Little Lougheed, a grandiose panorama on the Spray Lakes Reservoir

Little Lougheed

Introduction

Little Lougheed, a 2483 meter high mountain in the Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park (Kananaskis Country) is a short and steep climb. Named after a former Albertan Premier, this peak offers an incredible view of the Spray Lakes Reservoir and Mount Lougheed (3107 m), its big brother situated right next to it. C’est Notre Monde went to the top of Little Lougheed in the middle of winter and it quickly became our favorite winter experience in the Rockies thus far. We suggest adding Little Lougheed to your hiking to-do list!

3D interactive map

Getting to Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park

Little Lougheed Hike Parking Access: https://goo.gl/maps/dHjD3Kc6WiVwoSpS6

From Calgary: 127 km – 1h45 driving time

Take the Trans-Canada hwy AB-1 West toward Banff until exit 93 toward Canmore. Cross the bridge over the highway and turn right on Three Sisters Parkway, toward the Canmore Nordic Center. Follow this road until you reach the Rundle Forebay Reservoir. The paved road will turn to gravel and climb to reach the magnificent Spray Lake Valley. You will need to follow this road for approximately 20km until you reach the starting point of the hike, located on the left side of the road.

Helpful information

To enjoy your hike, you must:

Be Equipped: Hiking boots are a necessity. A steep section of the hike (easy scramble) requires ankle protection. Hiking poles are also recommended on your way down. Grizzlies are usually present in the area, therefore bear spray should be easily accessible in the case of unexpected encounters. Finally, always bring water and food in sufficient quantities.

Parking: You can park alongside the edge of the road (mountain side).

Information: Access to Kananaskis Country is not free. You will need to register your vehicle(s) online on the Kananaskis park website and purchase a daily or annual pass. Note that the fees are per vehicle and not per hiker, so carpooling is an option. Be mindful of the forecast and visit the park’s website before your hike to find up to date information such as last seen wildlife, trail conditions, etc.

The Hike

The trail starts at the edge of the road and directly into the forest. The first 900 meters (0.56 mi) in the trees feels flat, although you climb 150 meters. You will also cross a small wooden bridge over a creek before the trail suddenly becomes steep and will remain that way until the top (for the next 1,6 km/1 mi left).

Little Lougheed is a 2483 meter high mountain offering a wonderful view of Spray Lakes Reservoir.

You will quickly leave the forest and appreciate the view of the famous Spray Lakes Reservoir. Some sections of this hike are more steep than others. In winter, the climb can be daunting as the deep snow makes it more difficult. Crampons are a necessity during the cold seasons.

Access to Kananaskis Country is not free. You will need to register your vehicle(s) online on the Kananaskis park website and purchase a daily or annual pass.

Just 300 meters before reaching the summit is an easy scramble. This section is steep, so take your time and be mindful not to drop any rocks to avoid endangering any hikers below you. You will finally reach the summit edge at 2483 meters of elevation. The panorama is magical with the Spray Lakes Reservoir on one side and Mount Lougheed on the other. You can also observe neighbouring Windtower. This strenuous climb is well rewarded!