Upper Kananaskis Lake
Upper Kananaskis Lake
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
220 reviews
Excellent
163
Very good
51
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
1
s36
Massachusetts24 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Don’t bother fishing here. It’s packed with paddle boarders and kayakers. Was warned before coming that Canadian locals hate foreigners and they were right..we had a two separate local groups roll up on our fishing spot and park right where we were casting. Then they would look at us and cheer and clap every time they caught a fish after anchoring their boat right over our lines. Locals obviously don’t want anyone else fishing this water and will openly push you out without a care in the world. Alberta sucks.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mabel A
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
Although views were amazing and water wasnt as cold as I expected, be aware of the possibility of contracting swimmers itch. All members of our family and friends had developed swimmers itch after swimming at upper kananaskis lake. We have little ones covered in red itchy spots and wouldn't want anyone else to suffer the same.
Written July 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie M
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
Truly amazing. At the start the lake was like glass. So tranquil a float and the spectacular mountains are a true wonder. Loons were sparse but amusing. They entertained us. We did the entire lake. Between bathroom breaks and just floating it took approximately four hours. A planned barbecue afterwards ended a truly spectacular day. When clouds rolled in then it cooled down some and the waves on the water were small. You felt like you were all alone even when others were around. Definitely a memory.
Written July 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happiness14648987063
4 contributions
Jul 2022
All we did was drive through from Canmore on our way back to Calgary. I wish we had known about this area sooner, as we would have definitely kayaked the lake! The scenery was spectacular, and a few off-road short hikes were awesome. Part of the drive is on gravel, which is only bad because it stirs up dust and a lot of cars travel it.
Very back roads feeling, really worth it!
Very back roads feeling, really worth it!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LilyChina
China127 contributions
Jun 2013 • Solo
There are some places in K Country and Peter Loughheed Park that you have to work really hard on a trail before you can see....not Upper Kananaskis Lake. Stunning scenery is within view just by driving there and parking. Then, if you feel the urge to hike a bit, the trail is an easy route around the Lakes.
The only downside (and upside) is that this is more remote and requires at least a 45-60 minute drive. The drive there from Canmore is stunning along Hwy 762 (mostly gravel with speed limits ranging from 25-80 km/hr) or Hwy 40 (all paved with speed limit of 90 km/hr). This location seems to cut down on the traffic and crowds, at least during shoulder season.
The only downside (and upside) is that this is more remote and requires at least a 45-60 minute drive. The drive there from Canmore is stunning along Hwy 762 (mostly gravel with speed limits ranging from 25-80 km/hr) or Hwy 40 (all paved with speed limit of 90 km/hr). This location seems to cut down on the traffic and crowds, at least during shoulder season.
Written June 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Klaartje
Dendermonde, Belgium91 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Just that you know, it is a lovely picknick area and also several hikes normally can be done from here, but please be aware that most trials are closed at the moment due to bear activity. Also the Panorama route was completely closed. We pickened thus here and did the Marl Lake trial which was open and not far away from here.
Written August 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A_travelers_life_for
Bethel, CT15 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
The last day of my trip to Banff I decided to head in the opposite direction and traveled east on AB-1 from Canmore to Kananaskis. From AB-1 I took AB-40 south and was amazed at how beautiful this area is! After a spectacular drive I ended up at the Upper Kananaskis Lake. The water table was low so it wasn't as beautiful as I am sure it usually is but it was still as sight to see. There were a few travelers around the lake picnicking and fishing but it was much more peaceful than the lakes in Banff National Park. A nice respite from the tour buses.
Written June 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NettyA
Brisbane, Australia2,088 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
We visited here on our first full day in Canada. The drive down route 40 to the Kananaskis Lakes is magnificent. And just before the turnoff to the lakes, we saw a group of Bighorn Sheep walking on the road towards us. A great start to our wildlife spotting.
We dropped into Upper Lake carpark and had planned to walk around the lake but there was storm damage from 2013 to the trail from Sarrail Creek and the track was closed. So we returned and drove to North Interlakes carpark.
From here we walked around the lake to the waterfall near Point campsite. We took the top route there (great views of the lake and surrounding mountains) and returned via the lower route (nice forest). The trail up Mt Indefatigable was closed due to grizzly bears in the area.
The lake and mountains are spectacular and were a wonderful introduction to the Canadian Rockies. There were also not too many people - we read that it is mostly popular with locals and not tourists. Highly recommended.
We dropped into Upper Lake carpark and had planned to walk around the lake but there was storm damage from 2013 to the trail from Sarrail Creek and the track was closed. So we returned and drove to North Interlakes carpark.
From here we walked around the lake to the waterfall near Point campsite. We took the top route there (great views of the lake and surrounding mountains) and returned via the lower route (nice forest). The trail up Mt Indefatigable was closed due to grizzly bears in the area.
The lake and mountains are spectacular and were a wonderful introduction to the Canadian Rockies. There were also not too many people - we read that it is mostly popular with locals and not tourists. Highly recommended.
Written July 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas T
Toronto, Canada102 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
I spent a night at the Lower Lake campsite. I was one of the 2 campers in the whole site. The site manager and shop keeper are very friendly. The shower facility is very clean but you have to buy token!! It's the exact site where Brokeback Mountain was shot also the spot where Jack Twist said "I wish I knew how to quit you" in the movie.
Written July 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather D
16 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
My husband and I hiked along the trail for this lake while on holiday. It was fairly easy and there were many families around. Take the Rawson Lake Trail turn-off for a real challenge and beautiful view of another lake. Fair warning: this trail is not easy and I wouldn't recommend it for inexperienced hikers or children.
Written June 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it safe to hike alone there for a 50+ female ?
Written August 19, 2022
Sorry, I saw this one month after you sent it. I feel that it is very remote, and I would not advise hiking alone. Also, people told me of many bear sightings in this area!!!!
Written September 29, 2022
Are there bobs (floating marker bouys) that allow children and beginners to row their boat at less deep water?
Written August 20, 2020
Is there cell reception in the area? - looking to bring the office for the day :)
Written August 11, 2020
Etat de la route en mai depuis l'intersection de 742 sur la kananaskis lakes trail. Envisageable avec un ford fusion.
Written August 18, 2017
yes parts are. some of the picnic area from the parking lot could be there are gravel pathways
Written August 17, 2017
Are there picnic tables available by the lake?
Written June 29, 2017
there are many picnic tables and benches mostly near the parking lots, none close to the water
Written October 8, 2017
I would not recommend it as only the top foot of water is warm ish and close to the shore, even after a very hot summer diving into this lake could be fatal as cold water body shock is very likely,
Written October 8, 2017
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