Top Snowshoe and Winter Hiking Trails in Canmore and Kananaskis

Winter in Canmore and Kananaskis is not merely a season; it’s a spectacle. Snow blankets our majestic mountain peaks and serene landscapes provide a fresh perspective on the unfiltered beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Discover the quiet alpine wonderland with the best winter hiking trails and snowshoeing spots this region has to offer.

Distances and difficulties are approximate and subjective. Please do your own research when selecting a hike and learn how to be prepared for your adventure. 

#1 Hogarth Lakes

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 4.2 km (2.5 mi) out-and-back

Elevation Gain: 109 m (358 ft)

This gentle circuit skirts along several alpine lakes. This soft terrain is a must-do for families and beginners!

#2 Black Prince Cirque/Warspite Lake

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 4 km (2.5 mi) out-and-back

Elevation Gain: 159 m (522 ft)

Located in the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, this trail takes you to a frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks. It offers a slightly higher level of difficulty and is a good option for those looking for a bit of a challenge.

#3 Troll Falls

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 2.5 km (1.6 mi)

Elevation Gain: 227 metres (745 ft)

This trail is a family favourite, with a mild incline, wide trails, and lots of forested scenery to enjoy. The scenic finale? A stunning frozen waterfall at the end of the trail. Be prepared with spikes and poles – this trail is known to get muddy and slippery.

#4 Grassi Lakes

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4.0 km (2.5 mi)

Elevation Gain: 250 metres (820 ft)

Grassi Lakes is an exceedingly popular trail just outside of Canmore. There are two trail options to reach the alpine lakes: the first is a wide, family-friendly trail that takes you through a lush forest and quiet scenery. The second is more challenging, but you are rewarded with stunning views of Canmore. This option tends to be more slippery in the winter, so proceed with caution. Both paths lead you to the teal waters of Grassi Lakes under the towering Ha Ling Peak.

#5 Grotto Canyon

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4.0 km (2.5 mi)

Elevation Gain: 100 metres (328 ft)

In the wintertime, Grotto Canyon freezes over and tranforms into a specatular ice walk. Wander through unique rock formations to a frozen waterfall cascading over the canyon ridge. Ice spikes are a must for this hike, so pack accordingly or rent your gear at one of our local rental shops.

You may spot ancient pictographs on the canyon walls – please don’t touch these are they are rooted in Indigenous history. To enrich your experience and learn more about the pictopgraphs, book a guided hike through Grotto Canyon with Mahikan Trails to add depth and meaning to your hike.

#6 Rawson Lake

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 6.8 km (2.5 mi) out-and-back

Elevation Gain: 526 m (1726 ft)

Rawson Lake is a moderate trail for those looking for a winter hike in Kananaskis. Starting at Upper Kananaskis Lake, this top-rated trail traverses through frosty woodlands and ends at a tranquil lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks. The best way to hike Rawson Lake is through a curated tour with Canadian Rockies Experience. Guides will pick you up from your accommodation armed with an array of hot beverages and local pastries. With equipment and lunch also provided, all that’s left is for you to truly immerse yourself in the mountain vistas.

#7 Chester Lake

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 7.4 km (4.6 mi) out-and-back

Elevation Gain: 380 m (1247 ft)

One of the most popular winter hiking trails in Kananaskis is Chester Lake. This hike takes you through a forested trail and leads you into a vast clearing with stunning views of Mount Chester. For an enriching twist on a classic adventure, Heather Black, also known as Buffalo Stone Woman, offers unique Indige-scape tours so you can infuse your winter hiking experience with authentic Indigenous culture. Learn about the Blackfoot language and traditions on your journey as Heather shares the beauty of her Indigenous culture and stories of resilience.

#8 Shark Lake Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 7.4 km (4.6 mi) out-and-back

Elevation Gain: 30 m (183 ft)

A longer option, this trail traverses through the woods and skirts the edge of Shark Lake. It provides a steady, consistent route ideal for those wanting a longer trek without significant elevation changes.

#9 Watridge Lake

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 7.4km (4.6 mi) out-and-back

Elevation Gain: 170 m (558 ft)

Suitable for families and beginners, this trail starts in the Mount Shark parking lot and leads to Watridge Lake. It is a multi-use path known for its clear markers and straightforward route – you will likely see lots of cross-country skiers here as well.

Gear up and get out

Before your outing, get fully equipped with snowshoes and/or ice cleats and make sure you are properly dressed for whatever weather conditions might come your way. If you need to rent or buy any additional gear, check out Sports Garage, Sports Experts, GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals, or Kananaskis Outfitters.

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In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.