Barrier Lake Forestry Trails

What You Need To Know

The Barrier Lake Forestry Trails are relatively easy, well maintained trails that will be suitable for most dogs. There are no obstacles that would be challenging to short legs. There is one small bridge at the beginning across Barrier Creek. There is some up and down, but nothing too strenuous. This is a great trail if you are into trail running with your dog!

From Highway 40, take the University of Calgary Kananaskis Research Station turn off. Then take the first left to the parking lot and the trail head.

These are interpretive trails and you will find interesting information about the surrounding area posted at strategic stops along the way. There are 2 loops which connect to each other to form a figure 8. The first is the Forestry Management Loop at 1.5 km and the second is the Forestry Loop at 0.8 km.

At the beginning of the hike you have a choice to go either left or right. The left fork will be a steeper incline for a longer period of time, so if you want to start easy, take the right fork. You will have 2 viewpoints on this trail, one facing Mount Baldy to the south and the other facing west looking over Barrier Lake. Near the halfway point of the Forestry Loop is a wooden shelter if you want to stop for a bit. There are some benches along the route as well.