Signature "Taste of Kananaskis" Highlights Loop from Banff or Canmore
Explore the hidden gems of Kananaskis Country on a private highlights loop from Banff or Canmore, including emerald lakes, waterfalls, and transport.
Practical information
An 8-hour private sightseeing loop from Banff or Canmore through the heart of Kananaskis Country, featuring iconic lakes and light hiking.
- Total privacy: Exclusive door-to-door transport in a private van for your group only (up to 11 guests).
- Highwood Pass access: Drive Canada's highest paved road (2,206m) with professional guidance and wildlife spotting.
- All-inclusive premium: Lunch, refreshments, park passes, and seasonal technical equipment included.
Course of events
Please allow 8 hours on site for the entire experience.
- Private pick-up at your specified location in Banff or Canmore and initial safety briefing (15 min).
- Grassi Lakes: A gentle 3.5km walk to two emerald pools nestled beneath a towering limestone canyon (90 min).
- Smith-Dorrien Trail: Drive the rugged Highway 742 gravel route with stops for backcountry lake photos.
- Lunch: Scenic picnic lunch at a day-use area along the Smith-Dorrien or Lower Kananaskis Lake (30 min).
- Highway 40: Traverse the spectacular Highwood Pass, the highest paved road in Canada.
- Afternoon Choice: Visit either Wedge Pond for mountain reflections or Widowmaker Rapids to see the Kananaskis River (20 min).
- Troll Falls: A 4.5km forested hike to the tiered cascades, with an optional return through Hay Meadow (2 hours).
- Barrier Lake: Final photo stop at the turquoise reservoir overlooking the front-range mountains (15 min).
- Transfer back to your drop-off point in Banff or Canmore.
Activity requirements
A waiver must be signed by each participant (parental signature required for minors).
Please inform your instructor of any medical conditions when booking.
All participants must be in good physical condition for light walking on uneven terrain.
Safety briefing participation is mandatory.
No alcohol or drugs before the activity.
Special terms
This is a private activity: the price is based on the number of participants in your group.
The time and meeting point for this activity is changeable based on weather conditions.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Please contact the instructor directly once your booking has been confirmed to arrange pick-up.
Child seats are required by law for children under 6 years old (≤18kg) and must be provided by the customer.
Spoken languages:
English, Spanish, ChineseIncluded
- Certified guide
- Safety briefing
- Hiking poles
- Ice cleats or snowshoes (in winter)
- Provincial Park entrance fees
- Pick-up and return transportation
- Snacks
- Lunch
Excluded
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance
Do not forget to bring
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Backpack
- Weather-appropriate layers (moisture-wicking, warm mid-layers, waterproof shell)
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Warm hat and gloves (for winter or cold days)
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Practical information
Meeting point:
Spoken languages:
English, Spanish, ChineseCancellation: Moderate
Weather guarantee:
Free rescheduling or refund if the activity must be cancelled due to bad weather.100% Secure payment:
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Here to assist you 7/7About the activity
Discover the raw, untamed beauty of Kananaskis Country on the "Taste of Kananaskis" loop, a premium sightseeing experience starting from Banff or Canmore. While the neighbouring National Parks draw the crowds, Kananaskis remains a sanctuary of rugged limestone peaks and quiet valleys, recently chosen as the host site for the 2025 G7 Summit. This curated loop is designed to showcase the maximum variety of the Alberta Rockies in a single day, from the crystal-clear emerald pools of Grassi Lakes to the expansive turquoise waters of Barrier Lake. A defining highlight of the journey is navigating Highway 40 to Highwood Pass; at 2,206m, it is the highest paved road in Canada and a prime location for observing bighorn sheep and grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
The tour is led by a 4-season certified guide from MOLARI Adventure Touring Co., ensuring a safe and insightful exploration of the backcountry. You will travel along the Smith-Dorrien Trail (Highway 742), a high-elevation gravel route that offers a true sense of solitude and stunning lakeside photo opportunities. The day is flexible and adapted to your group's pace, featuring light hikes such as the 4.5km forested trail to the tiered cascades of Troll Falls. For the afternoon, you can choose between the mirror-like symmetry of Wedge Pond—a photographer's dream—or the powerful rush of the Widowmaker Rapids on the Kananaskis River. Technical gear, including hiking poles and seasonal traction like ice cleats or snowshoes, is provided for your comfort.
MOLARI Adventure Touring Co. operates with a deep commitment to the land and its people. By following "Leave No Trace" principles and supporting Truth & Reconciliation, the guides offer a perspective that respects the enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples. Furthermore, your booking directly contributes to the local community: for every tour, a donation is made to one of three charities supporting indigenous education, land protection, or animal welfare—and as the guest, you choose which cause to support.
Whether seen under the summer sun or the sparkling snow of winter, Kananaskis offers a visceral mountain experience far from the shuttle buses of Banff. This private tour balances luxury convenience with authentic wilderness immersion, making it the ideal choice for those who want a comprehensive, stress-free highlight reel of the Canadian Rockies' best-kept secrets.