Elk Pass Trail

The Elk Pass Trail is a moderate hiking and backpacking trail which begins in the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country in Alberta, Canada and finishes in the Elk Lakes Provincial Park in the province of British Columbia, Canada.

The Elk Pass Trail explores two provinces and is part of the Trans Canada Trail. The activities enjoyed while exploring the Elk Pass Trail include hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, fishing and wilderness camping.

Mountain biking is only permitted on the Powerline Road (gravel access road) in the province of Alberta. And to fish Elk Lakes anglers require a British Columbia fishing licence. Licenses should be arranged prior to hiking to lakes as they are not sold at the lakes.

There are many sightseeing highlights located along the Elk Pass Trail including some amazing mountain views, wildflower meadows, wildlife sightings and the Elk Lakes in the province of British Columbia.

Elk Pass Trail is an 11 kilometre return hike with an elevation gain of only about 250 metres. The route follows mostly a gravel access road (Powerline Road) with some single track trail on the southern sections of the route.

The trail begins by following a wide, gravel access road from the Elk Pass trailhead located on Kananaskis Lake Road near the Upper Kananaskis Lake in the Peter Lougheed Park. There are some picnic tables at the trailhead.

The trail begins by following the gravel access road to Fox Creek where the road then forks. Stay right at the fork in the road and cross the bridge leading over Fox Creek.

The trail then takes on a bit of an elevation gain from here on in. You will come across the Blueberry Hill Trailhead. Continue hiking pass the Blueberry Hill Trailhead for 100 metres where there is another hiker symbol and a trail entrance on your right. Take it.

Stay right and continue along the trail to the West Elk Pass Trailhead and the Alberta - British Columbia Provincial Borders. Once in British Columbia continue hiking along the trail until you reach the Elk Lakes and some wilderness campsites.

The route provides some opportunities for wilderness camping near Elk Lakes in British Columbia. There is a minimal fee for wilderness camping in the Elk Lakes Provincial Park.