5 Off the Beaten Path Kananaskis Hikes to Escape the Crowds

Exploring the Quiet side of Kananaskis

While most hikers flock to iconic Kananaskis trails like Grassi Lakes and Pocaterra Ridge, there’s a quieter side of the region where the trails feel truly yours. These off-the-beaten-path Kananaskis hikes offer a welcome refuge from the sometimes overwhelming crowds of the more popular routes.

Although larch hikes like Pocaterra and Arethusa showcase Canada’s stunning landscapes, the crowds can be overwhelming. Trails can even feel like traffic jams. That made me seek out quieter adventures between these popular hikes.

These six hikes highlight a quieter beauty. Peaceful scenery, solitude, and moments of reflection make them special. Gentle strolls provide a refreshing break from Kananaskis’ high-elevation climbs. Rugged alpine routes offer sweeping views. These trails let you slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the mountains on your own terms.

They might not have the “wow factor” of the region’s most famous peaks. But their charm lies in their calm. It’s a chance to step off the crowded paths and experience Kananaskis at a more personal pace.

You’ll need a vehicle to reach these trailheads. They’re all located outside the town of Canmore, and a few are over an hour’s drive away. If you don’t have your own car, I recommend renting through DiscoverCars.com. It’s an easy way to compare options and find something that fits your trip.

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1. Cat Creek Falls (Easy / Short & Quiet)

Cat Creek Falls might be my favourite hike on this list, and it’s easy to see why. It is a relatively quick and easy hike, offering great value for minimal effort. The first 700 metres start off fairly steep, but the trail soon eases into a gentle downhill and a flat stretch through peaceful woods, making for a relaxing walk along the river. You’ll cross the highway, and a couple of small bridges will assist you crossing the river.

It’s a short, scenic trail that feels wonderfully balanced. A touch of effort at the start leads to an easy, tranquil walk. The trail ends at a beautiful waterfall, providing a peaceful payoff.

During the warmer summer months, the falls are perfect for cooling off with a swim. This makes the hike feel like a refreshing reward.

It strikes a balance of accessibility and charm. Cat Creek Falls is a quiet escape from the busier Kananaskis trails.

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2. Black Prince Cirque (Warspite Lake) (Easy)

Black Prince Cirque is a low-effort trail that normally leads to a lake. It offers gentle terrain and well-marked paths, making it an easy and accessible option for a relaxed day hike. Along the way, hikers are treated to rocky terrain and mountain vistas, providing a pleasant and scenic experience without much exertion.

By late summer and into September, the lake can dry up almost completely, as it did during my visit. While the larches were sparse and the lake barren, the surrounding rocks, peaks, and stillness still made the walk worthwhile.

It’s not a trail that shouts for attention. Instead, it invites you to slow down and notice Kananaskis’ quiet details- a welcome refuge from the crowds on more popular nearby hikes.

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3. Grotto Canyon (Easy to Moderate / Scenic Scramble)

Grotto Canyon was one of my first Kananaskis hikes. It is a pleasant, easy trail, perfect as a warm-up or break from bigger Kananaskis trails.

The trail begins behind a factory, but soon enters a section with canyon walls on either side. Easily my favourite section, it reminded me a little of a mini version of The Narrows. Quiet and easy to navigate, it was a welcome change of scenery.

The hike doesn’t end at a mountain summit or a grand waterfall, but that’s part of its charm. There are mountain views, inukshuks, and a small waterfall that add a peaceful touch. Near the end there’s a boulder field that offers some low risk scrambling as well as opportunities to climb the walls, adding a hint of adventure to an otherwise easy trail. Grotto Canyon blends nature, geology, and quiet beauty — the kind of hike that’s perfect for easing into the rhythm of Kananaskis.

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4. Picklejar Lakes (Moderate-Hard / Long Alpine Trek

Picklejar Lakes was my first solo alpine hike. I confess- I was a little nervous hiking such a remote trail by myself in bear country. However with only a handful of other people on the trail, it was a great opportunity for quiet reflection. It is a quiet, peaceful trail that climbs steadily through forests and open sections, eventually leading to four small lakes. The trail is well marked and not overly technical; although, it does include a short ridge walk before the first lake and a boulder field to cross if you choose to continue past it. The scenery shifts along the way, from shaded forest to open alpine views, offering a nice mix of challenge and reward.

If a picnic beside a crystal-clear, secluded alpine lake — with a hint of scramble and a steady, manageable incline — sounds like your idea of a good afternoon, Picklejar Lakes will fit the bill perfectly.

It’s not the most dramatic or jaw-dropping hike in Kananaskis. Still, there’s a lingering, subtle beauty that settles softly in your soul as you take in the mountain views.

5. Mist Mountain Hot Springs Route (Challenging / Rugged Adventure)

Mist Mountain Hot Springs offers one of the most unique experiences in Kananaskis — a natural hot spring perched high on the mountainside.

The hike begins along the same trail used to reach Mist Mountain’s summit. It climbs steadily through forest and meadow before breaking into open alpine views.

It’s a solid climb, but the reward is unlike anything else in the area: two small, steaming pools tucked into the mountain with sweeping valley views.

The hot springs themselves are rustic and small — just big enough for a couple of people at a time — but that’s part of their magic. It’s rare to find such solitude in a place so spectacular. Soaking in naturally heated water while surrounded by rugged peaks feels both surreal and deeply grounding.

It’s one of those hikes that lingers in your memory, not just for the scenery, but for the quiet, contented sense of being completely present in the mountains.

📌 Pro Tips:

• Bring a towel and swimsuit to enjoy the hot spring, but be prepared that the ridge can be windy and cool. Layers are essential.
• There’s a short section right before the pools that’s particularly steep and slippery. Good hiking shoes and poles are strongly recommended for the descent.

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Helpful Hints for Hiking Kananaskis

• A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park a vehicle anywhere in Kananaskis Country or the Bow Valley region, except within the town limits of Canmore. You can buy a day pass for $15/day/vehicle or a season pass for $90 that is good for up to 3 vehicles living at the same address.
• Be bear smart and stay safe: Kananaskis is bear country. Check out my full guide on Bear Safety.
• Remote trails and emergency communication: Many of these hikes are in areas with little to no cell service. Consider carrying a satellite communication device to stay in touch or request help if needed.
• Dress for wind and cold: Even in summer, ridges and peaks are chilly. Bring a windproof outer layer.
• Fuel up: Pack snacks for energy. See our guide on proper snacking and fuelling on the trail for tips.
• Use electrolytes if hiking for extended periods in high temperatures
• Wear sturdy shoes: Some trails include steep ascents, loose scree, and slippery descents. Good traction is essential.
• Bring trekking poles: They help with balance, reducing fatigue and knee strain on the way down.

Recommended gear:

• Windproof Jacket
  • OR Aspire II 3L windproof and waterproof jacket
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  • Columbia Arcadia II 2L Jacket
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• Hiking Shoes
  • Hoka Speedgoats
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• Trekking Poles
  • Hiker Hunger Trekking Poles
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• Water Bladder
  • Platypus 3L
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• Electrolyte Tablets
  • Liquid IV
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  • Nuum
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• Protein Bars
  • Quest
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Final Thoughts on Off the Beaten Path Kananaskis Hikes

Kananaskis is full of iconic trails, but these quieter hikes offer a different kind of reward. They may not have dramatic peaks or sprawling vistas, yet they provide peace, reflection, and time to enjoy the mountains at your own pace.

From gentle forest strolls to moderate alpine climbs, each trail has its own charm. Whether you’re cooling off in a hidden waterfall, picnicking beside a secluded alpine lake, or soaking in natural hot springs, these hikes show the quieter corners of Kananaskis are just as special.

Escape the crowds and enjoy a slower, more personal mountain adventure with these off the beaten path trails.

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