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Snowshoeing
Experience the magic of snowshoeing and winter hiking through Kananaskis’ stunning winter landscapes. Enjoy a variety of scenic trails, from peaceful alpine meadows to more challenging treks.
Kananaskis Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking Trails
Snowshoeing in Kananaskis is best enjoyed between December and April, when the trails are blanketed in deep, fresh snow. This fun, low-impact activity lets you traverse snowy landscapes with ease, whether you’re exploring serene meadows or winding through forested trails. Discover the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys at your own pace.
This guide features a variety of the top snowshoeing trails in Kananaskis, from easy family- and dog-friendly trails to more challenging trails for adventure-seekers. All of these snowshoeing trails are easily accessible from Mount Engadine Lodge—your perfect year-round adventure basecamp. Snowshoe rentals are available for all guests at a cost of $10 for the duration of your stay.
Please note that the distances, elevation gain, and average time are approximate, and difficulty is subjective. We have included some helpful tips and encourage you to do your own research as well.
Rummel Lake
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Round-Trip Distance: 10 km
- Average Time: 3.5 mins
- Elevation Gain: 430 m
- Route Type: Out & back
- Key Features: Alpine lake, family-friendly, dog-friendly
- Drive from Mount Engadine: 0 minutes
Rummel Lake is a must-do winter hike in Spray Valley Provincial Park, conveniently located just steps from Mount Engadine lodge. This moderate 10km trail offers a peaceful snowshoeing experience through thick forests and open meadows, leading to the serene Rummel Lake. As you climb, enjoy breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and the frozen lake nestled among the mountains.
Mount Engadine Meadows
- Difficulty: Easy
- Round-Trip Distance: Varies
- Average Time: Varies
- Elevation Gain: 0 m
- Route Type: Varies
- Key Features: Alpine meadow, panoramic mountain views, family-friendly, dog-friendly
- Drive from Mount Engadine: 0 minutes
Nestled in the backcountry of Kananaskis’ Spray Valley, Mount Engadine Lodge is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness, making it the perfect basecamp for hiking and outdoor adventures. In the winter, Mount Engadine’s meadow is a stunning spot for snowshoeing, fat-tire biking and cross-country skiing right from the lodge. Whether you’re wandering the meadows or soaking in the views from the patio or your room, you can truly relax and savour the experience. Afterward, enjoy a delicious meal at our mountain-view restaurant, open to guests and day visitors with reservations. Click here to see the Mount Engadine Ski & Hike Loop trail map.
Mount Shark Day Use Area
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Round-Trip Distance: 8 km Watridge Lake, 10km Karst Spring
- Average Time: 2 hrs Watridge Lake, 2.5-3 hrs Karst Spring
- Elevation Gain: 180 m Watridge Lake, 300 m Karst Spring
- Route Type: Out & back
- Key Features: Wide variety of trails including easy family-friendly to advanced trails, dog-friendly
- Drive from Mount Engadine: 5 minutes
The Mount Shark Day Use Area features a beautiful network of trials and is the premier location for mountain biking near Mount Engadine Lodge. Mount Shark features trails of varying difficulties with rolling hills and forest views. Those looking for a beginner and family friendly option can enjoy the walk to Watridge Lake. This trail follows along an old logging road through the heart of the Mount Shark Cross-Country Ski network. The trail to is groomed, well marked, relatively flat, and is double wide the whole way, suitable for hiking and mountain biking, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. After enjoying the beautiful mountain and forest views along the trail, you arrive at the frozen lake surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks. View the full trail map here.
Chester Lake
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Round-Trip Distance: 10 km
- Average Time: 3 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 419 m
- Route Type: Out & back
- Key Features: Alpine lake, alpine meadow, family-friendly, dog-friendly
- Drive from Mount Engadine: 10 minutes
Chester Lake trail is an family-friendly route, stretching approximately 10 km, leading to a beautiful alpine lake that serves as one of the most scenic lunch spots in Kananaskis. This trail is popular for both summer and winter adventures, offering vibrant wildflowers in the summer, stunning golden larches in the fall, and snow-covered landscapes perfect for snowshoeing in the winter. For those with extra energy, the trail continues beyond Chester Lake to about half a kilometre further to the giant boulders of Elephant Rocks. An incredibly scenic spot that should not be missed! Learn more about snowshoeing around Chester Lake in this article by HikeBikeTravel.com.
High Rockies Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Round-Trip Distance: Varies
- Average Time: Varies
- Elevation Gain: Varies
- Route Type: Out & back
- Key Features: Forest, mountain & river views, Blackshale Suspension Bridge & Spray Lakes, dog-friendly
- Drive from Mount Engadine: Access at the Rummel Trailhead and various other points on HWY 742
The High Rockies Trail runs all the way down HWY 742 from Goat Creek all the way to Kananaskis Lakes, and is a favourite for hiking, snowshoeing and biking. With multiple access points, you can choose which section you would like to enjoy. Every section of the trail offers stunning views, but the Buller Creek to Chester Lake section is a great option for our guests, as it starts just minutes away from Mount Engadine Lodge. The Buller Creek to Chester Lake trail offers beautiful views of Birdwood, Smutts, and Commonwealth mountain peaks, as well as Spray Lakes. A downloadable Spray Valley Trail Map can be viewed here.
Snowshoe Rentals at Mount Engadine
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or trying snowshoeing for the first time, our on-site snowshoe rentals make it easy for guests to explore the beautiful snow-covered terrain. Click here to learn more about our snowshoe rentals and other on-site rental gear.
Tips for Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking in Kananaskis
Before heading out on your Kananaskis snowshoeing or winter hiking adventure, it’s essential to be well-prepared. From packing necessities like water, snacks, and safety gear to wearing weather-appropriate clothing and understanding trail etiquette, these snowshoeing tips will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the beautiful backcountry surrounding Mount Engadine Lodge. If you have any questions or need guidance, our knowledgeable and friendly staff are always available to assist!
- What to Bring: Pack plenty of water, snacks, a map, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and bear spray. If you need bear spray, you can rent some from the friendly front desk staff at Mount Engadine Lodge.
- Clothing & Protection: Dress in warm layers, including a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Hats, gloves, warm socks, and sturdy waterproof boots are essential.
- Route Planning: Choose trails that match your skill level. Always check the weather forecast as well as the Kananaskis Trail Reports for trail conditions, wildlife advisories and closures before departing on your snowshoeing adventure. If you’re unsure, ask the staff at Mount Engadine Lodge for recommendations.
- Safety & Wildlife: Always snowshoe with a partner and let someone know your route (there is no cell service on most Kananaskis trails). Wildlife, including bears, are still present in winter. Be mindful of your surroundings and always stay on marked trails.
- Trail Etiquette: When taking breaks, move off the trail so others can pass. Yield to skiers and others, and pack out everything you bring in. Avoid walking on cross-country skiing tracks, which may be present on the side of snowshoeing trails.
- Kananaskis Conservation Pass: Purchasing a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for all visitors to the Kananaskis area to support park maintenance and conservation efforts. Purchase your pass online or from an in-person kiosk before parking in Kananaskis.
Looking for a basecamp for your winter snowshoeing adventure in Kananaskis? Consider an all-inclusive stay at our rustic mountain lodge, cabins, and glamping tents – with stunning views and snowshoeing trails right at your doorstep.