This is one of my very favourite hikes, great in both summer and winter.
The path begins along Upper Kananaskis lake with sweeping mountain views. You'll reach a waterfall, then a bridge and that marks the start of the steady incline. Get used to the incline, it'll be that way until right before the end. Once it levels out, you are rewarded with an awesome view of Mount Sarrail and Rawson Lake!
Who I'd recommend this hike for? Beginner - intermediate hikers, energetic kids and fitter older folks.
Beginners can manage this one but depending on fitness level, it may take longer. It's really well marked, populated and has great pay-off which makes it a good starter hike.
I'd also recommend this for people who want to exert themselves a bit. It's relatively short, but if you speed up the path, the incline will present a challenge. I've seen older groups do this hike with spikes and poles in the winter, and I've seen bachelorette groups do this one in the summer. I haven't encountered too many kids on this hike, come to think of it.
Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours with plenty of breaks at the switchbacks.
There isn't much of a spot to hang out at the lake, the shoreside is fairly narrow plus it's quite windy in the winter. I eat at the end of this hike, looking onto Upper Kananaskis lake near the parking lot, rather than at Rawson Lake itself.
How hard is the hike, really?
Moderate. I saw a lot of reviews and online posts about this being an 'easy' hike. I'd disagree, and rank this at moderate to tough-at-times if you're below average - average fitness level.
What should I bring on this hike?
In the winter:
It was around -15 Celsius while I was out. I'd pack extra layers if you can because I got hot going uphill but pretty cold coming down.
Spikes on your winter hiking boots. It might have been hard without them, but snowshoes would be too clunky
Snow pants (and under layers)
Thick jacket, sweater and shirt (mid and under layers)
Hat
Mittens
Scarf
In the summer:
It was around 20 degrees Celsius when I hiked this. It's a very well-trodden, clear dirt path that typically crowded. You'll encounter lots of people at the lakeside hanging out, picnicking on the rocky shore, and boating to the island in the middle of the lake. It is a rocky shore and there aren't a ton of tables.
Hiking boots
Plenty of water
Bear spray
Snacks
The typical summer hiking layers - shirt, mid-layer, regular pants (I wore workout leggings)
Note:
I've read reviews of people adding Mount Sarrail to this hike and Rawson Lake would mark a mid-point of that longer hike. I've personally never wanted to summit Mount Sarrail because it would involve scrambling in the summer, and it's high avalanche risk in the winter.
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