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This loop is optimized for maximum variety, light walking, and photography, offering a one-day highlight reel of some of Kananaskis Country's most iconic landmarks.
See exactly why this world-class landscape was selected to host the 2025 G7 Summit as you discover a quieter side of the Canadian Rockies. Kananaskis Country offers a rugged, 'wilder' alternative to the neighbouring national parks: quieter trails, less development, and fewer crowds.
On this multi-stop tour we explore turquoise lakes, rapids & waterfalls, and the highest paved road in Canada, deviating from our usual hike-based Kananaskis itineraries to focus on a sequence of diverse, high-impact ecosystems. The ideal choice for those seeking a varied, 'best-of' mountain experience off the beaten track.
- Small group experience (max. 11 participants)
- Pick-up in north-west Calgary
- Includes lunch and refreshments on the go
- Easy to moderate hiking, suitable for most fitness levels
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Shouldice Athletic Park (NW Calgary). Exact address: 1515 Home Road NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0V8 (Shouldice Arena Parking Lot (South end of the park)).
Itinerary
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1Grassi 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 -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
3
*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 -
4
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 -
5
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 -
6
*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 Calgary.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Clothing & Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (insulated for winter) and adaptable layers (avoid cotton). Check weather conditions before departure.
- Personal Gear: Please bring a small daypack, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle (refills provided).
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Clothing & Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (insulated for winter) and adaptable layers (avoid cotton). Check weather conditions before departure.
- Personal Gear: Please bring a small daypack, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle (refills provided).
- Technical Gear: We provide hiking poles and microspikes/ice cleats if needed. USB-A charging ports are available in the van—please bring your own cable.
- Child Seats: required by law for under 6yrs (≤18kg). Not provided; please bring your own if needed.
- Waiver: required for all guests before departure.
- Changes/Cancellations: please contact us to discuss.
- Minimum 4 participants required for this tour to run; full refund or alternative dates/experience offered if this number is not met.
- Lunch is a grazing spread consisting of local meats, cheeses, and accompaniments or a deli-style lunch, depending on availability. We are unable to cater for specific dietary requirements or severe allergies; guests with specific nutritional needs are welcome to bring their own lunch.
- 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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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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