Distance: 30km (Out and back)

Elevation Gain: 1784m

Rating: moderate to difficult (difficult only due to the distance)

Remoteness: This hike is generally busy around Kananaskis Lake, Forks Campground, and Turbine Canyon Campground, but you will have lots of time to yourself!

Distance from Calgary: 132km, 1hour 35 minutes

The trail head to this hike starts at the junction between Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lake (North Interlakes parking lot). You will be following the epic Great Divide Trail for the entirety of your hike. It begins by circling Upper Kananaskis Lake in a clockwise direction. This trail is mostly flat, along a wide path for approximately 2km. Once around the lake, you follow the clearly marked signs for Forks campground.

The pathway follows a gradual incline through a luscious, mossy green forest. Take your time on this path to observe the neat vegetation! You will see a waterfall with a bridge crossing, and continue walking alongside Upper Kananaskis River until Forks Campground, about 7.5km, and 792m of elevation gain into the hike. If you want to do this as a multi-day hike, Forks Campground is a great place to stop for an easy day. You can spend any extra time exploring the area, as this is where the path forks (hence the name) to head to either Three Isle Lake campground, or Turbine Canyon campground.

To get to Turbine Canyon, you take the trail to the right. It continues along Upper Kanaskis River, for just over 1km, and then veers left (Northwest) to begin your uphill climb. You can’t miss the turn, as it is the obvious way to go. The climb is steady and forested, gaining just over 350m in just under 3km. The views looking back on the valley are well worth the climb! Our favorite time of the year to do this one is in the fall, as the yellows of the larches are stunning.

Your steeper climb comes to an end once you reach an open meadow with a picturesque tarn. Again, the colors are amazing in the fall here. In the summer, wildflowers steal the attention!

From the tarn, it’s a breathtaking 2km with slight ups and downs to Lawson Lake. The easy-to-follow path passes between Lawson Lake and the edge of Mount Beatty. On a warm day (or cold day if you’re brave), a swim in the lake would be magical.

Once around the lake, Turbine Canyon campground is only 1km away! The path has minimal elevation change from here. Turbine Canyon campground is well set up with tent pads, bear bins, and an outhouse! The Canyon is a great place to sit, read, nap, and relax!

If you want to go further, or make this a loop, you have the option of continuing along Beatty Lake Trail. This trail passes through Beatty Lake Camp, South Kananaskis Pass, and Three Isle Lake Campground before heading back to meet at Forks Campground. You also have the option of exploring more of the Great Divide Trail. You could spend weeks (or months) out there if you wanted to!