If there is a fire look out on a top somewhere you know the view will probably be pretty good. At least it holds true for Barrier Lake Fire Lookout. This hike will give you views over mountain and prairie, all in one hike. It is also at fairly low elevation in a dry area and is a perfect early season hike. We did this hike June 6th our first year in Canada and there was no snow left, so you could probably easily do the hike in May as well.
The hike starts at the beautiful, but sometimes windy, Barrier Lake in Kananaskis Country about an hour west of Calgary. K-Country is the lesser known ‘little brother’ of Banff National Park. The drive from the city is shorter and you don’t have to pay the park entrance fee. The trails are often not as busy in this area ‘where the locals hike’.
Shoreline of Barrier Lake with the Fire Lookout in the background
Beautiful Barrier Lake is actually a reservoir
The hike starts at the parking lot in the east end of the reservoir and you walk along a gravel road that crosses the Barrier Dam. You pass a couple of junctions the first kilometres as there are some trails going parallel to the lake, but you are going continuing straight uphill (north). After about 3.5 kilometres from starting the hike, after climbing some switchbacks, you’ll get to the McConnell Ridge. At this point the trail opens up to give you a view, the hike has been mostly through forest up to this point.. The trail turns toward south-west and you are heading towards Prairie View Lookout.
Prairie View Lookout
Curious little fellow
I am not sure why this lookout point is called ‘Prairie View’ as it is really Barrier Lake and the surrounding mountains that dominate the view, but it is beautiful. For many this is the end of the trail and they turn around here, or continue on west down to Jewell Creek and down to Barrier Lake again making it a loop. But from Prairie View it is just a short hike up to the Fire Lookout, not more than 500 meters I would estimate. There are lots of smaller trails leading up to the Fire Lookout, but whichever you choose you can’t miss it.
Happy hiker that made it to the top
When you get to the Fire Lookout you get the real Prairie View in my opinion. Anyone is allowed to use the rest area on the summit, but there are signs asking to respect the privacy of those working at the fire lookout that is still active. Up here you have views over the prairie to east and the Rocky Mountains to the west. And if you are lucky to have someone who don’t mind carrying a bit of extra gear you can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee while enjoying the view.
Beautiful view with snow capped mountains
Hubby is boiling water and preparing the french press
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8 km roundtrip
Elevation gain: 625 m (2,051 ft)
Duration: 3-4 hours
I can’t wait for the spring to come, there are still so many hikes I want to do in Kananaskis and in the Rockies. If you have any suggestions for a great hike in the Rockies we can’t miss please let me know. Have you started planning you hikes this season yet? Comments are much appreciated, I would love to hear what you think.
They are beautiful your photos, I love the reflections and especially the little squirrel.
Have a nice weekend.
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Thanks Hervé! It was a beautiful day for capturing reflections in the water. It is normally a windy lake, so not too often you get to see the reflections like this:)
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Your local hike scenery is so different from mine. I enjoy your pictures very much. Thanks for sharing!
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Yes the scenery is definitely different, that why I love seeing the pictures from you hikes, totally different then here:)
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Looks like a great place to hike with some great photos opportunities. Thanks, Jim
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Hi Jim, Barrier Lake is very beautiful, even a walk along the shoreline is great on this reservoir:) There is usually a lot of driftwood along the shore giving you some nice photo opportunities.
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I will have to put it on our bucket list, thanks
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The hike looks great – it’s one I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Thank you for your post, I’ll have to do this hike this year! 🙂
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Thanks Rob! This is a nice one, and also a nice hike to start the season with as it gives you a start:)
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Beautiful location! Your pictures are fantastic. This time of the year is so good for hiking. Love it! Have a great weekend! x
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Thanks Lucy, appreciate the comment! It is supposed to be 21 deg C and sunny here tomorrow so we are planning getting out there doing some hiking for sure:)
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We used to do a lot of rick climbing and Barrier was one of the first areas to be dry in the spring. If I am understanding it your hike is on the other side of the road.
Congrats on winning the Travel quiz too! I appreciate you playing along. 🙂
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Thanks Sue! This hike is on the west side of the road. I am thinking rock climbing must be on the east side? I always see cars parking on the east side under Mt Baldy ,but didn’t realise it was rock climbing opportunities there:)
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Yes that makes sense. Take a hike up the other side one day. Some lovely views up there and you might see some climbers too!
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You are right that if you are hiking to a fire lookout, they view should be great. That is exactly the kind of hike I like – get to a view, difficult but not too bad, return 4 hours later, drink a beer.
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Yes, especially since this one was still being used. I have hiked ‘old’ fire look out point that was complete grown down, a bit of a disappointment! 🙂 This was the perfect relaxed hiking day. Since the hike is relatively short there was no rush getting up before the sun to get started on the trail and we were still home early enough for beer;)
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Those views are breath taking. Did you encounter any other wildlife along the way? Does coffee taste different when it’s made outdoors and on top of an amazing mountain? 😉
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Yes we had some stunning views from sure, from the shoreline of Barrier Lake to the 360 degree view at the summit. The only wildlife was the little chipmunk, but I was glad because there are lots of black bears in the area and I didn’t want to meet any of them on the trail! And the coffee was excellent! 🙂
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That’s without a doubt the highest chipmunk I have ever seen in my entire life! I never imagined them as mountaineers.
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We actually see these small chipmunk very often on our summit hikes! Maybe they like the view? 🙂
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Looks like a wonderful hike amongst some amazing scenery. And he’s a keeper….. freshly brooded coffee – love it 🙂
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The mountains and the blue waters of the Rockies are always stunning, I never get tired of the views! 🙂 And yes, he sure is! 🙂
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Beautiful scenery and shots, Inger. You look lovely, and very proud of your hike, as you should be 🙂
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Thanks! I love mountains and lakes of the Rocky Mountains, glad you enjoyed the scenery as well! I am always happy to make the summit, highlight of any day:)
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Postcard views and I see you have someone who doesn’t mind carrying the coffee.
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Yes a beautiful scenery, the Rockies always deliver. And I am very happy to have someone who doesn’t mind carrying the gear:)
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Once again, beautiful shots 🙂 That coffee sounds good too! Couldn’t ask for a better view!
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Thanks! Summit coffee with 360 degree view, doesn’t get any better! 🙂
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Nice photos & blog, Inger. Looks like you had a great time. 🙂
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Thanks Frank, it was a great day and couldn’t ask for better scenery for hiking:)
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Wow!! that looks like a perfect hike–such a pay off at the top!
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A great day for a great hike:) I always love a hike that rewards you with such a stunning view. Make it worth the struggle to get up there. And especially when you get a coffee to go with the view:)
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This looks like a great hike! What an amazing view! (Though I suspect I would find it far more than moderately difficult – this flat lander has some issues with hiking up mountains).
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Thanks Sarah. Snowcapped mountains and blue lakes, I can’t ask for more! It was quite a sweat getting up there, but so worth it when you see the view:)
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Gorgeous photos! The Rockies are so beautiful!!
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Thanks Amanda – the Rockies always deliver:) They are stunning, no wonder I love living here:)
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Spectacular views, for sure! Will have to try this one this year!
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Hi Sheryl, yes I can definitely recommend this hike. The views are so nice. And it is a nice hike to start of the year with. Snow melts early, and it is not too long or too steep:)
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No suggestions, but I am really wishing my husband shared my love of hiking and outdoors. It would make going places like you visit so much more fun. You photos are so beautiful. You both look very happy too.
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Thanks, I am always happy to make the summits and get the rewarding views. And with the mountains and lakes of the Rockies the views are always stunning. I agree, I also find it more enjoyable doing the hike together with my husband. And even better, he doesn’t mind carrying the heavy gear:)
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What a beautiful view from the top!
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Thanks Anita – it was a stunning view. The mountains are always so beautiful in spring and early shower when they are still snowcapped:)
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The view is stunning! I would love to hike in this place. Great post Inger, I enjoy it very much and it makes me want to go on hiking 🙂
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Thanks Indah, you would love this hike for sure! The views were great from we started on the lake shore until we got to the top. Several view point we ad to stop at to take pictures:) Glad I could inspire you to want to go hiking!
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The views are spectacular. Really like the color of the lake from up there. Is it possible to spend night inside the lookout?
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Agreed, the colour of the lake was very special seen from above, much different than when we walked along the shore. No unfortunately you cannot spend the night inside since the summit hut is still being used for observations and is private. But ACC has lots of huts I’d recommend you to check out if you want to stay in a hut up in the mountains.
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When we were in college, my husband drove through this area on a long weekend, and he was awestruck. I don’t think he could even talk about it for a few days. Great photos!
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I can fully understand that, we love this area:) The Kananaskis (or K-country as it is often referred to) is magnificent. The locals use the area a lot, while those only visiting would normally go to Banff and Lake Louise and miss out in this local ‘secret’.
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Looks like an amazing hike ! We did a 12 km hike last weekend in Lake District, and I was completely tired after it. But I think I could do this one !!! I’m so looking forward to go to all these places 🙂 Have a lovely day 🙂
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A great hike, not to strenuous and with rewarding views. You would have no problem with it for sure. Just remember the bear spray! 🙂 Have a great day!
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Amazing pictures and adventures! Thanks for following my blog!
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Thank you! It was a great day outside and we really enjoyed the views. Hoping for many more hikes this summer. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
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I love your blog and I’m looking forward to reading more about your adventures! Thanks for the follow 🙂
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