This is one of the most scenic trails I've ever been on, and I've been on quite a few. Chester Lake is nestled among towering peaks on the uncrowded side of Kananaskis - the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes Road. The snowshoe trail is a separate trail from the large network of cross-country ski trails (which double as mtn bike trails in summer). It is steeper, narrower and much more twisted.
The first third of the trail is the steepest, with nice views back through Burstall Pass . Soon, however, the trail opens into a small clearing, and the rest is easy going. A short distance further you will enter a large meadow, with Chester Lake at the far end, through the trees.
Note - time and distance are return-trip.
Don't have snowshoes? Go there after a long weekend and you can hike up to the lake. The trail will be packed hard enough.
From the lake, options include Upper Chester Creek, Three Lakes Valley and Rummel Lake. Scramblers can try their hand at Mt. Chester, Gusty Peak and The Fortress.
This is also an excellent summer hiking trail, but try for a weekday.
Current conditions:
Directions:
The trailhead is well marked, on the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes Road, about 20km north of the junction of the Kananaskis Lakes Road in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
ByPosted By: Inquirer
- Tue Aug 02 09:42:18 EDT 2011
UpsideWell marked, comfortable trail. Beautiful views. The boulders five minutes past the lake were our favorite part. For our first hike since moving to Canada two weeks ago, this was a perfect choice.
DownsideLots of people in the afternoon. Apparently many of the hikers don't believe the "keep your dogs on a leash" rule applies to them.
CommentWhen we got to the parking lot at 9:45 am there were 8 cars in the lot and we saw two groups on the way up the trail (both passed us). We loved the hike and enjoyed our lunch on the shores of the lake. A rowdy family showed up soon after to fish and I am pretty sure they believed the lake belonged to them. On the way down we must have passed 50 groups. My advice: go early to enjoy this location.
ByPosted By: longleggedhiker
- Wed May 12 20:32:43 EDT 2010
UpsideThis is a relativley easy hike that is very scenic and very enjoyable overall
Downsidethe trail can get crowded during July and August, especially on weekends
CommentA wonderful summer/fall hike that takes you to a very nice alpine lake without too much effort. The uphill climb is steep, but is nowhere near as steep as some other hikes.
ByPosted By: slickster
- Sat Apr 03 22:18:35 EDT 2010
Upsidegreat views. It was not strenuous.
CommentI went early april, still lots of snow. It was very quiet and several people took their dogs along too. The snowshoe trail was packed enough that i didn't need snowshoes. Unfortunately for me, it was cloudy and it snowed a bit, which limited visibility.
ByPosted By: mcnallyl
- Mon Feb 08 12:04:05 EST 2010
Not Rated
QuestionChester Lake Trail - Dogs Allowed?Thinking of going there late February and was wondering if I can take my Black Lab on the snowshoe trail.
Thanks,
Lori
ByPosted By: Steven Noel
- Tue Feb 03 16:54:13 EST 2009
Not Rated
QuestionMystery LakeI too have hiked into Chester Lake. I later noted that my map shows a smaller lake to the North-East, up against the Fortress. Perhaps the outflow of this lake is what makes the small waterfall at the North-East corner of Chester Lake. If anyone has any information let me know please.
ByPosted By: Trevbo
- Mon Sep 15 14:06:55 EDT 2008
Not Rated
CommentIt's approximately 10 kms return. At 4hrs return-trip, this is not a long day trip even in winter. The one way note was a misnomer.
ByPosted By: leannemvogel
- Wed Sep 10 13:06:02 EDT 2008
Not Rated
QuestionHow long is it?In the post it states that it is 10.2 return but then says *Note: all distance and time is one way*
How long is the ENTIRE hike?
ByPosted By: dycheung
- Mon Aug 04 22:14:05 EDT 2008
UpsideIn the summer, start early, Chester Lake is a great place to stop before heading to Three Lakes Valley.
DownsideFamilies like to come up here for a picnic, so it does get crowded.
CommentThree Lakes Valley will give you an amazing view and it's a lot quieter than Chester Lake. Although it is quite a bit more steep and can be slippery when wet.
ByPosted By: jpl
- Mon Mar 24 14:52:22 EDT 2008
Not Rated
UpsideOnce you reach the top the views are fantastic, the snowy peaks against the blue sky are phenomenal. There was 4 ft. deep snow, so very fun to play in. If you have some slippery waterproof pants on, opt to bum slide down the steep parts of the trail on your return. There are many straight sections but also parts were you have to weave. It's very fun and can give your knees a break! But keep your speed under control as you don't want to hit a person on there way up :)
DownsideVery steep going up! But thats a good thing too right?
CommentOn the actual trail, you don't need snowshoes. It gets so compacted you can just walk on it with regular boots (I did this), mind you we did this trail in mid-march and there were no recent heavy snow falls. However, if you go off trail, like so many people do theres lots of fresh powder which I guess is perfect for snowshoes.
ByPosted By: daps
- Wed Feb 14 13:46:17 EST 2007
UpsideBeautiful weather and scenery
Commentquite hard going uphill, never snowshoed before (first visit to Canada in winter) but well worth the effort
ByPosted By: MELdad
- Mon Jan 02 23:03:16 EST 2006
Not Rated
Commentjust a quick update as we have returned from chester on the jan 1/06 holiday weekendm - where other places in alberta are snowless - this area continues to have great snowshoeing and skiing on groomed XC ( classic and skate) happy new year
ByPosted By: MELdad
- Wed Nov 16 15:15:28 EST 2005
Upsidelots of good info>
Downsidethe delta is about a 50 minute drice from the trailhead whereas Mount Engadine Lodge is 5 minutes away www.mountengadine.com
Commentchester trails are open now for good skiing and showshoeing with early winter dumps
Posted By: Inquirer
Posted By: longleggedhiker
Posted By: mcnallyl
Posted By: Steven Noel
Posted By: Trevbo
Posted By: jpl
