Canada — Kananaskis
Kananaskis Highline Trail, Canada: A demanding 45km alpine traverse through Alberta's Rockies. This 2-3 day route offers breathtaking panoramas of jagged peaks and glaciers, crossing high passes and vast meadows. Expect rugged terrain and significant ascents on this pristine wilderness route.
Distance: 45.0 km
Elevation Gain: 1500 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 2-3 days
The Kananaskis Highline Trail is a spectacular multi-day trek in the heart of Alberta's Canadian Rockies, offering a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey through alpine meadows, over high passes, and past turquoise lakes. This trail is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of jagged peaks, expansive glaciers, and the rugged wilderness that defines the Kananaskis Country. It's a true mountain track, demanding a good level of fitness and preparedness, but the vistas and sense of accomplishment are unparalleled. The trail is best suited for experienced hikers looking for an immersive wilderness experience, far from the crowds of more accessible routes.
The Kananaskis Highline Trail is a quintessential Canadian Rockies experience, a high-alpine traverse that showcases the raw beauty and grandeur of the landscape. Unlike many valley-bottom trails, the Highline stays at or near the treeline for significant portions, offering continuous, sweeping vistas. The journey begins with a steady ascent, gradually revealing the scale of the surrounding peaks. As you progress, the trail winds through vast alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers in the summer months, offering a stark contrast to the imposing rock faces and glaciers that dominate the skyline. The route is punctuated by several high passes, each providing a new, awe-inspiring perspective of the Kananaskis Range.
The trail's challenging nature stems from its significant elevation gains and descents, often over rugged terrain. Hikers will encounter scree slopes, rocky sections, and potentially snow patches even in mid-summer, especially on the higher passes. The remoteness of the trail means that self-sufficiency is paramount. While the trail is well-marked, the wilderness is vast, and weather can change with alarming speed in the mountains. The reward for this effort is an intimate connection with a wild and untamed landscape, where wildlife sightings—such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even bears—are not uncommon. The sense of solitude and immersion in nature is profound, making it a truly memorable trek for those who undertake it.
The Highline Trail is a testament to the wild spirit of Kananaskis Country. It’s a place where the sheer scale of the mountains humbles you, the vibrant alpine flora delights you, and the crisp mountain air invigorates you. This is not a walk in the park; it's an expedition into the heart of the Rockies, designed for those who seek adventure and are prepared to earn their views.
The Kananaskis Highline Trail, like much of the Canadian Rockies, has a rich history intertwined with Indigenous peoples, early explorers, and the development of resource industries and tourism. For millennia, the Stoney Nakoda First Nations and other Indigenous groups utilized these lands for hunting, gathering, and seasonal migration. The passes and valleys served as vital routes, and the mountains held deep spiritual significance. Evidence of their presence can be found in ancient tipi rings and traditional land use sites, though much of this history is preserved through oral traditions and archaeological research.
European exploration of the Kananaskis region began in earnest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Surveyors, geologists, and adventurers were drawn to the rugged beauty and potential resources of the area. The development of trails, including those that form the basis of the Highline Trail, was often driven by the need to access mineral deposits, establish forestry operations, or simply to explore and map the vast wilderness. Early trails were often rough, following game trails or the paths of least resistance, and were maintained by park wardens and dedicated volunteers.
The establishment of Kananaskis Country as a provincial park in the 1970s marked a significant shift towards conservation and recreational use. The Highline Trail, as it is known today, evolved from a network of older routes, with improvements and connections made over time to create a more defined and accessible, albeit still challenging, hiking experience. The trail’s name itself, "Highline," reflects its characteristic route along the high ridges and alpine zones, a testament to the vision of those who sought to connect these elevated landscapes. The ongoing management of the trail by Alberta Parks aims to balance recreational access with the preservation of the fragile alpine environment and its ecological and cultural heritage.
The Kananaskis Highline Trail is a summer and early autumn trek. The primary hiking season typically runs from late May or early June through to October, with the peak season for wildflowers and stable weather occurring from July to September.
Late Spring (May-June): While the lower elevations may be clear of snow, the Highline Trail and its passes are often still snow-covered. Avalanche risk can persist in early spring. This period is generally not recommended for the Highline Trail unless you possess advanced snow travel and navigation skills. Hwy 40 typically opens by June 15th, providing access to Highwood Pass.
Summer (July-August): This is the prime season. Alpine meadows burst into vibrant colour with a spectacular display of wildflowers, including Indian paintbrush, lupine, columbine, and glacier lilies. Wildlife is active, and the days are long, offering ample time for hiking. However, summer also brings the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms, which can develop rapidly and pose a significant hazard in exposed alpine terrain. Temperatures can range from cool mornings and evenings to warm afternoons, but it's essential to be prepared for all conditions.
Early Autumn (September-October): The landscape transforms with the changing colours of the subalpine larch trees, which turn a brilliant gold. The crowds thin out, and the air is crisp and clear. However, snow can begin to fall at higher elevations, and daytime temperatures drop. By mid-October, the trail can become impassable due to snow, and Hwy 40 closes on December 1st.
Weather: Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, rain, wind, and even snow, sometimes all in the same day. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly, especially at higher elevations. Always check the forecast before you go and be ready to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
Day 1: Highwood Pass Trailhead to Northover Ridge Campground
Day 2: Northover Ridge Campground to Highwood Pass Trailhead (via Northover Ridge)
Day 1: Highwood Pass Trailhead to Northover Ridge Campground
Day 2: Northover Ridge Campground to Little Elbow Campground
Day 3: Little Elbow Campground to Highwood Pass Trailhead (via Little Elbow Trail)
Important Notes:
The Kananaskis Highline Trail is a serious undertaking that requires meticulous planning. Given its challenging nature and remote location, thorough preparation is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Start by assessing your fitness level; this trail involves significant elevation gain and long days, so a good level of cardiovascular fitness and leg strength is essential. Familiarise yourself with map reading and navigation skills, as mobile phone service is unreliable. Research current trail conditions and weather forecasts immediately before your departure. The closest major city with comprehensive services is Calgary, approximately a 1.5-hour drive away. Kananaskis Village offers some amenities, but for extensive gear purchases or specialised services, Calgary is the better option. Ensure you have obtained the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, which is mandatory for all vehicles entering Kananaskis Country. Parking at Highwood Pass is limited, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is advisable.
The Kananaskis Highline Trail features designated backcountry campgrounds. These are not serviced huts but rather designated camping areas with basic facilities. Reservations are mandatory for all backcountry campgrounds in Kananaskis Country and can be made through the Alberta Parks reservation system. It is highly recommended to book these well in advance, particularly for weekend trips or during the peak summer season, as they fill up quickly.
Campground Facilities:
What's NOT Provided:
Seasonal Availability: Campgrounds are typically open from mid-June to mid-September, depending on snow conditions and park management decisions. Always check the Alberta Parks website for the most up-to-date opening and closing dates.
Costs: Backcountry camping fees apply and vary. Expect approximately CAD $20-30 per night per person. These fees are payable through the Alberta Parks reservation system.
To hike and camp on the Kananaskis Highline Trail, you will need to secure a Kananaskis Conservation Pass and make reservations for backcountry campgrounds. These are managed by Alberta Parks and are essential for accessing and staying in the area.
Kananaskis Conservation Pass:
Backcountry Camping Reservations:
Permit Costs:
Important Considerations:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Kananaskis Highline Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Kananaskis Highline Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Kananaskis Country offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, allowing you to extend your stay and explore the region further:
Pre-Trip Safety Checks:
On-Trail Hazards:
Emergency Procedures: In case of an emergency, stay calm. If you have a satellite communication device, use it to call for help. Otherwise, if possible, send one person to seek assistance while others stay with the injured party. Know the emergency contact numbers for Alberta Parks or local search and rescue.
Highwood Pass: The highest paved road in Canada, reaching an elevation of 2,230 metres. The pass itself offers stunning panoramic views and is the starting point for many hikes, including the Highline Trail. The surrounding alpine meadows are spectacular in summer.
Northover Ridge: The highlight of the Highline Trail, this dramatic ridge offers continuous, breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys. The traverse along the ridge is exposed and requires careful footing, but the vistas are unparalleled.
Little Elbow Campground Area: This area provides access to the Little Elbow Trail and offers a different perspective of the Kananaskis landscape, often with more forested sections and river valley views.
Alpine Lakes: The Highline Trail passes by numerous small alpine lakes and tarns, many of which are crystal clear and reflect the surrounding mountains. These offer beautiful spots for rest and photography.
Wildflowers: During the summer months (July-August), the alpine meadows along the Highline Trail are ablaze with colour. Expect to see a vibrant display of wildflowers, including Indian paintbrush, lupine, columbine, and glacier lilies.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and mountain goats often seen grazing on the high slopes. Marmots and pikas are common in the rocky areas. Bears are also present, so always be bear-aware.
Glacier Views: From the higher sections of the trail, particularly along Northover Ridge, you can get impressive views of glaciers clinging to the mountain peaks, a stark reminder of the region's glacial past.
The Kananaskis Highline Trail traverses a fragile alpine environment. Adhering to Leave No Trace principles is paramount to preserving its beauty and ecological integrity for future generations. These principles are not merely guidelines; they are essential practices for responsible wilderness travel.
Your responsibility as a hiker:
By following these principles, you help ensure that the Kananaskis Highline Trail remains a wild and beautiful place for everyone to experience.
