Elkwood Loop Snowshoe Trail in Peter Lougheed Park is a great first-time snowshoe trail with beautiful mountain views from Marl Lake.
Starting from Elkwood Amphitheatre parking lot, follow the red snowshoe trail markers through the trees to the Marl Lake Interpretive Trail. Here, the views begin to open up as you pass snow covered fens (boggy areas). Interpretive signs describe the geography in more detail.
There are benches along the way if you need a break, but the best lunch spot is at Marl Lake where you can enjoy panoramic mountain views. Mount Indefatigable dominates the skyline across the lake.
To complete the loop, follow the trail markers along the north shore of the lake, then snowshoe through the campground to the parking lot. The trail is well marked the whole way and is lots of fun after a big dump of snow!
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Elkwood Loop At a Glance
Distance: 3.4 km Elevation Gain: 23 m
Nearest Washrooms? Elkwood Amphitheatre Parking Lot
Chariot Friendly? Yes.
Terrain rating: Elkwood Loop is an Alberta Parks official winter trail. Stay on trail to avoid avalanche danger.
Directions: Head west on Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway), take the Kananaskis Trail/AB 40S turnoff and stay on Hwy 40 for 50 km. Turn right onto Kananaskis Trail. Continue straight for ~6 km. Turn left at Elkwood Amphitheatre.
Parking: Elkwood Amphitheatre
Going Further
For a longer outing, snowshoe Frozen Toad Loop (8.1 km loop) from Marl Lake.
Another option (6.9 km loop) is Bill Benson Lookout: Take the William Watson Connector trail across Kananaskis Trail and the William Watson Lodge parking lot. Look for the red snowshoe marker near the front of the lodge, then follow Marsh Loop to beautiful Bill Benson Lookout at Lower Kananaskis Lake.
For more information, see the Alberta Parks Snowshoe Brochure or pick up a copy at the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Discovery and Information Centre.
Getting Here
Elkwood Loop’s trailhead is located 1.5 hours from Calgary via Highway 1 West, Highway 40, and Kananaskis Lakes Trail. Click here for Google Maps directions. The parking lot turnoff is marked “Elkwood Amphitheatre.”
What to Bring
1. Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight Crew Base Layer 2. The North Face Montana Ski Glove 3. Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks 4. Helly Hansen Legendary Ski Pant 5. MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoes
When snowshoeing, it’s important to dress in layers and wear waterproof outerwear. See our Snowshoeing Gear List for everything you need for a fun snowshoe trip!
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WHAT TO PACK
- Snowshoes and poles with powder baskets
- Pack a down jacket, mittens, Aurora Heat reusable handwarmers (save 10% off your first purchase with PLAYOUTSIDE10), and extra socks.
- You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, high calorie snacks, a headlamp, GPS/satellite communicator (or compass) and map of the area, first aid kit, sunscreen, and bear spray (bears don’t sleep all winter, and cougars and wolves don’t hibernate!). Carry bear spray in a Frontiersman Bear Spray Holster or Scat Belt.
WHAT TO WEAR
- Start with merino wool base layers and wool crew socks, then put on softshell pants or snow pants, a full-zip fleece hoodie or half-zip fleece top, and winter hiking boots.
- At the trailhead, put on gaiters, windproof/waterproof gloves, a Buff (neckwarmer), toque, and sunglasses.
More Winter Fun in Kananaskis
- Where to Snowshoe Near Calgary
- Where to Cross Country Ski in Kananaskis
- Kananaskis Valley Winter Activity Guide
- Hiking to Troll Falls, Marmot Creek Falls, and Upper Falls
