Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Kananaskis Country is a must-see region that offers nature enthusiasts and families alike incredible opportunities to enjoy time in the outdoors. Among its many attractions, Kananaskis boasts some stunning picnic spots with photo worthy views. In this blog post, we will unveil our top ten best places to have a picnic in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada.
Before you head out for the day, be sure to grab a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. These passes are relatively new, and are required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis. Head to the the following link to get additional information on the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, how much it costs, and where you can purchase one.
Barrier Lake:
Located along the Kananaskis Trail (Highway 40), Barrier Lake is a beautiful reservoir with great hiking. Set up your picnic at one of the designated picnic areas and marvel at the blue waters and panoramic mountain views. We should mention that this is a very popular area for day use and parking can be limited. Our recommendation is to carpool or head out on a weekday to avoid crowds. It can also be windy at times so packing some extra layers is always a great idea.
Troll Falls:
Troll Falls is a charming waterfall hike that is the perfect picnic spot. After a leisurely stroll through the woods, you'll be rewarded with the sight of Troll Falls. This hike is great for families with young children and is a great spot to explore all year round. So grab your sandwich and enjoy the view!
Mount Lorette Ponds:
Situated near the town of Kananaskis, Mount Lorette Ponds offers a serene setting for a picnic. This series of small ponds, surrounded by vibrant wildflowers and mountain peaks, is a great spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Take a leisurely walk around the ponds (and watch for jumping fish), before settling down for your picnic. This spot is particularly great for enjoying the sunset. We suggest bringing a blanket and wearing layers as it can get colder in the mountains around dusk.
Elbow Falls:
A short drive from Bragg Creek, Elbow Falls is a popular spot for both picnicking, photography and exploring. Set amidst the scenic Elbow River, this cascading waterfall provides an amazing backdrop for your outdoor meal. Explore the various viewpoints and trails, or simply relax on the riverside. Elbow falls is an extremely popular day use area so we suggest carpooling or heading out on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Wedge Pond:
Wedge Pond, located in Kananaskis, is a surrounded by beautiful mountain views, and is a great picnic spot with tables, benches, and fire pits to enjoy.
Large lunch? Try taking the 1.0 km loop trail around the pond that takes an average of 17 minutes to complete. This loop trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Upper & Lower Kananaskis Lakes:
Spanning over 1,000 square kilometres, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. With numerous lakes, meadows, and picnic areas, you'll definitely be back to explore. For a memorable picnic experience, head to Upper Kananaskis Lake or Lower Kananaskis Lake, where you can enjoy your picnic in the spectacular mountain landscape.
Mount Engadine Lodge:
If you're looking for a touch of luxury during your picnic, Mount Engadine Lodge is the place to go. This beautiful mountain lodge overlooks the beautiful Spray Valley and is located near some amazing hikes. Enjoy a gourmet lunch, provided by the lodge and explore their expansive grounds while enjoying views from the Lodge deck.
The Lodge also has some amazing accommodations! It's recommended that you check their availability online prior to heading out there for the day as spots do book up quickly. However, you may be in luck if there is a last minute cancellation!
Galatea Lakes:
For an adventurous picnic experience, embark on the Galatea Lakes hike in Kananaskis Country. This 16.4 km out and back hike has a great picnic spot. As you ascend, you'll reach the stunning Upper and Lower Galatea Lakes. Find a spot along the shore and enjoy your picnic in the beauty of your alpine surroundings.
We suggest packing appropriately for the weather, and bringing plenty of water, particularly on hotter days. Although this trail is mostly sheltered by forest up to Lillian Lake, the remainder of the hike is heavily exposed to direct sunlight, so sunscreen is also necessary.
For those of you who enjoy swimming, Galatea Lakes can be a great place for a refreshing dip. As with anything though, swim at your own risk as it is glacier water and can be quite cold (brr!).
Ribbon Creek:
Situated in the heart of Kananaskis Valley, Ribbon Creek offers a lovely picnic spot near the creek. Surrounded by towering trees and scenic views, this location is perfect for a relaxing picnic after exploring the nearby hiking trails or biking routes.
If you plan on hiking to Ribbon Falls or Lake be sure to know your own abilities. The trail is 8.8 km one-way to Ribbon Falls with an additional 2.0 km to Ribbon Lake. To reach Ribbon Lake and the Ribbon Lake Backcountry Campground from Ribbon Falls, one must climb a cliff with two sections of chains to assist. Note that bikes are only permitted on the first 4.0 km of this trail. So again it is important to know your abilities and explore accordingly.
Sheep Falls:
Nestled within Sheep River Provincial Park in Kananaskis, Alberta, are the beautiful Sheep Falls. These falls are situated 0.5 km from the parking lot, and this area is popular for hiking, and photography. This is a great area to spend the day and enjoy a picnic.
The best times to visit this area is between May 15th - September. There is a seasonal road closure between December 1 - May 14th so make sure to plan your picnic experience around these dates.
Important Information:
As a couple of final notes, be sure to check the Alberta Parks website for any advisories before heading out to enjoy your picnic. Please be aware of wildlife and make sure to dispose of any waste properly. When in doubt pack it out!
Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, is a nature lover's paradise, from lakeshores and waterfalls to alpine meadows and serene valleys, these ten picnic spots in Kananaskis will offer the touch of the outdoors to your week. So pack the cooler, grab your lawn chairs, and Go Way Out on an unforgettable picnic adventure in Kananaskis!