Kananaskis Elbow Lake Glacier Hike Experience

We aims through storytelling and interpretive outdoor experiences to connect you to the local landscape. On this hike you will explore the importance of healthy headwaters and watersheds as you travel through a stunning alpine environment.
Our tour will begin with a short 2 kilometre hike, gaining elevation to reach the turquoise waters of Elbow Lake. After enjoying the views, the group will head up the Rae Glacier valley, a primordial landscape carved out by ancient ice and water. We will hike through the moraines to our final view point of the Rae Glacier, the head waters of the Elbow River.

Round trip, this is a 8.37 km hike with +466 metres of elevation gain. A moderate level of fitness is required. The Elbow Lake area is a special place that is worth the sweat and perseverance!

Meeting Point

Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre

1 AB-40, Kananaskis, AB T0L 1N0, Canada

We will meet at the Kananaskis Visitor Centre to start our day. After a pre-trip meeting to review the day and sign waivers, participants can use the washroom and purchase a Conservation Pass if needed. The trailhead is another 40 minutes by car from here.

What's included:

• Hiking Poles

What to expect:

Elbow Lake

Hikers will travel to where it all begins for an important Southern Alberta water source: The Elbow River Watershed. Hike to the Headwaters will take you past pristine Elbow Lake and experience beautiful vistas of the Rae Glacier, the source of the Elbow River. Along this journey we will talk about the role glaciers play as headwaters and the importance of a sustainable watershed.