Point Campground and Upper Kananaskis Lake backpacking trail

The backpack around Upper Kananaskis Lake is a great backpack for beginners. The trail is clear, there isn’t too much elevation gain and the Point Backcountry Campground is very well situated.

On the route we show, we parked in the Upper Kananaskis Lake Day Use area, though if you want to shorten your first day you could park in the North Interlakes Day Use area.

Day 1

Start at Upper Kananaskis Day Use Area and head out by walking across a causeway over the lake and then hug the shoreline. Make sure to check out the great views across Upper Kananaskis Lake.

After about 2.7mi, you will come to the North Interlakes Day Use Area, which also has parking.

Continue past here and cross the dam. The Lower Kananaskis Lakes will be on your right. Both the Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes are natural lakes that were turned into reservoirs to provide hydroelectric power and flood control, as well as water reserves for Calgary.

Continue on the trail until you’re presented with the options of both an upper and lower path. Both go to the same place, however we prefer the upper path. The route brings you through the trees and emerges on a fantastic landscape very similar to the surface of the moon – the natural landslides have produced a rugged beauty. Make sure here to descend to the trail that contours around the lake and don’t continue along the route to Three Isle Lake, although this is also a great backpack option.

Soon you arrive at Point Campground, roughly 5.0mi into the trip. There are 20 campsites here, with firepits, firewood, pit toilets and very, very pretty views.

Once you’ve set-up your campsite, you can either relax and enjoy the beauty, take a stroll out towards Forks campground or explore the shoreline near the campground.

Day 2

Today you’ll complete the circuit around Upper Kananaskis Lakes. The views aren’t as good as the first day, as you soon enter the forest and pass Upper Kananaskis Falls.

While hiking back through the trees, you have the option of going off the trail and exploring Hidden Lake, which is 984ft off the main trail, in the SW corner of Upper Kananaskis Lake. Hidden Lake is on the Aster Lake Trail.

As you continue around Upper Kananaskis Lake, you’ll notice options to hike down to the rocky beach, populated by eerie forests of dead trees. If you’re feeling brave, venture down here for some beautiful views.

The trail continues along the lake in the trees, though closer to the lake shore. At approximately 0.9mi from your Day 1 parking lot (9.3mi into your trip), a track heads up to your right to Rawson Lake and the extension up to Sarrail Ridge, both great hikes in the area. If you’re feeling strong, this is another great side trip.

Soon enough you are back at the parking lot.