Calgary 
Some of Alberta’s best or most renowned hiking trails start from the Smith Dorien Trail in Kananaskis Country. The Smith Dorien Trail runs north to south and through several parks. After Canmore in the north, this scenic drive will lead through Bow Valley, Spray Valley, and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks.
Between these three parks there are numerous scenic trails that range from quick and simple to long and strenuous. Among some of the more moderate hikes with some of the most rewarding views is the Rummel Lake Trail. One other significant advantage to the Rummel Lake Trail is that it connects to the High Rockies Trail, a Kananaskis section of the Trans Canada Trail. The High Rockies Trail is open to hikers, cyclists (and e-bikes), and snowshoers.
However, the Rummel Lake Trail, at around 11km out-and-back, may fill up the entire day. The route and views are certainly worth a trip whether on the Trans Canada Trail, while staying at Mount Engadine Lodge, or in the area for a day trip and day hike. Plus, the Rummel Lake trail is open year-round with a winter backcountry campground for the adventurous hikers. To Rummel Lake and back is 10.8km with a total of around 450m in elevation gain. Expect to climb gradually to reach Rummel Lake.
Rummel Lake Trail for Winter Recreation
Hiking is permitted on the Rummel Lake Trail during every month. And when the snow falls around Kananaskis and the Spray Valley, there is also the option to speed up the trip with skis or snowshoes. As a multi-use and popular trail, the snow may be packed with snowshoe and ski tracks by later in the season. And remember, if you see cross-country ski tracks, do your best to avoid them with snowshoes and boots.
The dramatically quick changes in weather at any time of year in the Spray Valley mean the views and scenery at Rummel Lake may be snow-covered and cloud-covered, or the sun could be bright in a blue sky. The lake itself is likely to be frozen and snow-covered as it is about halfway up Mount Galatea. The mountain’s peak stands tall still in the background of the lake to create serene and alluring views.
Spring to Fall on the Rummel Lake Trail
The Rummel Lake Trail remains a quiet and peaceful hike throughout the spring, summer, and fall months as the route is only open to hikers and foot traffic. A spring or summer hike out to Rummel Lake will offer up sweeping views of bright green conifer forests stretching across the Spray Valley. And during the fall, those forests are dotted with bright pockets of gold from the famous larch trees of the region. Several larch trees also border Rummel Lake.
The water levels at Rummel Lake are likely to be higher in the spring, while the colours of the lake (whether blue or green) will also be more vibrant at this time. And the accessible shores around the lake provide plenty of space for a mid-hike picnic (just bring back whatever you bring in!).
Any season is a good time to keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife on the Rummel Lake and High Rockies Trails (or any Rocky Mountain trail). The area is home to a huge range of bird species that you may encounter in the trees or on the quiet alpine trail.
More Great Hikes on the Smith Dorrien Trail
As mentioned, the Smith Dorrien Trail is the location for many trailheads to many beautiful Kananaskis hikes. Take your pick of more winter and summer routes to add to the itinerary.
- During the winters, this area’s trails are great for snowshoeing with options like the Chester Lake Snowshoe trail, the Hogarth Lake snowshoe loop, or the Sawmill and Snowdrift Loops.
- Some of the best cross-country ski trails in Kananaskis are west of the Dorrien Trail in the Mt. Shark day use area.
- The Chester Lake summer trail is also a great way to spend a warmer day in K-Country. Find more hiking opportunities on the High Rockies Trail, at the Goat Creek day use, or the Black Prince day use.
Sightseeing in Kananaskis
The drives through Kananaskis will reveal several scenic picnic sites for a stop or stretch, lakeside views, mountain views, and chances to spot large Rocky Mountain wildlife. The northern section of the Smith Dorrien Trail by Canmore has a lot to offer, the start of a trip like the Grassi Lakes area, with short and easy trails, and picnic sites.
Travel further south to come upon sweeping views of the Spray Lakes Reservoir. The highway follows the shores of the long and narrow lake all the way to the Buller Mountain and Mount Shark day use areas. The mountains around Spray Lake Reservoir offer scenery of dense, bright green forests surrounding the blue lake alongside the shorter peaks of the eastern Rockies.
Among the larger wildlife you could see in the Spray Valley include bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, or mountain goats.
Planning your Trip – Rummel Lake Trail
What: Rummel Lake sits near the base of a prominent Kananaskis peak, the Tower, with the peaks of Mount Galatea, and Mount Chester also visible from the trail and the lake shores.
The multi-use and year-round trail to Rummel Lake is around 10km out-and-back with a steady climb up to the lake. Rummel Lake sits at the mountain tree line, meaning the majority of the hike is a forested trail through the trees. The trail is open to hiking all year, as well as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winters.
Best time to go: open year-round
Cost: Kananaskis Conservation Pass $22.50 per day; $135 per year
Location and how to get there: Trailhead is on the east side of the Smith Dorien Trail (742) opposite the Mount Engadine Lodge in Spray Valley Provincial Park.
For more information:
- Spray Valley Provincial Park
- Rummel Lake Summer Trail Report
- Rummel Lake Winter Trail Report
- Friends of Kananaskis
