Widowmaker to Canoe Meadows

Widowmaker to Canoe Meadows is an easy hike suitable for short legs, dogs and people not accustomed to hiking or if you just want a non-strenuous walk.

What you need to know:

From the Widowmaker trail head to the Barrier Lake info centre there are several wooden bridges spanning small creeks emptying into the Kananaskis River. The most notable of these is the bridge across Lusk Creek. Your dog will need to be comfortable crossing bridges. Small dogs could be carried over. Larger dogs could cross through the creeks if the water is not high. This part of the trail is mostly sand and hard packed dirt. There is a short downhill (or uphill if coming the other way ) from the escarpment edge to the rivers edge near the Widowmaker parking lot. Near the Barrier Lake Info Centre intersection, there is a safe area to access the river for a quick cool off. Water levels fluctuate and the current is strong and swift so keep doggies close to the shore.

From the info centre to Canoe Meadows parking lot, the trail is hard packed with many tree roots crossing it. This would be navigable for all but the tiniest doggie legs. There are some wooden planks on the trail to allow crossing of some damp areas.

This is a popular trail in the summer time, especially if there is canoe or kayak racing going on . At those times, you will encounter other hikers and possibly other dogs.