Top 10 Kid Friendly Hikes near Calgary, AB
Updated: May 27
Embarking on outdoor adventures with children is a passion that fuels my desire to share the wonders of kid-friendly hikes in Alberta. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies and beyond, Alberta offers a treasure trove of family-friendly trails that cater to both the young and the young at heart. From enchanting forests and sparkling lakes to majestic mountain vistas, these hikes serve as a gateway to nature's wonders for the next generation.
I find immense joy in helping families discover the beauty of Alberta's outdoors, fostering a love for nature in children and creating lasting memories. Through shared experiences on the trails, I aim to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in youngsters, nurturing their connection to the natural world. The laughter, discovery, and shared triumphs during these hikes underscore the importance of fostering a love for the outdoors from an early age, instilling values of conservation and appreciation for the environment. In each kid-friendly hike shared, there lies a promise of building a foundation for a lifetime of outdoor exploration and appreciation for the stunning landscapes that Alberta has to offer.
These are my top TEN kid-friendly hikes that I love!
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Mount Hoffman Trail, Bluerock Wildland Provincial Park
Mount Hoffman Trail is a trail I would do again and again. It is one of my favorites and definitely a hidden gem when it comes to hiking in the Canadian Rockies. Prepare yourself for the 500m elevation gain but it's an easy trail with no technical requirements with views that will go on forever. This is the most perfect mountain summit for a picnic if you are lucky enough to enjoy it with minimal wind. Side note -- on the summit there is an area nestled behind some boulders that is perfect to escape the wind on a day that it may be necessary. This is where we always choose to eat our lunch and take a break. Don't forget to veer off a couple feet and check out "The Humps" on your way up or down. The views are worth it!
Length: 9.3 km round trip
Trail Terrain: Forest Floor and Some Rock (just near the summit)
Elevation Gain: 532m
Route Type: Out-and-Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Dogs on Leash
Directions: Begin your commute heading South on the 201 around Calgary (Stony Trail) and exit onto Hwy 22X heading West. Turn left (South) onto Hwy 22 and follow until you reach the town of Diamond Valley. Follow Hwy 546 until you reach the trailhead (highway sign will say: Indian Oils Parking Lot). The trailhead begins at the washrooms.
Parking Lot: Parking lot available at trail head. This trail is open year round and is very popular for hiking. This trail is popular and the parking lot can get full on the weekends but I've never had a problem snagging a spot. There are washrooms located here.
Black Prince Cirque Interpretive, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
I honestly didn't have a huge interest in doing this hike but once we seen the views at Warspite Lake I was hooked! This is an amazing trail for a family with toddlers that don't love to be carried anymore. The trail is not technical at all and is very short with amazing views at the end. We did this trail in the winter so the loop was covered in snow but the out-and-back is definitely great to do as well. There are lots of great rocks to sit down on and enjoy your lunch while viewing the mountain range all around you.
Length: 4.0 km round trip
Trail Terrain: Forest Floor and Some Rock (near the lake)
Elevation Gain: 159m
Route Type: Out-and-Back (Loop in Summer)
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Dogs on Leash
Directions: Begin your commute heading West onto Hwy 1 from Calgary, AB. Take the exit onto Hwy 40 (towards Kananaskis Improvement) and follow until you will need to turn left onto Hwy 742. Keep in mind that once you turn onto Hwy 40 towards Kananaskis that this is your last chance for snacks, fuel and other items at the Bears Paw Convenience Store. Follow for approximately 5 minutes until you turn left onto the Smith Dorrien Trail. Follow Hwy 742 for approximately 10 minutes until you see the sign for Black Prince Day Use Area. This trail has a lovely parking lot that gets you off of the gravel road that you drove in on.
Parking Lot: Parking lot available at trail head. This trail is open year round and is very popular for hiking. This trail is popular and the parking lot can get full on the weekends but it does have a large amount of space so you shouldn't run into an issue. There are washrooms located here.
Rawson Lake Trail, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Explore this out-and-back trail near Kananaskis Improvement, Alberta. This route is considered moderate definitely worth the minor grind through the trees for the reward of mountain views that tower over you with such grand beauty you won't want to leave.
Length: 8.7 km round trip Trail Terrain: Forest Floor Elevation Gain: 630 m Route Type: Out-and-Back Difficulty: Moderate Pets: Dogs on Leash
Directions: Begin your commute towards Kananaskis Improvement area. Head West on Hwy 1 from Calgary, AB towards Hwy 40 (Kananaskis exit). Once you turn onto Hwy 40 this will be your last chance to grab fuel, snacks or water at the Bears Paw Convenience Store. At King Creek, you're going to want to turn left down Hwy 742 which eventually converts to Range Road 90A. Veer left onto Kananaskis Lakes Trail and park at the Upper Kananaskis Lake parking lot.
Parking Lot: Parking lot available at trail head
The trailhead begins right behind the bathrooms at the corner of the lake. You'll begin your hike walking beside the gorgeous lake and mountains surrounding it. Ensure that when you come to a Y in the trail you veer left. The left turn takes you up to Rawson Lake. You will spend most of this hike in the trees but worry not, it's worth the grind up to the lake. This is a very popular trail so be aware that you may encounter many groups of people on your journey. Once you reach the lake, it's the perfect spot to sit and soak in the sun. You can end your journey here or continue up the mountain towards Sarrail Ridge. Sarrail will take you around Rawson Lake and up an incredibly steep incline but once you reach the top you will get incredible views of Upper and Lower Kananaskis lakes. Keep in mind that Sarrail Ridge is not for the faint of heart but if you're up for the challenge is definitely one of my favourites. For more information on Sarrail Ridge --> see my Favourite Alberta & British Columbia Hiking Guides section of this website.
White Buddha, Kananaskis Country Public Land Use Zone
A friend introduced me to this trail when we were short on time but knew we needed some mountain therapy to begin our weekend. This trail has so much adventure packed into one little package it's phenomenal. You'll walk by rock climbers as they tackle these large boulders, 360 degree views of mountains and foothills and a wonderful spot to relax and make some memories.
Length: 3.7 km round trip Trail Terrain: Forest Floor & minor rock/scramble Elevation Gain: 298 m Route Type: Out-and-Back Difficulty: Moderate Pets: Dogs on Leash
Directions: Begin your drive towards Bragg Creek, AB (45 kms from Calgary, AB). Take the exit towards Hwy 22 and follow South until you pass the small hamlet of Bragg Creek. Turn down Hwy 66 and follow down until you pass the Elbow Falls Recreation Area. A few minutes passed you will turn right into a parking lot for White Buddha Trail Head. This is the same parking lot for Powerface Creek Trail. Parking Lot: Parking lot available at trail head This is a trail that I would return to again and again. The easy 1 hour hike in is worth the views, experience and memories made here. The very short climb up is quite steep but you get small breaks since it's mostly switchbacks. You walk passed the rock walls that are traditionally filled with climbers and find yourself on a small peak which is mostly protected by wind because it's surrounded by higher mountains. This is a great spot to take the family for a little mountain therapy.
Grassi Lakes Trail, Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park
This beautiful, easy hike will provide you with stunning views of a gorgeous waterfall but don't stop there. You will experience two azure lakes with the colour of emerald green when the sun shines and ancient pictographs.
Length: 3.4 km round trip Trail Terrain: Forest Floor & Wood Steps Elevation Gain: 178 m Route Type: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Pets: Dogs on Leash
Directions: Begin your drive towards Canmore, AB (90 kms from Calgary, AB). Take the exit towards Hwy 742 (Three Sisters Prkwy) and turn left. Follow Three Sisters Prkwy and then turn left onto Spray Lakes Rd. Head past the Canmore Nordic Centre and take the first left down Ken Richie Way. There will be a paved road to a parking lot on your right. Parking Lot: Parking lot available at trail head This hike is perfect for a family that is looking for stunning views that include everything the Rocky Mountains have to offer. The sound of a waterfall (a lookout is available and a great spot to capture some memories), rocky cliffs that get your heart pumping a little, emerald green lakes and a great place to stop at the end of the trail and have a snack.
Peyto Lake, Banff National Park
An unforgettable view that is so family friendly everyone can enjoy! My favourite part about this hike is that it's even wheelchair accessible. The fact that everyone can experience this view is such a special and unique experience.
Length: 2.4 km round trip Trail Terrain: Partially Paved and Forest Floor Elevation Gain: 84 m
Route Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy Pets: Dogs on Leash
Directions: 2.5 hours from Calgary, AB (188 kms) - Head West down Hwy 1 towards Lake Louise. After Lake Louise, exit right onto Hwy 93 (Icefield Pky). Approximately 40 kms down Hwy 93 you will see a sign that says Peyto Lake - turn left into the parking lot. Parking Lot: Paved parking lot (upper and lower) This trail surprised me in the best way. This 2.4 km loop (stay right) is very quick, easy and is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a hike for all ages and abilities. The view of the lake is astounding with it's glacier blue colour. If possible, make sure you go passed the main viewpoint to the panorama overlook. It's worth the extra trek.
Fullerton Loop Trail, Kananaskis Country Public Land Use Zone
The Fullerton Loop Trail itself is a nice and mostly easy adventure with a wide trail and well-signed directions make it a safer trail for families to enjoy. Once you get to the loop (approximately 1km from trailhead) I suggest going counterclockwise to avoid a more strenuous incline if going the opposite way. This trail is mostly treed but you can find some nice viewpoints with benches and great places to enjoy lunch on the trail. This trail includes some alpine botany and flora which can make it very beautiful in the summer season but be aware of the cows that reside here if you have a dog that is agitated by farm animals.
Length: 6.6 km round trip
Trail Terrain: Forest Floor
Elevation Gain: 221 m
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Dogs on Leash
Directions: Begin your commute heading West onto Hwy 1 from Calgary, AB. Take the exit onto Hwy 22 (towards Bragg Creek) and follow until you will need to turn right onto Hwy 66. Keep in mind that once you turn onto Hwy 66 towards Bragg Creek that this is your last chance for snacks, fuel and other items at the town of Bragg Creek. You will follow this road until you see the Fullerton Loop parking lot. This trail has a lovely parking lot that gets you off of the highway and makes it safe and easy to get ready in the parking lot.
Parking Lot: Parking lot available at trail head. This trail is open year round and is very popular for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing as well as hiking. This trail is usually groomed which makes it perfect for those winter explorers.
Tunnel Mountain Summit, Banff National Park
Tunnel Mountain Summit is a great bang for your buck hike! The trailhead is located right in the town of Banff. You can do this hike and then walk to a local pub or restaurant for some delicious food and a drink! It's a must if you're visiting the Banff area with your kiddos! It has easy switchbacks along the side of the mountain and brings you up to a flat summit where you can sit and enjoy snacks while overlooking the town of Banff and the mountain peaks situated behind it. If you are hiking Tunnel Mountain in the winter, be sure to bring some spikes or crampons since this trail does get icy because of high traffic.
Length: 4.3 km round trip
Trail Terrain: Forest Floor and Rock
Elevation Gain: 262m
Route Type: Out-and-Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Dogs on Leash
Directions: Begin your commute heading West onto Hwy 1 from Calgary, AB towards Banff, AB. You will follow this highway until you enter the town of Banff. If you enter from the East entrance, follow Banff Avenue and then turn left onto Wolf Street. You will then turn right onto St. Julien Road and see the trailhead on your left hand side. This trail has a small parking lot that can get you close to the trailhead but it becomes full very early in the day so you may have to park on the road below. There is free parking on Wolf street and an easy walk up the sidewalk to get to the trailhead. This is a high traffic trail so if you have the possibility to hike during a weekday it's highly recommended.
Parking Lot: Parking lot available at trail head. This trail is open year round and is very popular for hiking. This trail is usually groomed which makes it perfect for those winter explorers. Please keep in mind -- the mountain is loved by rock climbers and they use the walls of the mountain for their sport climbs. Refrain from throwing or kicking rocks to avoid injury for climbers below.
Heart Creek Trail, Heart Creek Recreational Area
Heart Creek is like a little piece of heaven located between Calgary, AB and Canmore, AB. It has a little fun for hikers, climbers, waterfall lovers. This easy, accessible trail will take you through the trees and suddenly rock walls will surround you until you make your way to the end where you're welcomed with the sound of rushing water and a beautiful creek that is perfect for splashing boots and having a picnic. Cute zigzag bridges are on this trail and lots of fun places to adventure! Great spot for families who want to begin hiking or are visiting the area.
Length: 4.8 km round trip
Trail Terrain: Forest Floor and Rock
Elevation Gain: 190m
Route Type: Out-and-Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Dogs on Leash
Directions: Begin your commute heading West onto Hwy 1 from Calgary, AB towards Dead Man's Flats. You will turn off the highway towards the Lac des Arcs Campground and cross over the Hwy 1 (left). You will find a big parking lot tucked into the trees and safely off the highway.
Parking Lot: Parking lot available at trail head. This trail is open year round and is very popular for hiking. This trail is extremely popular and the parking lot is very full but has been expanded so a spot can usually be found. There are washrooms located here.
Chester Lake Trail, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
This hike is one of my longer ones on the kid-friendly blog but it's a lovely trail to enjoy on a beautiful day. The trailhead will take you through some forest switchbacks until you pop out of the trees and are welcomed by mountain views all around. The walk between the mountains on this trail makes you feel so small and the vastness of it all is quite incredible.
Length: 9.3 km round trip
Trail Terrain: Forest Floor
Elevation Gain: 433 m
Route Type: Out-and-Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Dogs on Leash
Directions: Begin your commute heading West onto Hwy 1 from Calgary, AB. Take the exit onto Hwy 40 (towards Kananaskis Improvement) and follow until you will need to turn left onto Hwy 742. Keep in mind that once you turn onto Hwy 40 towards Kananakis that this is your last chance for snacks, fuel and other items at the Bears Paw Convenience Store. Follow for approximately 5 minutes until you turn left onto the Smith Dorrien Trail. You will follow this road until you see the Chester Lake Trail parking lot. This trail has a lovely parking lot that gets you off of the gravel road that you drove in on.
Parking Lot: Parking lot available at trail head. This trail is open year round and is very popular for snowshoeing as well as hiking. This trail is usually groomed which makes it perfect for those winter explorers. Please be aware that the lake isn't the end of this trail, there are Elephant Rocks about 10 minutes passed the lake that are definitely a must see!
So, join me on this journey of exploration and discovery as we navigate the world of kid-friendly hikes in Alberta. Through my blog, I aspire to be your guide, offering insights, tips, and recommendations to make every family hiking experience memorable. Let's embark on these adventures together, weaving stories of laughter, bonding, and the sheer joy of witnessing the magic of nature through the eyes of our children. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a novice explorer, there's a trail for everyone in Alberta's backyard. Together, let's create a tapestry of shared experiences that not only strengthens family bonds but also cultivates a lifelong love for the great outdoors in the hearts of our little adventurers. Happy hiking!
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