Hike the Highwood

Take a detour from the Bow Valley to explore the stunning scenery of the Highwood and Elbow-Sheep Wildland! Driving south on Highway 40 is a breathtaking experience, from beautiful subalpine forests to the open vistas of HIghwood Pass, Canada's highest paved road sitting at 2206 metres above sea level. On either side of the pass, there are amazing opportunities to explore and hike. Get to know this area through 3 days of hiking! Begin with Ptarmigan Cirque, a gentle warm-up hike. You will see alpine meadows, curious Marmots, and fossilized sea creatures left behind from ancient times. On Day 2, check out a local favourite, Pickle Jar Lakes and learn how this area got its unique name. Last but not least, test out your endurance at Mount Lipsett. The sweat and hard work is totally worth it for the views. Check out these foothills accommodation options for a place to relax and refresh post-hike: Moose Meadow Inn and River Retreat Kananaskis.