Grizzly Peak is exactly that, quick and challenging. Located near Kananaskis and Peter Lougheed National Park in Alberta, you will find this mid-length hike in Kananaskis steep and rewarding.

Even though we didn’t see any grizzlies on the hike, Kananaskis is still considered grizzly country.

Almost every day at the Peter Lougheed Information Center there are bear sightings in and around the area. So the name may be fitting after all; Grizzly Peak Trail.

grizzlypeak-red-white-adventures-pinterest

Luckily, we didn’t end up seeing any bears while we were on the hike but we were lucky enough to see a few cute golden-mantled ground squirrels up at the top which we hung around with for a bit while enjoying the views of the mountains up at the top.

You’ll end up seeing ground squirrels all over hiking trails in Kananaskis. If you hike in the area for a while you’ll see them all the time, they’re adorable.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you <3

Everything you need to know about Grizzly Peak

If you truly are looking for a fairly short and difficult hike in Kananaskis then Grizzly Peak is a good option.

The total hike is only 5.6 km / 3.7 miles return, but the elevation gain is almost 1000 meters. It’s basically a steep incline the whole way up and a steep decline the whole way down.

I mean, that does sum up a lot of the hikes in Alberta but this one is a challenge, especially on your knees. A fantastic workout if you’re looking for that! Short and sweet 😉

Grizzly Peak gives you a good idea of hiking in the Kananaskis area. Challenging, exposed to the elements, but also very rewarding.

The views you get all throughout this hike are incredible and even though it was quite challenging it was completely worth it.

Views from Grizzly Peak hike in Alberta.

Practical information about Grizzly Peak

Distance: 5.6 km return / 3.4 miles return
Elevation: 875 m / 2870 ft. elevation gain
Type: Out and back
Length: 3.5 – 5.5 hours return
Difficulty: Hard
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Park Pass: Kananaskis Conversation Pass
Indigenous land: Siksikaitsitapi – Blackfoot Confederacy

Click here to see a map of the beginning of the Grizzly Peak Hike.

Hiking Tip: Look up the trail on AllTrails before starting your hike 🗺️. You can find important trail information such as recent wildlife sights and trail closures. Check out the free version here or get a 7-day free trial of AllTrails Pro here.

Here’s a picture of the beginning of Grizzly Peak

Grizzly Peak Hike in Alberta.

Grizzly Peak is a challenging hike in Kananaskis

Views from this hiking trail in Kananaskis.
Gorgeous mountain view from Grizzly Peak.
Little squirrel in Kananaskis.
Views from Grizzly Peak.

It’s a pretty straightforward hike in terms of finding the trail. Once you’re on it you will basically just keep climbing up. Your calves will feel it almost instantly so be prepared and get a good stretch before you start.

Make sure you remember some landmarks on your way up for the return journey or else you may end up following one of the wrong trails back.

There are a lot of animal paths so it’s easy to get confused!

Most hiking trails in Kananaskis do have marked signs, ribbons, or some sort of landmarks but we found that Grizzly Peak didn’t have too many.

We actually ended up on one of the animal paths on the way down which added an extra hour (and a pretty scared Jo) to our trip.

We ended up having to scramble quite a bit which honestly wasn’t that fun. At that point, we were exhausted and just wanted to get down.

So really, take your time and make sure you’re on the right trail back down.

Kananaskis trails in Alberta, Canada.

Looking for more fun hikes in the Kananaskis area?
Check out Wasootch Ridge or Jumpingpound Summit Trail!

Grizzly Peak Trail Guide

On your way up, the first half is quite the battle since it’s so steep.

But once you get past that first half of steady incline and scrambling a little bit, you will find yourself in this stunning meadow that is sometimes covered in wildflowers.

Kananaskis trail hiking up Grizzly Peak.

We would have taken a break there and enjoyed the view for a while but it was just way too windy, which tends to happen quite often when you’re hiking in the Kananaskis area.

Who knows? You may be lucky enough to be able to stop in the meadow and enjoy a nice lunch, before hiking up the last bit to the summit! 

After the meadow, you will make your final push to the peak where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the region.

You’ll end up probably sharing your epic accomplishment with some of the squirrels who are always hanging around the summit. 

Jo and a golden mantled ground squirrel at the summit of Grizzly Peak.
Jo and a golden mantled ground squirrel at the summit of Grizzly Peak

Enjoy the views from the summit and feel free to share your views with us once you are done! We love seeing other people conquering the same hikes as us. So please share your hiking pics!

Give yourself about 4-5 hours to complete the hike…

You’re probably thinking to yourself, since it’s so short, that you’ll be down way sooner but you will want to take breaks and enjoy the views at the top.

You may also need to do some backtracking if you end up getting lost. So to be safe you should give yourself about 4-5 hours to complete Grizzly Peak, one of Alberta’s challenging day hikes! 

Hiking Tip: Look up the trail on AllTrails before starting your hike 🗺️. You can find important trail information such as recent wildlife sights and trail closures. Check out the free version here or get a 7-day free trial of AllTrails Pro here.

Up at the summit of Grizzly Peak in Kananaskis.
Views from Grizzly Peak in Alberta.
Summit up at Grizzly peak.

Camping in Kananaskis

So the good news is that there is a camping in Kananaskis and it’s not too far from the Grizzly Peak trailhead.

Eau Claire campground

Here are the directions from Grizzly Peak to Eau Claire campground.

Once you’re done with the hike you can go see if there are some spots available still. Be aware, lots of people go camping in Kananaskis in the summer so it may be full.

Don’t worry though there are other places to camp not too far away if there’s no room in Eau Claire.

Views along Grizzly Peak in Kananaskis.

Camping in Peter Lougheed

There’s some amazing spots to camp in Peter Lougheed National Park!

The views of lower and upper Kananaskis Lake make this one of the best places to camp in Alberta. You’re surrounded by some of the nicest and freshest nature in the world and hiking trails for days.

Mount Sarrail Campground

Mount Sarrail is a tent only campground with 44 sites and $31 a night right in Peter Lougheed.

It’s super close to Grizzly Peak trail too which is a huge bonus. You’ll be camping right in between the two Kananaskis lakes with views of mountain tops surrounding you from all angles.

It’s the perfect place to stay after a full day of hiking.

Elkwood Campground

Another great campsite that’s only 10 minutes away from the Grizzly Peak trailhead.

Elkwood has over 120 sites so you should most likely be able to get a spot there. Again you’ll be surrounded by mountains and the beautiful nature of Peter Lougheed National Park.

🏕️ Not into camping? Check out this list of the best hotels in Banff!

Summit of Grizzly Peak in Alberta.

How to get to Grizzly Peak

From anywhere in Calgary

  • It’s just under an hour and a half drive from Calgary to the Grizzly Peak trailhead.
  • The directions can be found here.
  • You will just park on the side of the road where the hike starts. There should be other cars there.

From anywhere in Edmonton

  • It’s just over a 4 hour drive from Edmonton to the Grizzly Peak trailhead.
  • The directions can be found here.

Before you hike Grizzly Peak

Hiking Grizzly Peak trail in Alberta, Canada.

The first thing you should do before you go is to check if the trail is open and if there are any warnings on it.

If you go early enough you can stop at the Peter Lougheed Information Centre and see if there is any wildlife in the area that you should look out for.

If you don’t stop by the information centre, make sure you check for this information online beforehand.

They will also give you other recommendations if Grizzly Peak isn’t doable that day due to wildlife. 

Saw a little squirrel while hiking in Kananaskis.

We would also recommend you to tell someone about your plans, just in case something were to happen. Better safe than sorry!

Especially since there is a good chance you will not have reception once you pass Kananaskis.

Obviously, you will be well-prepared but it’s always nice if at least someone knows you’re out hiking in the Albertan Rockies.

You can check the recent comments about Grizzly Peak here.

Grizzly Peak Mountain Valley.

What to bring on the Grizzly Peak hike

This is a tough hike so try to bring enough of what you need and limit what you don’t need.

It does take some time to complete this hike and the weather changes quickly in Kananaskis.

Hiking in Kananaskis.

Leave no trace

When you go hiking (and do other outdoor adventure activities), always remember to follow the 7 principles of leaving no trace.

This means:

  1. Plan ahead and prepare.
  2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
  3. Dispose of waste properly.
  4. Leave what you find.
  5. Minimize campfire impacts.
  6. Respect wildlife.
  7. Be considerate of others.

Packing list for Grizzly Peak:

  • Definitely at least 1.5 liters of water. The area can get chilly and you might feel like you don’t get thirsty but bring some! 
  • A camelbak is a great option too if you’re looking for something to hold a lot of water.
  • Food. Enjoy your lunch while hanging out with the squirrels.
  • Sunscreen if it’s sunny out! Or even if it’s just warm and cloudy bring some.
  • Bear spray! Duh, you’re in bear country! 
  • Warm clothes if it’s cold! Remember that the weather can change quickly. When we got up in the meadow it seriously felt like we were going to fly away because it was so windy! Don’t let the sun fool you. Go prepared!
  • A power bank is always nice to have on any hike you do! You don’t want a dead phone half way up the hike.
  • If you have weak knees, you might want to bring hiking poles! Hiking poles will make this whole hike a lot easier especially with the amount of incline. There are quite a few steep sections on this hike where hiking poles will do wonders to your body.
  • Also this is a great list of hiking gear that you may need on a hike!

The best affordable camera for beginners

The Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless camera

If you’re looking for the best and most affordable camera for beginners, check out the Sony Alpha a6000 Camera.

This is the camera we’ve been using for years and still use to this day.

It’s perfect for travelling and super easy to use – even if you’re a beginner.

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Recap of hiking Grizzly Peak in Peter Lougheed

Views of Grizzly Peak summit in Alberta, Canada.

This is one of our favourite hikes in the area. It’s a little further to get to from Calgary than say Wasootch Ridge but it’s an amazing hike.

Remember to look for the trail markings and stay on the trail to not get lost.

As long as you have the trail map and follow the markings you will be fine.

If you have any questions about the hike or hikes in the area you can DM us on Instagram or leave a comment below.

We hope you enjoy this hike in Kananaskis as much as we did! Enjoy, stay safe, and hopefully not get close to too many bears!

Love it? Share it!

Hiking in Canada Pinterest post.
Pin for Pinterest of hiking in Kananaskis.
Pin for hiking in Kananaskis, Alberta.

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53 Comments

  1. kat on August 13, 2019 at 3:17 am

    These views are incredible! I’d still be scared of the bears though!

    • redwhiteadventures on August 13, 2019 at 4:19 pm

      Hey Kat,

      Most people are but it’s so rare to see one up close while hiking! Much more enjoyable to see them in the forest while you’re driving by safely in your car! 🙂
      – Dom

  2. raina on August 14, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    I love the pictures in this article, they are inviting and elegant. I have always been afraid of the height for some reason, but looking at the pictures in your blog post makes it seem fine to hike and have some fun while doing it.

    • redwhiteadventures on August 18, 2019 at 3:27 am

      Thank you, Raina! I’m quite scared of heights too but I just try to stay off the edges and then I’m fine. There aren’t really any drops or edges on Grizzly Peak apart from at the summit so this would definitely be a hike you could do even if you’re scared of heights 🙂
      – Jo

  3. Asia on August 14, 2019 at 8:11 pm

    Wow! Your pics & blog is AMAZING! And so insightful with the maps and what you need before going. Bravo!!

    • redwhiteadventures on August 18, 2019 at 3:28 am

      Thank you! We’re glad you like it 🙂
      – Jo & Dom

  4. Taylor Deer on August 15, 2019 at 5:21 am

    Wow! The hikes that you guys did were epic! Such stunning views to take it.

    • redwhiteadventures on August 18, 2019 at 3:28 am

      Thanks, Taylor! It’s gorgeous there! 🙂
      – Jo

  5. Ashli on August 16, 2019 at 5:56 pm

    Wow this is really cool! We don’t have any places like this near us but I wish we did!! I’d love to do this one day

    • redwhiteadventures on August 23, 2019 at 7:06 pm

      Hey Ashkly,
      Where are you from? You can always make a vacation out of it when you get time! 🙂
      – Dom

  6. Anna on August 16, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    These pictures are sooo beautiful!!
    Especially the views are amazing ♥
    And you two are soo super cute 🙂

    Thanks for all the useful information honey ♥

    Happy Friday!

  7. Florid Forest on August 16, 2019 at 7:55 pm

    Super beautiful! Love the picture with you are the chipmunk in the foreground.

  8. Stephanie Stebbins on August 16, 2019 at 10:37 pm

    How fun! Outstanding views. Hopefully, I can make it there one day!

  9. Kimmy Mason on August 16, 2019 at 11:56 pm

    Beautiful photos! I so miss the mountains, I’d love to visit grizzly peak someday.

  10. Jasmine M on August 18, 2019 at 12:00 am

    Beautiful! I used to go hiking as a kid with my dad, but I haven’t been in a long time! I tried to take my fiance’ and my mom to Shenandoah Valley for a hike, but they were too scared to go. Thank you for sharing your adventures!

  11. Andrea Peacock on August 18, 2019 at 4:09 am

    Wow that does look like a really challenging hike! It’s always nice when the views are worth it though. Your photos are gorgeous!!

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 7:47 pm

      Hey Andrea,

      They are amazing and totally worth it. Even though it doesn’t feel like it at times on the way up haha. Thanks so much! 🙂
      – Dom

  12. Christine on August 18, 2019 at 7:35 am

    What a beautiful hike! I love a hike with good views, so I need to get up there and give this one a try. Your photos are gorgeous!

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 7:48 pm

      Hey Christine,

      If you plan on hiking the Rockies next summer then shoot us a message! We will definitely be in the area.
      – Jo

  13. Megan Kulluk on August 18, 2019 at 8:56 am

    So excited to get to Canada and do some hiking. It looks so beautiful.

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 7:50 pm

      Hey Megan,

      Definitely! Do you plan on visiting this fall or next year sometime? We can definitely bring you on some hiking trips if you’re in the area.
      -Dom

  14. Pauline on August 18, 2019 at 12:54 pm

    It looks so stunning but pretty challenging, would love to do it when we’re in Canada! Love how super well explained and detailed your post is 😉

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 7:53 pm

      Thanks Pauline! We’ll definitely do a hike together when we meet up back in Canada!
      – Dom

  15. Reika Misaki on August 18, 2019 at 2:18 pm

    I love the pictures! I haven’t done hiking before, but I would love to. It’ll be an adventure and an amazing workout! Thanks for sharing!

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 7:53 pm

      It sure is an amazing workout Reika! Do you have mountains close to home!?
      – Dom

  16. Mirela | The Travel Bunny on August 18, 2019 at 4:15 pm

    Wonderful scenery, the hike was definitely worth it. Happy you didn’t meet any bears or animals that were dangerous. The squirrel’s a lovely encounter <3

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 7:54 pm

      Hey Mirela,

      Fortunately not this time! They’re nice when you can see them from a distance. Hehe squirrels are adorable little animals! 🙂
      – Jo

  17. Neil Alvin on August 18, 2019 at 4:26 pm

    Grizzly Peak sure looks very picturesque. I hope to climb it someday.

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 7:57 pm

      Hey Neil,

      You should! We have a few hikes we definitely recommend in the area and Grizzly Peak is one of them!
      – Dom

  18. Merrie Rodriguez on August 18, 2019 at 5:16 pm

    Such beautiful photos!! I’d love to take a hiking trip with my hubby! Looks like a blast!

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 7:58 pm

      Hey Merrie,

      Thanks so much! Convince him to take that well needed vacation to the mountains! 🙂
      – Dom

  19. Josy A on August 18, 2019 at 9:50 pm

    This looks amaaaazing! I do quite like the hard walks when you gain so much elevation in a short time. They are tough, but those epic views are soooo worth it!

    Btw, have you ever used mapsme? It’s a free app for maps, but I have found that it is reeeeally helpful in those kind of situations when you’re not sure if it is an animal path or the real path. You can see on the GPS if you’re going the right way, even if you don’t have reception on your phone. Most of the small paths have been on there (at least for hikes in Canada)

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 8:02 pm

      Hey Josy,

      Absolutely. It’s fun walking 10 minutes and seeing how far you’ve gone up in such a short time. Wow thanks so much I had no idea but I just dowloaded it and hopefully it will save my but in the future! 🙂 It’s quite easy to get lost sometimes or end up on the wrong track.

      – Jo

  20. Nicole on August 18, 2019 at 11:44 pm

    Your pictures are so beautiful! Love the tips & thank you for including the map. We love finding new places to hike.

  21. Hoang Vi Fessenden on August 18, 2019 at 11:57 pm

    I bet this felt so rewarding though!

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 10:50 pm

      Hey Hoang,

      It sure did we had a blast!
      – Dom

  22. Jenn ~ onehoppymomma on August 19, 2019 at 12:32 am

    Interesting! I never realized that you could end up on an animal trail

  23. Hackytips on August 19, 2019 at 1:17 am

    Woww! It looks so relaxing. I love such peaceful places to spend time with myself.

  24. Elizabeth O on August 19, 2019 at 3:48 am

    Oh wow…what an expectacular view…I can almost feel the breeze…

  25. Francisco on August 19, 2019 at 1:58 pm

    Breathtaking views like always! So jealous you can do this so often!

  26. Eric Gamble on August 19, 2019 at 4:34 pm

    those views at Grizzly Peak are amazing and what a great way to get some exercise too. Though a nearly 3,000 foot elevation hike might wear even an avid backpacker like myself, those views would be totally worth it!
    Glad you didn’t see any grizzlies, who would have tripped who in order to escape? I am sure Darcee would have tripped me as she ran past me!

  27. Adventures with Shelby on August 20, 2019 at 3:56 am

    The views look well worth the challenging hike!!

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 10:48 pm

      Hey Shelby,

      Thanks! We’re always up for a challenging hike but sometimes it’s definitely nicer to do a more relaxed hike as well!
      – Dom

  28. Danielle on August 20, 2019 at 12:30 pm

    I would be terrible at this hike, weak knees. The view look’s incredible though, your picture’s capture it perfectly!

  29. Jackline A on August 20, 2019 at 10:04 pm

    I have never been to Alberta before but it looks beautiful. My husband is going in the next to 2 weeks to Calgary

    • redwhiteadventures on August 20, 2019 at 10:45 pm

      Thats awesome! To bad you couldn’t go with him and get some of these views! Maybe next time! 😉
      – Jo

  30. Shoppers Gossip on August 23, 2019 at 12:52 pm

    Wow, beautiful and amazing place. I would love to travel here one day. God creations!

    • redwhiteadventures on August 23, 2019 at 6:42 pm

      Hey,

      There’s a reason they call it GOd’s country haha! Looks like it’s straight from heaven!You definitely will! 🙂
      – Dom

  31. redwhiteadventures on August 23, 2019 at 6:56 pm

    Hey Cat uy,
    It sure is, the views are breathtaking and very rewarding!
    – Jo

  32. Erica on August 6, 2022 at 5:29 am

    Please don’t encourage people to bring music players. Music doesn’t keep wildlife away and rather disrupts other hikers’ enjoyment of nature. Recently spoke with a park officer who said bear bells and music don’t work because bears don’t know to associate them with humans and it can lead people to have a false sense of security. Human voices carry further and are more effective.

    • redwhiteadventures on August 8, 2022 at 12:11 pm

      Hey Erica,

      Thanks for pointing this out! We were taught by experienced hikers to carry music when hiking in bear territory (as long as we’re being respectful to other hikers of course). We’ve updated the post now based on what you shared. Thank you for teaching us! 🙂

      – Jo

  33. David Colpitts on August 10, 2023 at 6:08 pm

    It looks like your picture is of a golden manteled ground squirrel, not a chipmunk. They do look similar, but I haven’t seen chipmunks in the area. The quick way to tell the difference is that the golden manteled ground squirrel does not have stripes on its head, while chipmunks do

    • redwhiteadventures on August 14, 2023 at 1:16 am

      Hey David, oh I had no idea! Thanks for teaching us. I just did a quick Google search and you’re completely right. They look super similar though! I’ll make sure to update the post 🙂
      – Josefine

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