Upper Kananaskis Lake to Forks Campground

7.3 km+250 m

Distance: 7.3 km
Elevation Gain: 250 m
Campsite: Forks Campground

We begin at the Upper Kananaskis Lake parking area, following a well-established trail along the shoreline. The route winds through forest and open sections with steady views across the lake, offering a gentle start to the trip.

As we continue into the valley, the terrain gradually becomes more alpine. Creek crossings, wide meadows, and surrounding peaks signal our transition deeper into the backcountry. We settle in at Forks Campground for our first night, with time to relax, explore nearby viewpoints, and review plans for the days ahead.

Forks Campground to Beatty Lake

8 km+600 m

Distance: 8 km
Elevation Gain: 600 m
Campsite: Beatty Lake Campground

Today is a shorter, in-distance but overall more demanding day as we climb toward Three Isle Lake via a series of steady switchbacks. The ascent rewards us with expanding views and a dramatic alpine setting.

After reaching Three Isle Lake, we pause for lunch and take time to explore the surrounding subalpine basin, known for its rock formations and seasonal wildflowers. From here, we cross into British Columbia and enter the Height of the Rockies Provincial Park.

The landscape opens up as crowds thin out, and we continue onward to Beatty Lake. This remote campsite offers a true wilderness feel, with quiet evenings and a strong sense of being far from roads and trailheads.

Beatty Lake to Turbine Canyon (via North Kananaskis Pass)

11 km+750 m

Distance: 11 km
Elevation Gain: 750 m
Campsite: Turbine Canyon Campground

We start early for one of the most rewarding days of the trip. The climb to North Kananaskis Pass is steady and scenic, with expansive views back toward Alberta and deep into the Rocky Mountain trench.

From the pass, we descend into Turbine Canyon, a dramatic and less-travelled valley defined by big terrain and long sightlines. This is a day that feels truly exploratory, with plenty of opportunities for interpretation, photography, and quiet reflection. Camp is set in Turbine Canyon, surrounded by towering peaks and wide alpine slopes.

Turbine Canyon to Upper Kananaskis Lakes Trailhead

16 km+300 m

Distance: 16 km
Elevation Gain: 300 m

Our final day completes the traverse as we work our way back toward Upper Kananaskis Lakes. The route undulates through open valleys and forested sections, offering a mix of terrain and a strong sense of journey’s end.

As we return to the trailhead, the contrast between remote backcountry and front-country access becomes clear — a fitting close to a rewarding, multi-day adventure through some of the Rockies’ quieter landscapes.

• Safety:
• Be prepared for variable weather – mountain conditions can change quickly.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of this wilderness trail.

This trip is ideal for hikers with prior backpacking experience who are comfortable carrying a pack and tackling sustained elevation gain over multiple days.

Being self-sufficient for 4 - 5 days will create a heavy pack. You should have the ability to carry ~35 lbs (18 kg) for up to 6 hours over 800 m elevation gain.