Panoramic views from Rummel Lake snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis near Canmore
Panoramic views from Rummel Lake snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

Rummel Lake Snowshoe Trail

Kananaskis Country
View Photos
View of the valley from Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreView uphill on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreView southwest on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreView across the valley on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreBeautiful views on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreView northwest on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreSpray Lake on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmorePanoramic views from Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreBeautiful lake on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreRummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis (Alberta) has beautiful views of Mount GalateaSki tracks on avalanche slope on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreView up the valley that leads to Rummel Pass on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreMount Galatea on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreBeautiful scenery on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near CanmoreGreat views on Rummel Lake snowshoe trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

Rummel Lake Snowshoe Trail

Distance: 6.5mi
Elevation: 1,263ft
Time: 4-6h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.5 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Snowshoeing to Rummel Lake brings you to some wonderful viewpoints in the Kananaskis Range. Mount Galatea, the highest in the area, towers over Rummel Lake while awesome snowy scenery and views of peaks in the Spray Valley make the ascent interesting.

Rummel Lake Snowshoe Trail Map

Getting there

From the Canmore Nordic Centre, continue west on the Smith-Dorrien (Hwy 742) as it winds up into the Spray Valley for 22.1mi. You’ll notice a turn-off to your right for Mount Engadine Lodge. Park on the Smith-Dorrien or turn-off and park just before or after the bridge crossing.

I’ve done this 10 people have done this
I want to do this 20 want to do this route

About

When to do

December - April

Mountain Huts

None

Toilets

Rummel Lake

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Avalanche Risk

Simple

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

None

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Rummel Lake
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Rummel Lake

The snowshoe trip to Rummel Lake is similar in difficulty (it’s rated as a Simple-Class 1 terrain) and scenery to Chester Lake, however not as steep, but a bit longer with slightly greater elevation gain. What we love is that the trail is much less crowded! Rummel Lake is also a winter backcountry camping destination, so there is an outhouse and usually several snow pits dug for tents that make great shelters from the wind.

The trail starts on the east side of the Spray Lakes road at the Engadine Lodge/Mount Shark road turnoff. If you’ve seen cars parked on the side of the road here in the past, Rummel Lake was likely their destination. Initially the trail ascends an old road, but this quickly disappears into a cutblock, at which point the trail winds upwards towards the mature tree line.

Remember to keep looking back when you get out of the trees as you ascend, as you have wonderful views across the valley, we like to check out Tent Ridge.

In winter there are many trails here, but all typically converge in the southeast corner of the cutblock where the trail enters the forest. From here you’ll climb slowly until you reach a 90-degree turn; watch for it because if you miss it, you’ll end up at Chester Lake (which some people intentionally do).

The trail then descends to Rummel Creek and comes to a fork. The right trail traverses the base of avalanche slopes and is the normal summer route, while the left trail crosses the creek and avoids these slopes making this the popular winter trail. Do not take the summer route, instead continue on the safe, winter route. After ascending moderately for about 20 minutes, you’ll emerge from the trees at Rummel Lake.

Rummel Lake is beautiful in winter, and we especially like it early in the season, as the surrounding mountains have a blanket of snow while Rummel Lake still hasn’t frozen over.

You can continue past Rummel Lake towards Rummel Pass, but upon emerging from trees you’ll find yourself near the base of several large avalanche chutes. Do not leave the safety of the trees, but enjoy a nice view here. You’ll have some fairly nice views towards the pass and back towards the lake area, making this short add-on worth the extra distance. Be aware of current avalanche conditions and do not continue into hazardous terrain if conditions do not allow for it.

Insider Hints

  • Consider stopping in at the delightful Mount Engadine Lodge for a snack on the way back. They have a variety of options for hikers, and their weekend brunch is great.

  • 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.

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

Comments

Gregory F 5 years ago

Rummel Lake was a great trail, I have to do it again this winter.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
RC-DC 6 years ago

Love the snowshoe to Rummel Lake in winter. It's much harder (for me at least) to snowshoe to Rummel Lake vs. hiking there.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
5h 00m Time Taken
2 Comments

Similar Snowshoe Trails to the Rummel Lake Snowshoe Trail

Scenery from the Burstall Lakes snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

Burstall Lakes

Difficulty:
4.8mi
492ft
1.5-2.5h

Snowshoe along the summer hiking trail for Burstall Pass and enjoy travelling through dense forest as you make your way…

Scenery of Lillian Lake snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

Galatea Creek and Lillian Lake

Difficulty:
8.1mi
1591ft
3.5-5h

The snowshoe to Lillian Lake gets you into some very pretty country. Be aware to not go beyond Lillian Lake,…

Scenery from Rawson Lake snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

Rawson Lake

Difficulty:
4.5mi
984ft
2-3h

Snowshoeing to Rawson Lake is a Kananaskis Classic! Enjoy this trail as it goes along Upper Kananaskis Lake before going…