Years ago, I found a post about the MacGillivray Canyon hike and listed it as a hike that looked interesting. What a unique trip!
The trail takes you from the parking lot near the bustling Trans-Canada Highway, through beautiful, dimly lit forests to the rim of McGillivray Canyon. This is followed by a climb followed by a steep descent – which can be challenging in winter. There is a stretch about 300 meters long where you really don't want to fall. But once in the canyon, the hiking is easy, and the experience of walking through the steep canyon walls is amazing.
McGillivray Canyon is one of many slot canyons near Canmore. He doesn't see anywhere near the numbers of people who Canyon Cave It happens because it is difficult to get into. If it were easy, it would be packed with people because the stone near the end of the path is Instagram worthy.
In winter, the large rocks are covered in snow, so it's a good idea to follow in the footsteps of those who came before you. The rest of the year, except for a spring thaw or flood, there is a small stream flowing through the valley. You won't meet a large number of people on the McGillivray Canyon hike, although at certain times of the year you may see rock climbers on the nearby vertical faces.
The landscape in the valley is dramatic, especially when you reach the petroglyph, a huge boulder wedged between the two walls of the valley. Even though it has been there for a long time, it is unnerving to walk under it.
Check my Instagram reel Let's see what the height looks like.
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MacGillivray Canyon Trip Summary
Allow: You need a valid one Kananaskis Conservation Trail. Buy online before you go. The cost is $15 per day or $90 per year with up to two cars at the same address.
distance: About 4.4 km round trip
Height gain: 136 m or 446 feet
Time needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on how much time you spend enjoying McGillivray Canyon.
Difficulty level: It's easy to moderate with one caveat – there is serious exposure that most people won't like on the trail over the canyon walls. In winter it is icy. If you try this without using ice cream, you could be putting yourself in serious trouble. Once you get to McGillivray Canyon, it's simple.
Do not forget: Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. to bear Hiking basics And an extra pair of dry socks.
Bear: I recommend carrying bear spray quickly to access in all but the coldest winter months.
Dogs: We didn't bring our dog and I'm glad we didn't because of the steep ice slope. It is doable for some athletic dogs but is it a good idea? My husband says yes and I say no. But it would be better if the snow and ice disappeared.
equipment: In winter take Good ice cream That holds the ice on a slope and not the kind of neighborhood walking ices with metal handles. I recommend A Hiking pole Also – good for balancing and testing water depth in valley pools.
please: Practice Leave no trace principles. The valley looks pristine, and it would be great to keep it that way.
weather forecast: Check the Climate prediction before you go.
Track conditions: It is difficult to verify trail conditions for the McGillivray Canyon hike because like many trails in the Kananaskis this is an unofficial trail. Use some common sense. If it rains heavily, there's a big dump of snow, or a terrible wind storm passes, give it at least a few days for things to settle down.
Take personal responsibility: There are risks involved with this hike. Make sure you are aware of them and do everything to mitigate them before you go. You are responsible for your own safety. Take your fully charged cell phone and an emergency locator such as Garmin InReach Mini 2.
Find the right hiking trail in McGillivray Canyon
If you've driven the Trans-Canada Highway between Calgary and Canmore, you've passed the unmarked entrance to the parking lot and trailhead of the McGillivray Canyon hike.
You can only access the parking lot from the eastbound lane on the Trans-Canada Highway.
If you are driving west on the Trans-Canada Highway
Go down into the Dead Man's Apartments. Go to the overpass to pick up the eastbound Trans-Canada Highway. Zero your odometer at the top of the ramp. Drive 3.5 km from the top of the cliff. Keep a close eye on the jacket. It's clear and will be at approximately 3.6 – 3.7 km. When you can see Lac des Arcs from a distance, you're almost there. Beware of cars behind you.
If you are driving east on the Trans-Canada Highway
It takes about 10 minutes and 11 km to drive from Canmore. Follow the instructions above from the ramp in Dead Man's Flats.
McGillivray Canyon hike description
There are no signs indicating the hike to McGillivray Canyon, but it is on the road Map of gem trek canmore and kananaskis village And we found it organic maps, This offline hiking app will be very useful.
From the parking lot, head down the obvious path that starts with two large boulders. In a short time, pass the next trail on your left and a sign that says Trans-Canada Trail. Ignore it and continue on what the Gem Trek map labels as BAo Link Trail As he bends and heads through a dense group of trees.
In a short time, you will see a yellow sign that says “Alberta Wildland Provincial Park Boundaries.” Turn left onto the path marked by John in the photo below.
Continue walking through the beautiful forest to reach the beginning of the valley. You'll see a bumpy road down to McGillivray Canyon, but don't take it. Back in 2021, Alberta Parks pulled all ladders and ropes from the canyon because it deemed them unsafe. There is now The trail bypasses the upper valley This is explained in this blog.
The trail was well trodden when we trekked McGillivray Canyon but can be difficult to follow after fresh snowfall. You may want to wait a day or two so other hikers can follow their trails.
When you get to small – as in Perhaps you are climbing a rock with roots about a meter high where you may need to use your hands for the first time, you'll need to look for a path on your left that emerges from the side of the only large rock in the vicinity. This is the Canyon detour trail. We passed right by it as there was a faint trail and had to reach it after about 10 minutes.
Once you're on the detour, it's pretty straightforward. Most of the elevation gain is done over the next half kilometer or so. As you approach the steep slope into the valley, you can't help but notice the drop off to your right. Focus on your feet and avoid tripping. It's a steep descent to the valley floor, but fortunately there are a fair number of trees you can grab. I've found a helpful column in places here as well.
Once you get to McGillivray Canyon, it's easy. You'll be happy to know that the hike is outside of McGillivray Canyon It is way easier To get down into it. The valley is beautiful. We took our time, stopping to admire the rocks along the way. We saw lots of climbing ropes and routes bolted up the sheer canyon walls. It will be fun to see rock climbers in action here.
We did the McGillivray Canyon hike in March after a warm spell, so there were pools of standing water that you had to wade through. Help the pole balance and check to see how deep the puddles are. If you get a deep soak, it would be a good idea to have a pair of dry socks.
Final thoughts
I love hiking in the canyons – in fact, some of the best days of my life have been in the canyons. Cue the whole day Kayaking experience in Jasper National Park and one in Utah Escalante Wilderness. Both were guided hikes requiring ropes and rappelling. There's nothing technical about hiking McGillivray Canyon, but you should feel comfortable with some exposure. Turn around if it's too much for you!
Site map showing parking
More great day trips near the valley
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