4.2 kilometers round trip  |  89m of elevation gain  |  1-2 hours round trip

This is a very popular location for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trailhead itself starts in the Burstall Pass Parking Lot. From there, the trail is very well marked and easy to follow. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass will be required to access the trailhead.

9.3 kms in length  |  430m of elevation  |  4-5 hrs. round trip

A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to access the trail head.  Chester Lake is a Winter Wonderland in Kananaskis Country. This popular year-round trail becomes a snowy haven for snowshoers and winter hikers, offering a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility. The trail begins with a steady incline through dense forest. After about 5 km, the forest opens to reveal Chester Lake, a frozen gem cradled by towering peaks. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly snowshoe outing or a quiet solo trek through a pristine alpine landscape, Chester Lake in winter delivers the full magic of the season.

8.7 kms in length  |  309m of elevation  |  3-4 hrs. round trip

Sundance Canyon Trail offers a scenic and peaceful winter outing with stunning views of the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks. Starting from the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the full route to the canyon and back is just under 9 kilometers round-trip. The first 3.5 kilometers is a gentle, mostly flat path along the Bow River, offering panoramic mountain vistas. The final stretch into the canyon involves a short loop with moderate elevation gain and some steeper, narrower sections that can be icy—Micro spikes are recommended.

4.8 kilometers round trip  |  307m of elevation gain  |  2 – 3 hours round trip

Heart Creek Canyon is a popular and accessible winter hike located near Canmore. The gradual elevation gain makes the trail suitable for all fitness levels, even in snowy conditions. Follows the hiking trail through a narrow limestone canyon. Micro spikes are recommended, especially as the trail can become icy in shaded areas. While the creek crossings are generally manageable, winter conditions may cover traditional walking paths with snow, so caution is advised. This trail offers a beautiful, short adventure into a canyon landscape that feels serene and secluded during the colder months.

5.1 kilometers round trip  |  213m of elevation gain  |  1.5-2 hours round trip

Haffner Creek Trail, located in Kootenay National Park. This is a short but dramatic winter hike known for its access to popular ice climbing routes. The trail has minimal elevation gain, making it a perfect choice for a quick and easy adventure. In winter, the path is typically packed down by climbers and hikers, leading through a forested area to a narrow canyon where frozen waterfalls cling to the rock walls. This area is a favorite among ice climbers, and visitors can often watch climbers ascending the vertical sheets of ice.

5.1 kms round trip  |  44m of elevation gain  |  3-4 hours round trip

A National Park Pass will be required to access this trailhead. Emerald Lake transforms into a snowy playground during the winter months. The trail is usually well-packed, especially the western and southern areas, which are seen as the most used. This is a very popular area for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You can stick to the traditional loop around Emerald Lake, or you can create your own adventure while you are there (weather permitting).