Panorama from Rawson Lake snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis near Canmore
Panorama from Rawson Lake snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

Rawson Lake Snowshoe Trail

Kananaskis Country
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Beginning of Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreViews from Beginning of Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreView across Upper Kananaskis Lake from Beginning of Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreCrossing the bridge over Sarrail Creek on Beginning of Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreTrail through the trees on Beginning of Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreTrail through the forest on Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreViews of the lake on Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreStunning views from Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreLady on Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreScenery from Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreTaking pictures on Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreScenic views of Upper Kananaskis Lake on Rawson Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

Rawson Lake Snowshoe Trail

Distance: 4.5mi
Elevation: 984ft
Time: 2-3h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.8 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Snowshoeing to Rawson Lake is a Kananaskis Classic! Enjoy this trail as it goes along Upper Kananaskis Lake before going up through a giant pine forest towards Rawson Lake. The picturesque Rawson Lake is stunning in winter.

Rawson Lake Snowshoe Trail Map

Getting there

From highway #40, follow signs to Upper Kananaskis Lake. Park at the Upper Kananaskis Lake Day Use Area and walk to the the left. There will be a trail kiosk with a map and toilets you pass by.

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About

When to do

December - April

Mountain Huts

None

Toilets

Trailhead

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Avalanche Risk

Simple

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Rawson Lake
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Rawson Lake

Snowshoeing to Rawson Lake is a classic way to explore the Canadian Rockies. While the route to Rawson Lake is rated as Simple-Class 1, there are many dangers lurking once you get there.

First of all, Rawson Lake is ringed with avalanche chutes and you shouldn’t venture out from the safety of the trees. In addition, Rawson Lake has a history of bad ice, and there have been others who have fallen through the ice while venturing out onto Rawson Lake. We don’t like to get too far from shore ourselves.

To snowshoe to Rawson Lake, leave the Upper Kananaskis Day Use parking lot and take the trail that goes to the left of the parking lot, past the toilets, and continue around the shore of Upper Kananaskis Lake. There are wonderful views across the lake here.

Soon you cross a bridge over Sarrail Creek and continue on the trail, looking for a path on your left. Follow the signs directing you to the Rawson Lake Trail on the left, which leaves the lakeshore and begins to gain elevation through the forest.

The trail gains steadily through dense pine forest towards Rawson Lake. You will be snowshoeing through the forest until you come abruptly to the lake shore. Enjoy the clearing here and admire Rawson Lake and surrounding peaks. If you’re here in midweek, you just may have all of Rawson Lake to yourself, which is a tremendous feeling.

Be aware of the dangers some of the snowshoe tracks leading off from here may pose. The tracks going left, around the edge of Rawson Lake lead into potential avalanche paths and should be avoided. In addition, the lake ice is hard to gauge, so be careful if you go on the ice. We personally avoid it.

Once you’ve had a great rest at Rawson Lake, return the way you came.

Insider Hints

  • Enjoy a winter picnic at Rawson Lake, but remember to bring your thermos!

  • Always check the avalanche forecast for Kananaskis before heading out.

  • If there hasn’t been snowfall in a while, you may be able to get up to Rawson Lakes with microspikes, as the route has been packed down.

  • Snowshoeing in the Kananaskis is a remote activity. Make sure you are prepared for an emergency with warm clothes, extra food, matches and ideally a satellite transceiver, like a Garmin InReach. Cell phones do not work until you get to Canmore.

Comments

Burokai 4 years ago

Went there this weekend! Easy trail mostly through the woods. It was rather foggy when we've reached the lake, but still it was worth the hike, as the views were great.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
2h 00m Time Taken
mallorykirzinger 4 years ago

Easy to follow and fabulous scenery by the lake! Pretty quick if you're reasonably fit.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 30m Time Taken
Meng Hin Jai 4 years ago

Easy hike through the forest. The surroundings were very peaceful and we enjoy the radiant Rawson Lake.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Mike Constance 5 years ago

The lake looks great. Perfect hike during summer.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Christopher Trujillo 5 years ago

Great hike to start the day. Did this hike with my girlfriend last summer and it easily gets crowded after 8am.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
5 Comments

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