Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area is a recreation area nestled within Bow Valley Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country, offering a diverse landscape for outdoor pursuits. This area is centered around a prominent man-made turquoise lake, framed by rugged mountain slopes and dense evergreen forests. The Kananaskis River winds through the valleys, contributing to a varied terrain that includes limestone cliffs, forested hills, and wetlands, making it ideal for several sports like hiking and jogging.
17
Routes
4
(36)
Average rating
547
People visited

75
hikers
13.4km
04:52
810m
810m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
29
hikers
10.6km
04:00
670m
670m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.7
(3)
17
hikers
4.60km
01:12
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
hikers
5.33km
01:38
190m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

28
runners
10.7km
02:09
890m
890m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
8.94km
01:48
730m
730m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities, primarily hiking and jogging. The area features a variety of trails, from gentle lakeside paths to more challenging mountain ascents. Other activities like canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular on Barrier Lake.
Popular hiking trails include the Panoramic view – Barrier Lake loop, a moderate 7.1-mile (11.5 km) route, and the Prairie View Trail to Barrier Lake lookout, which offers expansive views. The Hiking in Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area guide provides more options.
Yes, Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area offers several easy hiking options. The Barrier Lake Trail is an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) route with scenic views suitable for all fitness levels. Additional beginner-friendly routes can be found in the Easy hikes in Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area guide.
Joggers can find a variety of paths, including scenic lakeside loops and riverside trails. The Lake and flowers – View loop is a moderate 5.2-mile (8.4 km) path suitable for jogging. More options are detailed in the Running Trails in Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area guide.
Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area offers trails suitable for families. The Barrier Lake Trail is an easy route that provides scenic views without extensive difficulty. For more family-oriented suggestions, consult the Family-friendly hikes in Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area guide.
The area is centered around Barrier Lake, a man-made turquoise reservoir, offering open views and sandy areas. Hikers can experience expansive views of surrounding mountains like Mount Baldy and the Kananaskis River. The Prairie View Trail leads to a lookout with views of valleys, mountains, and the lake.
Dogs are generally permitted on trails within Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area, provided they are kept on a leash. Visitors should always adhere to specific park regulations and signage regarding pets to ensure a safe experience for all.
Access to Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area, located within Kananaskis Country, typically requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. This pass is necessary for all vehicles stopping in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Provincial Park. Information on fees and how to purchase a pass is available through Alberta Parks.
Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 2,000 visitors sharing their experiences. Routes in the area have an average rating of 4.12 out of 5 stars, indicating a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area, Family-friendly hikes in Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area, Easy hikes in Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area, and Running Trails in Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area.
Official information for Barrier Lake Public Land Recreation Area can be found on the Alberta Parks website, as it is managed by Alberta Parks. For direct inquiries, the Kananaskis Information Line can be reached at +1-403-678-0760.

