Barrier Lake Trail

Hiking trails & Routes

Canada

Alberta

Kananaskis

Barrier Lake Trail

Easy

hikers

Barrier Lake Trail

00:20

1.15km

30m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 17, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Bow Valley Provincial Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

98 m

Barrier Lake Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Barrier Lake Trail is a short but steady uphill route that ascends through forest and rocky terrain to a ridge overlooking Barrier Lake and the surrounding mountains. The trail gains elevation quickly, with beautiful views that open up over the lake, Kananaskis Valley, and nearby peaks as you climb.

Tip by

477 m

Barrier lake viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a great spot to take in the beautiful view of Barrier Lake as it winds through the Kananaskis Valley between the forested slopes and mountain ridges. From here, you can look across the bright blue water toward the surrounding peaks and watch the landscape change with the light, weather, and seasons. It's a peaceful place to pause and appreciate the scale of the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Tip by

573 m

Barrier Lake Lookout

Highlight • Viewpoint

Barrier Lake lookout sits high above the shoreline, with panoramic views across the blue waters of Barrier Lake, the Kananaskis Valley, and surrounding Rocky Mountain ridges. From this spot, you can see the reservoir winding between the forested slopes, with expansive mountain scenery stretching in all directions. Reached by a short but relatively steep climb, it’s easy to understand why this is one of the area’s most popular viewpoints.

Tip by

1.15 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

1,000 m

108 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

1,000 m

139 m