Private Signature Kananaskis Highlights Loop - From Banff/Canmore

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Grassi Lakes

  Our first stop stretches the legs on a gentle ascent to two crystal-clear, emerald pools nestled beneath a towering limestone canyon. The ideal introduction to the region’s unique geology and vibrant alpine colours. Trail length: 3.5km, with 150m elevation gain.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2

  Spray Lakes & The Smith-Dorrien: We leave the pavement behind for the rugged and beautiful Highway 742 "backroad." This high-elevation gravel route is flanked by many trailheads and offers a true backcountry feel, with several lakeside photo opportunities. We'll stop for lunch at a day use area with a view along the Smith-Dorrien, or at Lower Kananaskis Lake.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 3

  After lunch, we transition to the highest paved road in Canada. Quiet, winding, and spectacular, this drive offers 360-degree mountain views and is a prime corridor for wildlife sightings, including bighorn sheep and grizzly bears.
• 4

  *According to group preference, we will EITHER stop at Wedge Pond, OR Widowmaker in the afternoon* A serene post-lunch stretch. Known for its mirror-like mountain reflections and golden larch trees in the autumn, the easy 1km loop trail here is a photographer’s favourite for its stillness and symmetry.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 5

  Our primary afternoon stop, featuring a 4-5km hike through a forested trail to the tiered cascades of Troll Falls – a local favourite and stunning destination year-round. Time and energy levels permitting, we have the option for a slower return through the open Hay Meadow, following the Kananaskis River through the valley.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 6

  As we begin our descent toward the foothills, we stop at this expansive reservoir. The contrast between the turquoise water and the rugged front-range mountains provides a final, high-impact vista of the Kananaskis wilderness.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 7

  *According to group preference, we will EITHER stop at Wedge Pond, OR Widowmaker in the afternoon* A brief stop at the Kananaskis River to see the rapids. A popular haunt for local kayakers, the flat trail along the riverbank offers a front-row seat to the rapids before we rejoin the highway for the return to Banff/Canmore.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Itinerary Note: exact routes, timings, and destinations may vary based on participant preferences, fitness levels, real-time mountain conditions, and safety.

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