Widow Maker Trail is a short and scenic trail along the Kananaskis River.
If you’re looking for a short and easy trail with shade and shelter from the wind, Widow Maker is a good choice. This rolling, forested trail follows a scenic section of the Kananaskis River known for rapids and whirlpools. In summer, you can watch whitewater rafters, kayakers, and river surfers go over the rapids (some hardy souls play in the rapids at Canoe Meadows in the colder months too).
Route Description
The trailhead is located just past the gate. Take your first right and continue north to the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre (1.2 km) or Canoe Meadows (2 km). If you’d like to go down to the river’s edge, there are a few access points with stairs.
WARNING: If you go down to the river, stay near the stairs as the water level can rise rapidly (up to 1 metre!) when the dam upstream releases water.
Widow Maker Trail is named for a rapid that was deadly in the logging days, before the dam was built. Where logs got stuck, at a gap in the rock shelf, many men who tried to clear the logs were swept away in the current. To learn more about logging history and the prisoner of war camp that was near here, hike the Barrier Lake Forestry Trails (2 km down Hwy 40) and visit the Colonel’s Cabin and Watch Tower No. 8. The History Loop is only 300 metres so it won’t take long, but if you’d like to hike further, there’s a 1.5 km Forestry Ecology Loop and 800 m Forestry Loop.
We enjoyed this pretty little trail on New Year’s Day. While many hikes in the area were hit with gale-force winds, we enjoyed a peaceful stroll in the woods!
Widow Maker Trail at a Glance
- Distance (one way): 1.2 km to Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre, 2 km to Canoe Meadows, 2.5 km to end of Canoe Meadows Group Camp.
- Elevation Gain: 120 metres
- Nearest washrooms: Pit toilets at Widowmaker Day Use & Canoe Meadows Day Use, flush toilets at Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre
- Stroller friendly? No, due to stairs.
- When to go: Year round. Microspikes are recommended when there has been melting and freezing, and snowshoes are recommended after a big dump of snow.
Getting Here
Widowmaker Trail is located just past the Kananaskis Visitor Info Centre on Hwy 40, one hour from Calgary.
Know Before You Go
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis. Purchase your pass online at https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx.
- You are in bear territory. Review our Bear Safety Tips and keep bear spray accessible.
- DAM UPSTREAM – BEWARE OF RISING WATER LEVELS: While there are a few river access points, don’t plan on having a beach day here. The water level can rapidly rise up to a metre when the dam upstream lets water out. Be aware of rising water levels and be prepared to move to higher ground. Stay near the stairs if you explore the water’s edge. You can also check the dam schedule at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre.
- Planning a picnic? There are picnic tables at Widow Maker Day Use and a picnic shelter at Canoe Meadows. Since the day use areas get quite busy during paddling season, I recommend doing this trail in shoulder season, or early in the day (before the dam opens and whitewater rafting companies/kayakers arrive). If you’d like to have a fire, go south on Highway 40 to Mount Lorette Ponds Day Use Area.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
What to Bring
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Good hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a heavy pack. You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass, and map of the area, sunscreen (this mineral sunscreen is fragrance free, paraben free, and reef-friendly), bug spray (this Deet-free one contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required!
In snowy/icy conditions, traction devices such as Kahtoola Microspikes (Available from Amazon, MEC, and Valhalla Pure Outfitters), or Hillsound Trail Crampons (Available at Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Sport Chek) are recommended. See our Fall/Winter Hiking Gear Guide for recommended clothing and gear.
After a big dump of snow, snowshoes are recommended. We like Yukon Charlie’s snowshoes. The kids’ snowshoes have easy-to-use one-pull bindings, and the SPIN bindings are incredible (spin the dial to make microadjustments).
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- The Best Short Hikes Near Calgary
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- The Best Winter Hikes Near Calgary
- Where to Snowshoe near Calgary
- Waterfall Hikes in Southern Alberta