amphitheatres. It’s a loop you’ll want to do twice—especially in late summer when the blooms go wild.

4. Edworthy Falls via Elbow Lake
Rating: Moderate | Out & Back
Distance: 9.8 km (6.1 mi)
Elevation Gain: 401 m (1,316 ft)

Start with an easy climb to stunning Elbow Lake, then push further into the forest for the real gem—Edworthy Falls. A wide, thundering cascade pours down into a cool canyon, framed by moss and cliffs. This one feels like two hikes in one and offers a great mix of terrain and views.

5. Rawson Lake
Rating: Moderate | Out & Back
Distance: 6.8 km (4.2 mi)
Elevation Gain: 526 m (1,726 ft)

Rawson is a local favourite for good reason. Climb through shaded forest switchbacks and pop out at a glassy alpine lake cradled by the cliffs of Sarrail Ridge. Sit on the log-strewn shoreline and watch for trout, or extend your hike with the tougher climb to the ridge for big valley views.

6. Junction Falls Trail
Rating: Moderate | Out & Back
Distance: 13.7 km (8.5 mi)
Elevation Gain: 563 m (1,847 ft)

A longer forested trail with a great sense of remoteness. You’ll follow the valley into the backcountry to reach Junction Falls—a powerful and scenic waterfall hidden deep in the woods. Expect a peaceful, immersive hike with excellent wildlife spotting potential (bring bear spray!).

7. South Pocaterra Ridge
Rating: Moderate to Challenging | Out & Back
Distance: 8.2 km (5.1 mi)
Elevation Gain: 632 m (2,073 ft)

A wildflower-filled ridge route that rewards every step with increasing alpine views. This trail climbs through open meadows and lands you on a ridgeline with panoramic Rockies vistas in all directions. It’s quieter than other ridge hikes and offers a true high-country feel.

8. Grizzly Peak Trail
Rating: Challenging | Out & Back
Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 mi)
Elevation Gain: 851 m (2,792 ft)

Don’t be fooled by the distance—Grizzly is steep, scrambly, and not for beginners. But if you’re up for the challenge, the summit views of Mount Evan Thomas, Opal Ridge, and the Kananaskis Lakes will blow you away. Bonus: the ridgeline stretch at the top feels like something out of a dream.

9. Frozen Lake via Elk Pass
Rating: Challenging | Out & Back
Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi)
Elevation Gain: 926 m (3,038 ft)

This hike takes you deep into the wilderness past Elbow Lake and across the Alberta–BC border to a tucked-away, glacier-fed lake. The journey includes alpine meadows, larch trees in the fall, and a raw sense of solitude. You’ll feel like you’ve entered another world

10. Wasootch Ridge Trail
Rating: Challenging | Out & Back
Distance: 13.4 km (8.3 mi)
Elevation Gain: 951 m (3,120 ft)

This long ridge hike offers endless views and one of the best “effort-to-payoff” ratios in the area. It’s steep early on but mellows into a scenic ridgeline that keeps delivering. Take breaks, soak in the views, and push as far as your legs (and time) allow.

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Now that you’ve got your trail list, why not turn your hike into a full mountain escape? After a day out in Kananaskis, kick back in one of our new stays at Sundance by Basecamp—from cozy Canvas Bell Tents to upgraded Deluxe Glamping Tents and our spacious Family Tent, there’s a fresh way to unwind under the stars.

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