12. MARL LAKE INTERPRETIVE TRAIL

A pleasant hike to a picturesque lake that is backdropped by some of the area’s finest peaks.

LOCATION

Drive west on Highway 1 and then south on Highway 40 (Exit 118) to the Kananaskis Lakes turnoff. Turn right onto Kananaskis Lakes Trail and drive 5.8 km to the Elkwood Amphitheatre parking lot. The Marl Lake trailhead is also accessible from Elkwood Campground. Drive past the Elkwood Amphitheatre parking lot and turn left into the Elkwood Campground. Follow the signs to Loop D and park in the open space on the right side of the road between sites 114 and 115.

DISTANCE

3.1 km return

ELEVATION GAIN

15 m; high point: 1716 m

DIFFICULTY

Easy, recommended for children aged three years and older; excellent trail all the way through.

SEASON

Summer and early fall.

OF SPECIAL INTEREST FOR CHILDREN

The path is Chariot / jogging-stroller friendly. Remember that morning light is the best for lake viewing.

1.From the Elkwood Amphitheatre parking lot, follow signs to Elkwood Amphitheatre. The signed Marl Lake Trail is behind the amphitheatre.

2.Hike about 100 m and turn left at a signed junction. Continue along this trail for a few minutes, eventually crossing two of the campground’s roads.

3.You reach the Marl Lake trailhead within minutes. Note: if you started from Elkwood Campground, the trailhead is only about 50 m from the parking area. To reach it, hike the unsigned trail from the starting point between campsites 114 and 115.

4.Follow the trail through varied terrain to Marl Lake, enjoying several terrific viewpoints of the lake and numerous interpretive panels.

5.Complete the loop and then return the same way to the parking lot, or back to Elkwood Campground.

Picture-perfect Marl Lake and the beautiful mountains that frame it.

There are other beautiful scenes along the way – don’t forget to turn around for these views every so often.

Lake reflections of Mount Indefatigable can be mesmerizing.