Hiking to Ribbon Lake in Spray Valley Provincial Park, in Kananaskis, Alberta is one of the trails I’ve heard a number of times during my time sent living in the area.

In August 2020, during the time of no international travel (thanks COVID-19), I decided it was finally time to hike to Ribbon Lake in Alberta.

But this isn’t a regular hike where it’s just feet on the rocky, dirt-covered trail with a root or two hanging out waiting to trip you over.

No, you have to scale a small section of the mountain via chains. It definitely adds a bunch of adrenaline to the system as you’re abseiling down jagged rocks.

Let’s talk about the hike, and whether you’re looking to hike all the way to Ribbon Lake, or end your hiking at the towering Ribbon Falls of Kananaskis.

Basics of hiking Ribbon Creek to the Ribbon Lake and Waterfall

• Length – 21.7km
• Elevation Gain – 949 meters
• Difficulty – Hard
• Route Type – Out and Back
• Time – 8 Hours

I get it, there’s a lot of mentions of ‘ribbon’ already. That’s because there is a creek, waterfall and lake all with the same first name.

Think of it this way. Ribbon Lake feeds Ribbon Waterfall which feeds Ribbon Creek. Easy, right?

For things to make a little more sense, I’ll split this into two main sections: the waterfall and the lake.

How to get to the Ribbon Creek Trail

Getting to the Ribbon Creek Trail is pretty simple. The carpark that holds the trailhead is about 38km (30 minutes) once you turn off the Trans-Canada Highway.

You’ll want to head south along Highway 40 until you get to a right-hand turn onto Mount Allan Drive. From here, take your first left onto Centennial Drive, and your first right onto Ribbon Creek Road.

Follow this road for a few hundred meters and you’re there. The trailhead is on the far end of the parking lot, opposite the bridge crossing the river.

Hiking to Ribbon Falls in Spray Valley Provincial Park

The vast majority of this hike is a gentle slope and I would consider it moderate. It’s around 11 kilometers to Ribbon Falls Campground (the first of two on the trail). This information I’m pulling directly from the signs along the trail. I know there are some differences in information out there, but this added up from my experience.

While it is a long chunk of the trail, it’s easily manageable. You’ll follow Ribbon Creek most of the way.

At the start, you’ll cross the river a number of times over a few bridges. I lost track as the trail weaves back and forth over the river.

Most of the initial trail is relatively flat and even. It’s a pretty relaxed trail through the Spray Valley Provincial Park.

Eventually, you’ll hit the bike racks. That’s right, if you’re into it, you can bike the Ribbon Creek Trail – at least a good chunk of it.

From there though, you have to proceed on foot. This is where the trail does become a little more difficult, but still fairly easy.

The next few kilometers is where the trail begins to show its beauty.

As you gain elevation, the river becomes more aggressive, causing rapids and fast-flowing sections. There are some really beautiful sections of trail here where the river flows over some large boulders.

Also, it’s a great section to admire the flowers all along the trail edges. You’ll likely find bumblebees, butterflies and plenty of birds going about their routine as you continue on the falls.

Eventually, you’ll reach Ribbon Falls Campground. There are 13 tent pads for campers who would like to book this campground in advance and spend a night or two in the beautiful area.

A few minutes walking and you’ll find yourself at Ribbon Waterfall. The waterfall is massive, and is a beautiful sight. I would honestly be alright with this being the end of the hike, but if you’re game enough, the hike carries on.

Hiking from Ribbon Falls to Ribbon Lake

While the trail so far has been pretty easy, things change after you pass the waterfall. It is 2km to the lake, and it’s by far the most challenging section of the hike.

Instantly, the incline increases and doesn’t let up. The trail gets narrow and much more uneven. If you make it through this, you come to by far the biggest hurdle along the hike.

There are literally chains you use to climb up the rock face. If you fall while on these chains, well it won’t be a fun adventure for you.

There are a number of signs warning you the use of these chains is at your own risk, and it is a serious part of the hike. If you don’t feel comfortable hauling yourself up these chains, make the waterfall the end of the hike.

Personally, this was the highlight of the hike for me. I’ve used chains for hiking in Canada before, but this got my heart pumping, that’s for sure.

Once past the chains, you’re on the home stretch to the lake. Right before the lake, the trail seems to disappear, be on the lookout for some cairns to mark the way as you continue along. You’ll be able to spot the lake through the trees, it’s that close.

There is a Ribbon Lake Campground that has 20 tent pads and a number of beautiful spots for lunch or a quick swim if you’re game enough.

Ribbon Lake Trail Conclusion

All up, this is one of my favorite hikes in the Kananaskis region. Mostly due to the chains, but the views are also incredible. Make sure you’re prepared for the dangers hiking in the Canadian wilderness may throw at you, mainly wildlife and weather. Check out the King Creek Ridge Hike also in the area.

If you do decide to take on the chains, please do so with caution. I’m not sure there would be many second chances from a slip up here.

Did I miss something out? Something changed? Got other hiking recommendations? Questions? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown