Western Canada is a premiere winter sport destination, and snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors during winter. Some of the best beginner destinations are a short drive from Calgary in Kananaskis country. Here are some great trails for people who are new to snowshoeing, or those who want an easy going few hours:
Village Loops Snowshoe Trail
This easy trail has 2 loops totaling 3 kilometers with some small hills and viewpoints. Start the trail from Woody’s parking lot trail head in Kananaskis village.
http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Kananaskis-Village-Snow-shoe-loop-near-Kananaskis-AB-6515
Hogarth Lakes Loop
This trail is deeper in Kananaskis country and is about 4.5 kilometers in distance with negligible gain. The paths navigate a few small, usually frozen lakes. Expect about a 2-3 hour duration to complete the loop, or spend a little extra time exploring the area..
Sawmill Snowshoe Loop
Another great beginner trail with a little more distance (5.1 km) and a little more gain (121m). The trail takes you through forest and the snow can get very deep in spots. The whole loop will take about 2-3 hours.
http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Sawmill-near-Canmore-AB-3692
Rawson Lake
This is one of my favorite trails starting from beautiful Upper Kananaskis Lake. You pass a small waterfall before ascending into the forest, and ending at atmospheric Rawson Lake, surrounded by a rock wall. The trail is a steady 280m gain over a majority of the 6.7kms. Expect it to take 2-4 hours return.
http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Rawson-Lake-near-Kananaskis-AB-1316
Chester Lake
A classic and popular snowshoe tail, this 10.2km trail will take you through fantastic terrain over a 315m gain. Make sure to take the trail to the left of the fork, so you don’t end up in no mans land (Rockwall Lakes)! Will take about 4 hours return.
http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Chester-Lake-Peter-Lougheed-Provincial-Park-near-Kananaskis-AB-1532
