The Spray Lakes in Canada – A Getaway Guide

You may not be familiar with the Spray Lakes in Canada.  Or with Kananaskis Country.

But I’ll let you in on the secret.

Taken together, this pristine region in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta covers over 4000 square kilometres (1640 square miles) and 7 provincial parks.  There are extensive hiking trails, abundant wildlife and views that will take your breath away.

It takes less than an hour to drive there from the city of Calgary.  And here’s the added bonus.  It’s not as busy as Banff or Jasper National Parks, which get a lot more attention from international tourists.

Sounds like a perfect getaway?

In this guide, I’ll give you tips for a one-day scenic drive through some of the best scenery anywhere.  If you have more time, I’ve added plenty of suggestions for things to do in Canada’s Spray Lakes area, along with places to stay and eat.

If you’re planning a visit to Alberta, this is an experience you don’t want to miss.

A Scenic Drive to the Spray Lakes in Canada

Spray Lakes view from a helicopter.

One of the most beautiful routes to drive in Alberta is the Kananaskis Wildlife Trail.   The trail is a 153-kilometre (96-mile) loop through three provincial parks, including the Spray Lakes Valley.  As you can see, the road runs alongside the Spray Lakes at the edge of the mountains.  The Spray Valley runs between the Goat and Three Sisters Mountain Ranges.  You’re right up against the mountains, which makes them seem even more impressive.  It really is just one stunning vista after another.

You can drive the trail in either direction (map below).  From Calgary, drive west on Highway 1 for about 50 minutes and turn onto Highway 40.  From Canmore, take the Spray Lakes Road to the Smith Dorrien Spray Trail, also known as Highway 742.   Just follow the signs to the Nordic Ski Centre, the site for cross-country skiing at the 1988 Winter Olympics.  The Smith Dorrien Spray Trail is a 65-kilometre loose gravel road which starts out with a steep incline, but levels off once you reach the Spray Valley.

Viewpoints along the Spray Lakes route:

If you don’t stop, it takes about 3 hours to drive the entire route.  But that’s not the idea.

On the other hand, there are so many viewpoints, picnic spots and hiking trails, that you won’t be able to do the drive in one day if you stop at all of them.

While I think you should stop wherever the whim takes you, here are a few suggestions.

Spray Lakes Reservoir

The Spray Lakes Reservoir supplies the drinking water for the town of Canmore.

If you start the trail from Canmore, you may want to stop for a photo at the Rundle Forebay.  The parking is just across from the Nordic Centre.  This is a catchment area for water from the reservoir and there are great reflections on a calm day.

After you climb the steep incline, just past Goat Pond, you’ll come to the Spray Lakes Reservoir itself, one of the most spectacular views along the trail.

Mount Engadine Lodge & Moose Meadows

Time for tea?  Take a break at the Mount Engadine Lodge, a hidden getaway in the park.

Afternoon tea at the Lodge, the only one in this park, runs from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.  You don’t need reservations, but you may want to check their web site as the dining room closes for special events from time to time.  I recommend the apple strudel.

The Lodge also has fabulous views of this meadow, with Mount Shark in the background, where moose are frequently seen grazing.

Lower Kananaskis Lake

Just before the Smith-Dorrien Spray Trail meets up with Highway 40, you’ll come to the Kananaskis Lakes Road, which provides access to the Upper and Lower Kananskis Lakes.  These two lakes in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park are the centre of boating and fishing in the area.  It’s worth a quick stop, but ideal if you have more than one day to explore.

From this point on the trail, turn on to Highway 40, a paved road which leads back to the TransCanada Highway.

Wedge Pond

Wedge Pond, Mount Kidd on the right

There are many lookouts and interpretive walks along Highway 40, as well as Kananaskis Village, which has a handful of hotels, restaurants and shops.

Just before reaching the turnoff for the village, you may want to stop at Wedge Pond.  It’s a man-made pond and there’s a one-kilometre trail around it with fantastic views to Mount Kidd (almost 3000 metres or 9700 feet).

Finally, before reaching Highway 1, another impressive viewpoint is at Barrier Lake.  There is a walk along the southern lakeshore which provides views of Mount Baldy (2200 metres or 7200 feet).

If you have more than one day in the Spray Lakes Region/Kananaskis Country:

Hiking

Grassi Lake

Hiking is one of the primary things to do in the Spray Lakes region and Kananaskis Country.  There are around 1300 kilometres (800 miles) of hiking trails in the region.  These range from easy walks to strenuous full day hikes and climbing.

Here is a complete list of hiking trails. which includes any advisories (e.g. road closures, wildlife issues) on the Alberta Parks site.  You may also want to refer to this photographer’s list of the best hikes in Canmore and Kananaskis.

One  of my favourites is the Grassi Lakes hike, two kilometres past the Nordic Centre as you head up Highway 742 from Canmore.  It’s a 1 to 2 hour hike with an easy route or a more difficult one that goes past a waterfall.  Both lead to these majestic turquoise lakes.

The entire area is known for abundant wildlife, including moose, deer, elk, black bears, bighorn sheep and mountain goats.  Wolves, grizzly bears and cougars are also present, but you’re less likely to see them.  Be sure to keep your distance and follow all of the park’s safety recommendations.

A moose spotted in winter at the Mount Engadine Lodge parking lot. This is called an Alberta car wash.

Other things to do in the Spray Lakes & Kananaskis Region:

There is so much more to do in Canada’s Spray Lakes and Kananaskis region.  For a complete list, you may wish to to review the Canmore Kananaskis Tourism site to find the best activities for you.

One of the most exciting things to do is to take a spectacular helicopter ride for a panoramic view over the Canadian Rockies. I have also enjoyed horseback riding at the Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis.   In the same area, near Kananaskis Village, there is a world-class golf course and a Nordic Spa, both with incredible views.

Where to stay and eat:

Mount Engadine Lodge

Accommodation in Kananaskis Country is extremely limited, so make reservations well in advance, especially in summer.  My favourite place to stay is the Mount Engadine Lodge, right in the heart of Alberta’s Spray Lakes region.

There are also a few lodges in Kananaskis Village and a wide range of hotels in Canmore.

If you enjoy camping, there are over 31 campgrounds in the Spray Lakes and Kananaskis area.  If you prefer to be closer to town, here’s everything you need to know about Canmore camping.

Meals are included in the room rate at Mount Engadine Lodge, however, visitors can also make reservations for dinner or drop-in for tea.  Otherwise, the best places to eat are in Canmore.  For breakfast, locals grab a coffee at Rave Coffee Roasters or a meal at the Summit Cafe.  For a leisurely lunch,  the vegetarian restaurant Communitea or Le Fournil Bakery are good options.  Locals also recommend the Harvest Cafe, where you must try the carrot cake.  The best restaurants in Canmore for dinner include:  Tapas, the Market Bistro, Crazyweed and  the Trough Dining Co.

When to go and what to pack:

While you can visit the Spray Lakes in Canada year-round, the best time to go is in the summer from late June to mid-September.  During these months, the weather is warmer and it stays light until after 10 p.m.  Of course, this is also the busiest time.  Fall (after the Labour Day weekend), is particularly nice as the larch trees turn a brilliant yellow, and there are fewer visitors.

Although, it’s usually warm during the day in summer, you should be prepared for almost any kind of weather.  Dress in layers, including a fleece layer.  If you plan to do any walking, don’t forget your hiking boots for the rugged terrain.   You should also have sunglasses. sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.

Don’t forget your camera (and extra memory cards) because you’re sure to see some of the most spectacular scenery on earth in the Spray Lakes region in Canada.

Map  the loop from Canmore to Highway 1 (Ozada):

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