Our first stop stretches the legs on a gentle ascent to two crystal-clear, emerald pools nestled beneath a towering limestone canyon. The ideal introduction to the region’s unique geology and vibrant alpine colours. Trail length: 3.5km, with 150m elevation gain.

Spray Lakes & The Smith-Dorrien: We leave the pavement behind for the rugged and beautiful Highway 742 "backroad." This high-elevation gravel route is flanked by many trailheads and offers a true backcountry feel, with several lakeside photo opportunities. We'll stop for lunch at a day use area with a view along the Smith-Dorrien, or at Lower Kananaskis Lake.

After lunch, we transition to the highest paved road in Canada. Quiet, winding, and spectacular, this drive offers 360-degree mountain views and is a prime corridor for wildlife sightings, including bighorn sheep and grizzly bears.

*According to group preference, we will EITHER stop at Wedge Pond, OR Widowmaker in the afternoon* A serene post-lunch stretch. Known for its mirror-like mountain reflections and golden larch trees in the autumn, the easy 1km loop trail here is a photographer’s favourite for its stillness and symmetry.

Our primary afternoon stop, featuring a 4-5km hike through a forested trail to the tiered cascades of Troll Falls – a local favourite and stunning destination year-round. Time and energy levels permitting, we have the option for a slower return through the open Hay Meadow, following the Kananaskis River through the valley.

As we begin our descent toward the foothills, we stop at this expansive reservoir. The contrast between the turquoise water and the rugged front-range mountains provides a final, high-impact vista of the Kananaskis wilderness.

*According to group preference, we will EITHER stop at Wedge Pond, OR Widowmaker in the afternoon* A brief stop at the Kananaskis River to see the rapids. A popular haunt for local kayakers, the flat trail along the riverbank offers a front-row seat to the rapids before we rejoin the highway for the return to Banff/Canmore.