The Little Lougheed hike offers a fairly short and steep ascent with breathtaking views of Spray Lakes and the surrounding Rocky Mountain landscape. After a short forest section, the unofficial trail continues up along the mountainside with consistent and noteworthy views. In the winter months, Little Lougheed can be the perfect choice for hikers wanting less crowded trails and a heart-pumping uphill workout. Check the weather and trail conditions before you head out.
Last Updated: February 2026
After being away for more than a year, I returned to Alberta last February and planned a day-hiking adventure with my friend, Donna. Little Lougheed had been on my radar for some time, and with favourable conditions, we made our way to Kananaskis Country. It felt great to stretch my legs on the Little Lougheed hike!
Few places in Canada compare to the Rocky Mountains in the wintertime. That being said, crossing avalanche paths or climbing avalanche terrain can present deadly dangers. Check avalanche risk and do your research before heading out. If you’re new to avalanche hazards, consider an official winter hiking trail like Chester Lake or Rawson Lake.
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Little Lougheed Trail Map (Kananaskis Country)
About the Little Lougheed Hike
Location: Spray Valley Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country, Alberta
Distance: 6 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on fitness level
Elevation: 760 metres elevation gain
Time: 4 – 6 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must stay on a leash.
Features: Little Lougheed is a short and steep hike in Spray Valley Provincial Park. After a short hike through the forest, you’ll emerge along the bank with nearly constant views of Spray Lakes Reservoir and towering Rocky Mountains above. Little Lougheed has several great vantage points for photography enthusiasts. In the winter months, you may be postholing on the final ascent to the summit. When I visited, we decided to turn around instead of wrestling with the deep snow.
Note: Remember, do your research and check the avalanche forecast before heading out into Kananaskis Country. In the winter months, several popular summer hikes cross avalanche paths and become dangerous when the snow arrives.
How To Get To the Little Lougheed Trailhead
If you’re driving from Calgary, take the Trans Canada Hwy west toward Canmore and Banff. As you approach Canmore, take Exit 93 toward the Three Sisters Parkway / Bow River Campground, and turn left onto Three Sisters Pkwy (Hwy 742). Follow the Smith-Dorrien Trail (Hwy 742) past Ha Ling Trailhead and continue on the scenic drive along Spray Lakes Reservoir. Little Lougheed Trailhead starts on the east side of Hwy 742, and you can park on the road’s shoulder. Depending on your starting point, the drive will take about 2 hours.
Read next: The Chester Lake Hike in Winter Is Better Than Most
Little Lougheed Hike — Scenic Winter Hiking in Kananaskis
Little Lougheed is an unofficial trail in Spray Valley Provincial Park, on an unmarked but fairly well-established route. Start through the dense forest and cross over the bridge above a frozen stream. Then we continued the steep climb up through the trees. I appreciated extra traction from my trail crampons. We were soon greeted with impressive views of Spray Lakes and the mountain landscape in the distance. The reward-to-effort ratio is fantastic!
Following the snow-packed trail, we continued along the north bank of Spencer Creek and crossed the boulder field. Don’t forget to stop for clear views of Spray Lakes. As we continued on, reports of deep snow and postholing to the summit reached us from returning hikers. We chose to turn back before the summit’s approach (admittedly, we were both hungry for Rocky Mountain Flatbread in Canmore…). Over the course of 3 hours, my Strava clocked about 5 km with 550 metres of elevation gain.
What To Bring Winter Hiking in Kananaskis
If you’re planning to hike Little Lougheed, I’d suggest wearing decent hiking boots and trail crampons for extra traction on a snow-packed trail (I wouldn’t go without crampons). Wearing several layers with a wind and waterproof jacket will help keep you warm in the colder months. Bring enough water and snacks to keep your energy up on this short and steep slog. I didn’t use hiking poles this time, but I like to bring them just in case.
After four years of rugged use, my Osprey Hikelite 18 day pack is still going strong (love this one!). I’m consistently impressed by how comfortable, sturdy, and spacious it is. My pack has enough space for water and snacks, an extra layer, a little first aid kit, a compass, and whatever else I choose to bring along. Always carry the ten essentials for a day hike.
Read next: Winter Hiking for Beginners: How To Stay Warm on Winter Hikes
Know Before You Go
Kananaskis Pass: You’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass before heading over to Little Lougheed. Easiest option is to buy your pass online before arrival.
Parking: No official parking area for Little Lougheed. Park on the shoulder of Smith-Dorrien Trail next to the trailhead.
Toilets: No outhouse toilets at the Little Lougheed Trailhead. The nearest outhouse is at the Driftwood Day Use Area under 5 km north.
Safety: Check the avalanche forecast before attempting Little Lougheed in winter. Bring a first aid kit in your pack, and always leave your trip plan with someone you trust. Check out AdventureSmart for more information.
Navigation: Little Lougheed is an unofficial trail without any signage, but it’s a popular hike with an established route. That being said, hikers should have basic navigation skills before heading out. Download the AllTrails map to help locate the trailhead.
Wildlife: Kananaskis Country is grizzly bear territory. Bring bear spray and know how (and when) to use it. You also might want to carry a wildlife deterrent horn (leave the bear bells at home…).Hike in a group and talk often to avoid surprising wildlife.
More Kananaskis Hikes For Your List
Here are a few more Kananaskis hikes to try:
- Rawson Lake Hike in Kananaskis, Alberta
- King Creek Ridge Hike in Kananaskis, Alberta
- Mount Burke Hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta
- Yates Mountain via Prairie View Trail in Kananaskis, Alberta
- The Breathtaking Pocaterra Ridge Hike in Alberta
Have you hiked Little Lougheed in Kananaskis Country? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
