Trail upgrades in 2021 improved scramble conditions to the summit of Yamnuska. But this is still a challenging half-day adventure, especially daunting for those with any fear of heights/exposure.

Trail upgrades in 2021 improved scramble conditions to the summit of Yamnuska. But this is still a challenging half-day adventure, especially daunting for those with any fear of heights/exposure.
Lower Kananaskis is a scenic, manmade mountain lake with multiple points of access for human-powered watercraft plus a boat launch for powerboats. When the water level is lowered in anticipation of the annual snow melt, temporary mudflats appear, creating a transitory photographic opportunity.
Prevailing wind patterns along the Kananaskis Valley mean Barrier Lake is usually windy with rolling waves and whitecaps. Layer on the fact that it's usually very busy and Barrier Lake was NOT on our list for our first season of kayaking adventures. But as a Plan B option on a cool and rainy day, it worked well.
Highlights from our paddle around Upper Kananaskis Lake include beautiful reflections, an island stop and a chat with another kayaker. We paddled 15 km (9 miles) in four hours, with a boost from whitecapped waves pushing at our stern as we returned to the boat launch.
What makes the summit of Mount Allan an attractive goal for day hikers? Wildflowers! There's an extended ridge walk with great views of the surrounding landscape. The Rock Garden at the 5.5 km mark is unlike anything we've seen in the Canadian Rockies. While it's steep, there's no vertigo-inducing exposure. Centennial Ridge to Mount Allan …