Your heart is set on eloping somewhere in Kananaskis but you have no idea where to start searching. This post is for you!
- More about Kananaskis
- Legal requirements to elope in Kananaskis
- Accessible spots to elope at in Kananaskis
- Hiking elopement in Kananaskis Country
- Other hiking options between Kananaskis and Banff
- Helicopter Elopement in Kananaskis
More about Kananaskis
Kananaskis (or Kananaskis Improvement district – or Kananaskis Country) is located in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, near Calgary and Banff National Park. The town of Canmore is part of Kananaskis.
When you look for places to elope near Banff, Kananaskis always pops up – and for a good reason. Over the past couple of years, Banff has been over crowded with people and tourists. Call it social media fame maybe but the fact is that Banff IS beautiful. Lake Louise, Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake will stay beautiful and landmarks to see but the reality is, you will probably not be alone on your wedding day there if you decide to elope in Banff.
This is why Kananaskis name has been growing in the past year. Located right beside Banff National Park, Kananaskis Country is as beautiful as Banff but most of the places are less accessible than Banff. Kananaskis has more difficult hikes but they lead to the most stunning viewpoints over valleys and lakes. It will definitely be a day to remember if you choose to elope in Kananaskis.
That said, there are a few places you could elope to that don’t require big hikes.
Legal requirements to elope in Kananaskis
In order to elope in Kananaskis, you need to get a permit, as well as your photographer, officiant and all the vendors you want there on the day of. Usually your photographer (at least I do) or your officiant will help you navigate the different permits. You have to know that all of us also need to get permits to be able to work over there. Photographers usually don’t add fees to get the license (so be careful if a vendor adds a license fee in the quote).
The permits depend on the location you want to get married to so you will have to ask for the right one once you decide on the where. You can find all the informations on this link. Permits can take time to arrive so make sure to apply as soon as you know where you are going to do the ceremony – especially if it is during the summer.
You will also need a marriage license that you can get at the registry in Canmore
Accessible spots to elope at in Kananaskis
So you know you want to elope with a breathtaking background of the mountains, maybe near a lake and where you don’t need to hike for long. If you are not big hikers or you don’t want to “trash” your dress or costume, there is a few very accessible spots in Kananaskis where you can perform your ceremony. If you want some people to be there as well, it is also easier (you will need to stay within your permit specifications on that point).
Wedge Ponds (popular)
A few minutes away from the parking lot, Wedge ponds is a favourite when it comes to Larch season. The whole area turns yellow and makes the scenery even more beautiful.
Mont Lorrette Ponds (popular)
This is another famous when it comes to very close to the parking. I did an after wedding session over there and let me tell you that being close to the car when it is below 0 is a pretty nice feeling!
Barrier Lake (popular)
Barrier Lake is a classic! Its stunning color makes everyone wants to paddle board on it in the summer and ice skate on green wild ice in the winter. It can be tricky to find a parking spot as it is also the start of a few well known hikes! Earlier the ceremony the better.
Upper Kananaskis Lakes
This is a local’s favourite spot for camping, hiking, ice fishing and ice skating. Many beautiful hikes start around the lake but it is located a bit further down the road than other locations. The good part about Upper Kananaskis Lakes is that there is a “hike” – which is more a walk because there is not much elevation – that goes all around the lake. With about a 20mins walk, you can be lost on one of Upper Kananaskis Lakes beaches, surrounded by water, mountains and your vendors.
King Creek (Canyon)
Kings creek is a hike that goes through a canyon. There is not much elevation but you pass by some waterfalls – that are frozen in the winter! You can even ice climb over there!
You can join back King’s Ridge which is another hike but way more difficult.
Spray Lakes Reservoir Day use area
My personal favourite and the love of my life for places to go to.
Spray Lakes Reservoir has a boat launch that is right by the water. There is also a campsite where you can walk to the lake. Crystal clear blue or turquoise water, no one around even though it is accessible, this is definitely a spot worth checking out.
Always peaceful, this is a hidden gem in the Kananaskis area. The road to get there is the worst gravel road in the world but it is 100% worth repairing your car for. Lots of hikes start in that area as well.
Hiking elopement in Kananaskis Country
There are a lot of hikes in Kananaskis. From easy to hard (sorted in the article) there is a hike for everyone. Most of them are dog friendly hikes in Kananaskis so if you want to bring your pup on your elopement day, you can!
Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive (3.4km – 249m elevation)
Ptarmigan is a cute short hike that brings you to a beautiful cirque. The hike up is nothing too bad nor challenging. Perfect if you are looking to get a little exercise before your ceremony.
If you want some sun for your ceremony or the photos, I would recommend going there for sunset!
Arethusa Cirque (4.5km – 377m elevation)
Arethusa Cirque hike was one of my favorite hike to do with my dog. Very dog and family friendly, you will have some steep sections but nothing too much. Once you are in the Cirque (loop in altitude) the views are amazing and the difficulty is low. This is a must during Larch Season where the valley turns yellow. No lake over there though!
Prairie Mountain (4.5km – 377m elevation)
Not to be assimilated with Prairie view trail / Yates mountain (this one will be below).
Prairie Mountain gives you a magnificent view over the Canadian Rockies on one side and over Bragg Creek area (pretty flat up to Calgary) on the other side. It goes uphill all the way up to the view point so be ready to sweat before hitting the top.
There is no difficult point in this hike and it make it very accessible (the trail is very well traced and it is 45mins away from Calgary).
Prairie Mountain is a VERY travelled hike. It is located in the Bragg Creek area and is a local’s favourite. I 100% recommend sunrise as the sun rises on the city side, putting beautiful red color on the whole Rockies in the back. Plus, past sunrise, there is way more people. We were alone up there at sunrise!
Prairie View Trail (10.8km – 568m elevation) / Yates Mountain (11.9km – 654m elevation)
All Trails link – Prairie View / All trails link – Yates Mountains
Not to be assimilated with Prairie Mountain!!
Yates mountain is a continuation of Prairie View Trail. Prairie View Trail stop before Yates. So if you want an easier hike, you can stop at Prairie View, if you want to push a bit further, you can continue to Yates.
The hike up is nothing too steep but it goes up all the way in a forest trail until you reach a first viewpoint over Barrier Lake. Sunrises over there are unreal as the sun rises behind the mountains, making the whole area turn red.
Rawson Lake (6.8km – 526m elevation)
Rawson lake starts at Upper Kananaskis Lakes. It is a nice and easy walk up to the lake. Sunrise makes the mountains in the background glow with that red alpine glow. It is beautiful in the summer – because of its color – and in the winter – where it looks like a winter wonderland.
Sarrail Ridge via Rawson Lake (11.4km – 1048m elevation)
This medium-distance hike is challenging yet rewarding. The initial part to Rawson Lake is quite easy, but the ascent to the ridge is straight and steep, though not too long so you can always take your time.
The effort is well worth it, with a breathtaking panoramic view over Kananaskis Lake and the valley, making it a perfect setting for an unforgettable elopement.
Ha Ling Peak (7.4km – 755m elevation) / Miner’s peak (7.7km – 800m elevation)
All trails Ha Link Peak / All trails Miner’s peak
A must in summer or winter, Ha Ling and Miner share the same beginning of the hike. Once you reach the first bowl, Ha ling is on the left and Miner on the right. It gives you a breathtaking view over Canmore and the bow valley behind.
They are known for the wind at the top so be prepared to have you dress and veil fly in the photos, making everything look very dramatic. PS: Bring layers to stay warm!
These are busy hikes so sunrise is always recommended!
East End Of Rundle (EEOR) (4.8km – 823m elevation)
This short and steep hike offers stunning multiple views, including a vantage point over Miners Peak and Ha Ling Peak. You don’t have to go all the way to the top to get a nice view. With its rocky terrain, it provides a quick and adventurous escape, being less than an hour away from Calgary. Though popular, it remains an ideal choice for an intimate and scenic elopement. Sunrise is preferred to avoid crowds and get that beautiful morning light.
King Creek Ridge
This short yet intense hike, featuring steep terrain, offers an intimate escape from the crowds. The breathtaking views at the summit create the perfect backdrop for a memorable elopement, rewarding your effort with unparalleled natural beauty.
Tent Ridge (10.1km – 810m elevation)
My favorite hike. That’s sums it up.
This is not just a stunning place to get photos and do your ceremony. This is an epic hike and an epic adventure.
It is not for everyone because some parts of the hike are steep and a bit of scramble (hiking up or down some rocks). But if you are in for a challenge, Tent Ridge might just be the place. Once you hit the top of the hike (on either side – it is a loop!), you will be on a circle ridge that goes up and down. You have beautiful views over the mountains but also over Spray Lakes Reservoir.
There is a way to not do the whole hike and avoid the hard part during the night (because you want to be at the top for sunrise 🙂 ).
Wasootch Ridge (13.4km – 938m elevation)
This hike will take you up a STEEP part right at the start. You will go up for about one hour until you reach the first peak (out of 7). You don’t have to go further if you don’t want to because the first peak is already a beautiful place for an elopement ceremony (checkout the details here: 5.5km – 862m elevation).
It would be nice to explore the rest after the ceremony though!
Be warned, there is lots of wind at the top!
Grizzly Peak (6km – 888m elevation)
Grizzly Peak in Kananaskis is a stunning, difficult hike, perfect for adventurous couples seeking an elopement backdrop. This trail leads to panoramic views of the Kananaskis Valley, Mount Evan-Thomas, and rugged ridgelines. With its sweeping alpine vistas and quiet beauty, the summit offers an intimate, unforgettable setting for exchanging vows. Ideal for late spring to early fall, Grizzly Peak is a hidden gem for adventurous love stories.
Other options between Kananaskis and Banff
Mount Assiniboine
This is a trip of a lifetime. Accessible either by helicopter or hiking, this remote camping (or lodge!) place is located between Banff and Kananaskis. To be exact Mount Assiniboine is in British Columbia.
Only a handful amount of people can go there due to the limited camping and lodging.
You can access it either by helicopter from Canmore or Mount Shark (Kananaskis) or by hiking from Mount Shark or Banff Sunshine Village. I hiked it before during 5 days (2 days in, one day there, and two days back) from Sunshine to Mount Shark. This was one of the most epic hike I have ever done.
If you want to know more, reach out today! Planning for Mount Assiniboine hike starts in January!
Helicopter Elopement in Kananaskis
If you are looking to get higher up but don’t want to do the full hike side of things, there is always an option to get on a helicopter ride to be dropped off at the top of the mountains! Helicopters can take you, an officiant and the photographer in the same helicopter. The big plus: the pilot and the photographer (me) can be the witnesses.
Send me an email to know more about those options.
Ready to start planning your elopement in Kananaskis?
Whether you are ready to start planning your elopement in Kananaskis or if you just have follow up questions on what you just read, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me! Yes I am an elopement photographer but it includes way more than just photography. I help you plan your timeline, refine the perfect location, help you navigate the permits and answer as many questions you might have as I can! Dates fill up fast so don’t wait if you have any questions!
