Ribbon Creek Snowshoe Trail, Kananaskis

by Karen Ung March 8, 2017

Ribbon Creek Trail, near Kananaskis Village, is the perfect family snowshoe trail with views, bridges, and minimal elevation gain.

Starting from Ribbon Creek parking lot, follow the orange snowshoe trail markers west. The trail winds along the creek, occasionally crossing it, affording great views of Ribbon Peak and Mount Allan. My girls’ favorite thing was “troll hunting” at the numerous bridges (there aren’t any trolls hidden here, but it’s fun to go under the bridges and check), going off trail, and shaking snow off the trees! And going for treats at Moose Family Kitchen in Kananaskis Village! Go as far as you wish; the whole area is scenic.

Table of Contents

Ribbon Creek Snowshoe Trail at a Glance

Distance: 3.3 km one way. Return the way you came.
Elevation Gain: 60 m
Washrooms? Pit toilets at parking lot
Chariot Friendly? Only if there is lots of snow. One bridge in the first kilometre has stairs leading up to it.
Distance from Calgary: 98 km
Parking: Ribbon Creek Day Use Area
Trailhead: West end of Ribbon Creek Day Use Area

Know Before You Go

There is avalanche danger beyond the 3.3 km mark. Please return the way you came!
After 2 km, the snowshoe trail joins the cross country ski trail. Hikers, snowshoers, and cyclists should yield to skiers.
A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis. Purchase your pass online at https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx.

What to Bring

For information on what to wear and what to bring, please see our Snowshoeing Gear List (printable PDF available).

Where to Stay

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and the HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel are your nearest options! Read about our stay at HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel here.

Where to Eat

We love Moose Family Kitchen, a café adjacent to Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge (in the same building as Kananaskis Outfitters). They have ramen, authentic Japanese beef bowls, as well as sandwiches, coffee, ice cream, and baked goods.

At Pomeroy Mountain Lodge, try Market Café for a quick bite, Woody’s Pub and Patio for a burger, Blacktail Bar for lighter fare (salad and sandwich), or Forte Restaurant for Italian.

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Karen Ung

Karen is a lover of maps, mountains, and mochas. She started Play Outside Guide in 2013 to provide "Everything you need to know to get outside and have fun!" Find her on the trails or road tripping around Southern Alberta.

Hi, I'm Karen! I was born in the boonies (where the wild things are) and grew up granola. My parents took me on my first backpacking trip at 6 weeks old, and I never stopped playing outside! After getting a Geography degree, and leading hikes and backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies (as a volunteer), I started the blog as an outdoor adventure and road trip resource. Since 2013, I have shared many gems and outdoor attractions on the blog, as well as on CBC Radio and Global Calgary. I am passionate about responsible use of the parks and outdoor safety, and hope you will check out my posts on bear / avalanche / hiking safety before you head out. See you on the trails!