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Private From Banff/Canmore | Signature "Taste of Kananaskis" Loop (Multi-Stop)

8 hours

A loop optimized for maximum variety, light walking, and photography, this private journey is a one-day highlight reel of some of Kananaskis Country's most iconic landmarks.
 

Introduction

See exactly why this world-class landscape was selected to host the 2025 G7 Summit as you discover a quieter side of the Canadian Rockies. Kananaskis Country offers a rugged, 'wilder' alternative to the neighbouring national parks: quieter trails, less development, and fewer crowds. On this multi-stop tour we explore turquoise lakes, rapids & waterfalls, and the highest paved road in Canada, deviating from our usual hike-based Kananaskis itineraries to focus on a sequence of diverse, high-impact ecosystems. The ideal choice for those seeking a varied, 'best-of' mountain experience off the beaten track.


Itinerary Overview:

  • Grassi Lakes: Our first stop stretches the legs on a gentle ascent to two crystal-clear, emerald pools nestled beneath a towering limestone canyon. The ideal introduction to the region’s unique geology and vibrant alpine colours. Trail length: 3.5km, with 150m elevation gain.
    • Stop: 1.5 hrs
  • Spray Lakes & The Smith-Dorrien: We leave the pavement behind for the rugged and beautiful Highway 742 "backroad." This high-elevation gravel route is flanked by many trailheads and offers a true backcountry feel, with several lakeside photo opportunities. We'll stop for lunch at a day use area with a view along the Smith-Dorrien, or at Lower Kananaskis Lake.
    • Stops: 15 mins (photo stop); 30 mins (lunch stop)
  • Kananaskis Trail/Highway 40: After lunch, we transition to the highest paved road in Canada. Quiet, winding, and spectacular, this drive offers 360-degree mountain views and is a prime corridor for wildlife sightings, including bighorn sheep and grizzly bears.
  • Wedge Pond or Widowmaker Rapids: In the afternoon we'll stop at either Wedge Pond or the Widowmaker Rapids, depending on group preference. Wedge Pond is known for its mirror-like mountain reflections and golden larch trees in the autumn, with an easy 1km loop trail that's a photographer’s favourite for its stillness and symmetry. Widowmaker is a flat trail along the bank of the Kananaskis River, found just before we rejoin the highway for the return to Banff/Canmore. The trail offers a front-row seat to the rapids below – a popular haunt for local kayakers in the summer.
    • Stop: 20 mins
  • Troll Falls: Our primary afternoon stop, featuring a 4-6km hike through a forested trail to the tiered cascades of Troll Falls – a local favourite and stunning destination year-round. Time and energy levels permitting, we have the option for a slower, slightly longer return through the open Hay Meadow, following the Kananaskis River through the valley.
    • Stop: 1.5 hrs – 2 hrs
  • Barrier Lake: As we begin our descent toward the foothills, we stop at this expansive reservoir. The contrast between the turquoise water and the rugged front-range mountains provides a final, high-impact vista of the Kananaskis wilderness.
    • Stop: 15 mins.


The MOLARI Experience:

  • Premium Transit: Between stops, relax in the exclusive comfort of our vehicle while your guide handles all navigation, storytelling, and park logistics.
  • Lunch: We pause at a scenic vantage point for a midday picnic, providing a locally-sourced grazing spread of premium charcuterie, cheeses, and seasonal accompaniments (please check our FAQ for additional, important details).


Key Details (From Banff/Canmore):

  • Duration: ~8 Hours.
  • Format: 100% Private (Maximum 11 participants).
  • Pickup & Drop-off: Door-to-door service, starting and ending the day at your preferred Banff* or Canmore location. *Note: Banff pickups are only available from April 1st onwards.*
  • Booking cutoff: 24 hours before departure.
  • Activity Level: Easy to Moderate.
  • Languages: English primary; Spanish and Mandarin Chinese delivery also available.
  • Itinerary Note: Routes, timings, and destinations may vary based on participant preferences, fitness levels, real-time mountain conditions, and safety.
  • Planning a multi-day stay? This journey pairs superbly with any of our National Park tours to Banff, Yoho, or Kootenay. Ideal for those who want to explore the hidden side of our backyard one day, and some of the more famous Rockies icons the next. Speak to us about multi-tour preferred pricing!
Inclusions
    • Private, door-to-door transport
    • Air-conditioned vehicle
    • Lunch (see FAQ for details)
    • Van refreshments including drinking water refills
    • National/Provincial Park passes and permits
    • Local, certified guide
    • Hiking poles and microspikes/ice cleats (if winter conditions)
    Exclusions
      • Participant travel insurance
      • Personal expenses (such as souvenirs or gifts), and any additional snacks, meals, or beverages beyond those provided
      • Any applicable pet fees
      • Child seats: required by law for under 6yrs (≤18kg)
      • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
      Accessibility & Physical Requirements
        • Physical Level: Easy to Moderate.
        • Wheelchair Access: Our transport vehicle is not wheelchair accessible .
        • Suitability & Health: Not recommended for those with medical conditions that prevent or restrict active hiking/walking.
        • Pets: Service animals are welcome. Pets considered case-by-case and are subject to approval and an additional pet fee.
        What to Bring

          Clothing & Footwear:

          • Shoes: Comfortable hiking boots (strongly recommended, especially in winter) or trail-appropriate walking shoes. Waterproof footwear is recommended.
          • Layers: Clothing fit for an active day, including adaptable layers. Weather in the Rockies is famously variable; being able to "layer up or down" is key to staying comfortable.
          • Pro Tip: Avoid Cotton. Cotton traps moisture and loses all insulating properties when damp, which can lead to rapid chilling. For your comfort and safety, we recommend moisture-wicking base layers made of merino wool or synthetic active-wear.

          Hydration, Food & Personal Gear:

          • Backpack: Please bring a small daypack to store your layers, water, and gear. This ensures you're prepared for changing conditions while keeping your hands free to use poles while we're hiking/walking.
          • Water: Plenty of water for an active day. We provide refills in the van - please bring your own reusable bottle(s).
          • Lunch and Snacks: We provide lunch (see FAQ for details), and a selection of light snacks is available in the van. However, we always recommend bringing along any personal favourites (like a specific energy bar or fruit) to keep your energy up throughout the day.
          • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen (even in winter).
          • For Photos & Devices: A fully-charged camera or smartphone, and a USB-A charging cable if available (USB-A charging ports are available in the van).
          • Specialized Gear: We provide hiking poles and microspikes/ice cleats/snowshoes - no need to bring your own unless you prefer them.

          For Winter:

          • The Essentials: Insulated gloves, thick wool socks, a warm toque/beanie, moisture-wicking wool or synthetic base layers (upper and lower body; avoid cotton ), and additional warm layers (including a warm, weatherproof outer layer for wind/snow/rain protection).
          • Footwear: Insulated hiking boots are essential (waterproof strongly recommended).