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Kananaskis, Alberta

Looking for the best chillin in Kananaskis? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Kananaskis. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Kananaskis

  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Hike through McGillivray Canyon

    1.0
    Between Pigeon Mountain and Mount McGilliveray, pull off the road and slow down until you see a little dirt road turn off to the large parking area.Follow the trail heading south- don't take the transcanada trail- further up you will find another small trail that takes you to the creek bed. Follo...
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  • Turner Valley, Alberta

    Climb Wasootch Tower

    Park at Wasootch Creek, Walk 2kms past the practice slabs5.7 Mixed- North RidgeFollowing the drainage on the right side that leads to the base of the esthetic tower. Then hike up the faint forested trail to the beginning of the climb.I found this to be a fun- easy scrambling route with quite a fe...
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  • Canmore, Alberta

    Hike Grotto Mountain

    7.5 mi / 4429.1 ft gain
    From Highway 1A take the exit to the Alpine Club of Canada. Park near the woodpile as the actual parking lot is for Alpine Club customers. The trailhead about 30 metres up the road from the woodpile.The start of the trail is fairly relaxed but it quickly becomes a steep uphill battle. There are t...
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  • Kananaskis, Alberta

    Scramble up Mount Sparrowhawk for Sunrise

    7.5 mi / 4527.6 ft gain
    Mount Sparrowhawk was the first mountain I ever fell in love with -- I knew it well, and I knew that the summit would still be accessible with a bit of snow on it in October. With waning daylight hours, it was a perfect option - albeit intense - for a sunrise hike.The trailhead is located on the ...
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  • Canmore, Alberta

    Ha Ling Sunrise Hike

    4.1
    5 mi / 2296.6 ft gain
    Start at the Goat Creek parking lot and cross the road towards Ha Ling. There is an access road with a gate on the other side. Walk up the road and across the bridge. From there the trail is obvious and will lead you to the summit. Overall it's a fairly easy hike with switchbacksOnce above tree l...
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  • Turner Valley, Alberta

    Photograph Wedge Pond

    3.0
    0.25 mi / 10 ft gain
    Just off Highway 1 in Kananaskis Country is a beautiful pond that makes for a wonderful spot to enjoy the first light on the Canadian Rockies. Bring warm clothes as this place can be especially cold. Don't forget a camera and a blanket. I recommend going for sunrise as this is when the lighting i...
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  • Kananaskis, Alberta

    Hike up Galatea Creek to Lillian Lake

    Located on Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail) and marked by the "Galatea" sign, there's not much more to this hike other than putting one foot in front of the other, but the amount of traffic it sees is a testament to the quality of this hike.Even on the backend of winter the numerous shades of green ...
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  • Bighorn No. 8, Alberta

    Scramble Up Black Rock Mountain

    4.0
    Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your point of view, getting to/finding the trailhead is the most difficult part of this hike! On top of Black Rock Mountain is an abandoned fire lookout that was utilized from 1928 to 1950. Through all those years, the lookout was supplied by pack horses...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Snowshoe to Johnson Lake

    2 mi
    This is a well-traveled hike, so if you stay on the path, you'll likely need only a good pair of boots. However, in the middle of winter, the lake freezes solid, and you might enjoy exploring a little out on the frozen lake like we did. Snowshoes definitely came in handy out there.This is a very ...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Hike to the Hermit of Inglismaldie

    4.0
    2 mi / 34 ft gain
    As you drive towards Johnson Lake, the road will end at a parking lot where you should park. There are restrooms and picnic tables located in this same area.  Due to the low elevation, the trail around Johnson Lake is a gentle walk, but trail conditions should always be checked especially during ...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Kayak Two Jack Lake

    4.2
    Of all the lakes in the Banff area, this was one of my favorites to get out on the water. Don't expect the bright blue glacial waters of some of the other lakes in the Canadian Rockies, but the water is pristine and it was one of the few places I went where it felt like it was all locals hanging...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Explore Lake Minnewanka

    4.2
    Head up to Lake Minnewanka on a high alert night to get the perfect view of the Canadian Northern Lights. You can go online to get updates on the best times to go and where they will be the brightest. While the dam at the lake may be overrun with people, explore around and you can find a nice emp...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Explore Bankhead Ghost Town

    5.0
    0.81 mi / 37 ft gain
    Bankhead is a ghost town which flanks Cascade Mountain and lies just south of Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park. The main portion of the ghost town is located in Lower Bankhead, which can be reach by traveling North on Range Rd 1158 (closed Nov - Apr), following the signs to Lake Minnewanka....
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  • Bragg Creek, Alberta

    Rock Climb at White Buddha

    4.0
    1.9 mi / 492.1 ft gain
    To reach White Buddha, park at the Powerface Creek parking lot. Between December and May, Route 66 is closed at Elbow Falls, so you may need to park at the gate and walk in, about 0.3 miles (500 m). The trailhead is well marked from the parking lot.The first section of the trail is mellow, though...
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  • Bragg Creek, Alberta

    Hike to Bragg Creek Ice Cave

    4.0
    4.3 mi / 5879.3 ft gain
    Also known as Moose Mountain Ice Cave, Canyon Creek Ice Cave and Ing Mine.The cave is located on the west side of Moose Ridge andhas a huge entrance, it is approximately1,600 ft. in depth. Take Highway 22 past Bragg Creek, continue on the 66 towards Moose Mountain.  Turn off at Canyon Creek Road...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Take in the View at the Mount Norquay Green Spot

    3.5
    The "Green Spot" is a beautiful grassy slope that opens up to sweeping views of downtown Banff and the surrounding area.  It's a great spot for photography, especially capturing the peak of Mt. Rundle.  There's also a set of chairs conveniently placed on the slope so you can kick back and enjoy t...
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