Kananaskis Country, which was given protected status in 1977, is located in the Front Ranges of the Canadian Rockies immediately to the south of Banff National Park.  It consists of over 4000 square km of foothills, valleys and mountains. In 1858, John Palliser named the area after a native Cree warrior called "Koominakoos".

Often referred to by locals as "K-Country", it is a region of tightly folded limestone peaks and alpine lakes. The grey of the mountains contrast sharply with the blue of their lakes and the conifer green of the forests cloaking the lower elevations.

The area offers a multitude of landscapes and trails. It is also home to a large variety of wildlife including wolves, grizzly and black bears, elk, moose, deer and big horn sheep.

This five-day trip across the South and North Kananaskis Passes offers varied scenery with lots of lakes, glaciers and spectacular canyons gouged through the rock.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kananaskis Lakes - Three Isle Lake
At 8:00am we meet at the Yamnuska Mountain Adventures office in Canmore. We'll go over the trip with you and check to see that you are properly outfitted. We then drive to the trailhead (1hour) along the spectacular Smith-Dorrien highway to the south of Canmore. The trail leads us first around the Upper Kananaskis Lake then into the forests following the Kananaskis River.  After reaching "the Forks", we continue to hike up the Three Isle headwall to camp for the night at Three Isle Lake (2175m.).  Distance 10km. Elevation gain 300m.

Day 2: Day hike to Northover Ridge
We are never far from tree line now and the scenery begins to expand exponentially as we rapidly gain height  above the Lake carrying only light packs. The views are fantastic from Northover Ridge (2800m) and west into the Royal Group and beyond. We return to our basecamp at Three Isle Lake for an evening of fishing, stories, and relaxed company.  Distance 10km. Elevation gain 600m, loss 600m.

Day 3: Three Isle - Turbine Canyon
Today is pass crossing day and the most challenging we face! After breakfast we make our way to the Continental Divide at South Kananaskis Pass (2306m) and cross into British Columbia.  Passing Beatty Lake we contour into Leroy Creek on rough trails to re-cross the continental divide at North Kananaskis Pass (2368m) where we can stop to enjoy the views surrounding Maude Lake. Another 2km and we arrive at Turbine Canyon. Distance 14.2km. Elevation gain 730m, loss 650m.

Day 4: Turbine Canyon - Forks Campground
Turbine Canyon Camp (2200m) sits on a bench near tree line above the confluence of Maude Brook and the Upper Kananaskis River, it is named after the impressive and narrow canyon just downstream from the campsite. The views are tremendous and it's also a great place to do a side trip. After a leisurely morning spent exploring this fascinating area we hike across the meadows to Lawson Lake and then it's all downhill as we descend to the Upper Kananaskis River valley bottom and Forks campground. Distance 7.8km. Elevation loss 400m.

Day 5: Forks Campground to Kananaskis Lakes
After breakfast we pack up and start our return to civilization. From Forks Campground we follow the Upper Kananaskis River valley to the Upper Kananaskis Lake by early afternoon.  Then we retrace our way back to Canmore for hot showers and and a final group dinner in town. Distance 7km. Elevation loss 100m.

Logistics

Meeting Place and Time

We will meet you at our Yamnuska Mountain Adventures office at 8:00 am the morning of Day 1.

Our office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore. See this map for location.

For your greater convenience we offer a pre-meeting shuttle service within Canmore. Please let us know in advance where you will be staying if needing this service. Pickup will occur between 7:40 and 7:50am.

Please ensure that you have your hiking equipment with you.

Accommodation and Meals

On the trail you will be staying in modern, lightweight 2 and 3-person weather-proof tents.

Accommodation in Canmore is not included. For your convenience we can arrange hotel accommodations in Canmore for $160 per night. Double or single occupancy, the cost is the same. This accommodation can be booked with the trip online or by calling us. Subject to availability.

You can also make your own arrangements. Check our links page for a range of Canmore accommodations.

Excess luggage can be left at your hotel or our office.

We supply all meals and trail snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5. Groups generally go out for dinner in Canmore with the guide on the final evening (own cost).

Trail cuisine is constructed from lightweight ingredients including our Yamnuska custom-made dehydrated dinners. Please specify any special dietary requirements you have on booking so we can incorporate them into our menus. In case of more complicated diets a surcharge may apply.

Guides and Group Size

Yamnuska Mountain Adventure guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Our professional guides have extensive experience in the Canadian Rockies. Guides also have advanced wilderness first aid training and heritage interpretation accreditation. Guides carry emergency equipment including a first aid kit, bear spray and radio.

There will be a maximum of eight guests and a minimum of four.

Getting to Canmore and Transportation

Canmore is situated 100km (65miles) west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. It is well served by scheduled bus lines both from Calgary (airport and downtown), Banff (20km west) and points further west. Calgary International Airport is well connected to major cities throughout North America and Europe. Once in Canmore we will supply all transport needed for the trip.

Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway. Call 403 609 8790, 403 609 0300, 403 609 1490 or 403 609 8505 for taxis in Canmore.

Gear

Clothing and Equipment

We supply group camping and cooking equipment plus a full emergency and first-aid kit. You will need to bring personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag etc) and clothing. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures does have rental and retail equipment such as sleeping bags, mats, and backpacks. Rental Gear List. Contact us in advance to reserve.

What you bring will have a big impact on the quality of your experience, we especially urge you to read our notes on lightweight gear and clothing.

Please download the list below and make sure that you will have the items listed.

Clothing and Equipment List (pdf)

Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Fishing

Both Three Isle and Maude Lakes contain cutthroat trout with Maude fishing particularly well. Participants are welcome to bring lightweight fishing gear. Alberta Provincial fishing license is required (purchase in Canmore). Fishing regulations apply.

Booking Information

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. A deposit of  %35 is required at time of booking. Final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the trip.

For detailed Booking Instructions and Conditions, click here.

Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the trip. Click here for waiver copy.

Insurance

In Kananaskis Country there may be a charge for rescue if you need to be evacuated by professional services. We strongly recommend a travel and medical insurance that will cover you in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Yamnuska offers a "Visitors to Canada Plan and Gold Trip Cancellation and Interruption Plan" through Travel Guard insurance. These plans offer comprehensive coverage for all your travel needs including trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical expenses, and personal effects loss. For more information and to purchase this coverage visit Travel Guard's website.