The Mount Shark Trail System and surrounding trails

Trail Name	Distance	Features	Level	Elevation
1. Mount Shark Trail System	Varies	Varies	All	Varies	Map
From Canmore, head South on Highway 742 (Spray Lakes Road) for 38 Km. Turn right at the Mount Shark sign and continue 5.3 Km to Mount Shark Parking Lot. Although it is now considered small next to the Canmore Nordic Centre, Mount Shark's cross-country ski trails still offer scenic skiing for the intermediate to advanced skier. Unfortunately the trails are not groomed on a regular basis. The 10 Km yellow loop offers good views and a decent workout. The 15 Km green loop (rarely groomed) offers some amazing scenery. Back to Hiking/Trails page Home

2. Mount Shark to Mount Assiniboine	25.5 Km	S, H, C	D	+417 m	Map
Access the Mount Shark Trail System as described above. This trail should be at the top of anyone's list. Starting at the Mount Shark Trail System and ending at Magog Lake, near Mount Assiniboine in British-Columbia, it is challenging but truely spectacular! If attempting this hike on foot or cross-country skis, you should pack enough gear for several days. There are 4 backcountry campgrounds along the way - Big Spuce, McBride's Camp, Allenby Junction and O'Brian Meadows Group Camp. There are also several accommodation options at the west end of Bryant Creek Trail, near Lake Magog. Follow the winter ski trail from the trailhead to Watridge Lake. From there, the trail descends drastically to join Bryant Creek Trail at the southern end of Spray Lakes Reservoir. A pleasant fire road follows a Bryant Creek with Cone Mountain and Mount Mercer to the north and Mount Turner and Wonder Peak to the south. After the Allenby Junction Campground, stay left and choose between the equestrian trail or the hiking path towards Assiniboine Pass. You will get to Lake Magog at the 25.5 Km mark. Back to Hiking/Trails page Home

3. Karst Spring Trail	4.8 Km	F, (H, B) S	M	+200 m	Map
From Canmore, head South on Highway 742 (Spray Lakes Road) for 38 Km. Turn right at the Mount Shark sign and continue 5.3 Km to Mount Shark Parking Lot. This moderate day hike offers spectacular views and its minimal elevation gain makes it ideal for families. The first 3.6 Km are open to cyclists. The trail is well signed so don't be afraid of getting confused by the extensive labyrinth of trails of the Mount Shark Trail System. The trail will lead you to beautiful Watridge Lake after an easy 3.6 Km. From the lake, Karst Spring is only a short 1.2 Km away (bikes and horses are not allowed). Don't forget your camera! Back to Hiking/Trails page Home

4. West Side Trail	22.9 Km	S, H, B, C	E	+50 m	Map
This trail is accessed via the Mount Shark Trail System (see above). Running parallel to the Spray Lakes Reservoir, this trail offers great scenery with mirrored mountain peaks in the Reservoir waters. It is mostly used by cyclists and horseback riders; it is too long to complete on foot in one day (although the Spray Lakes West Campground is located at the trail end - accessible via West Side Road which is closed in winter). Follow the winter ski trail past Watridge Lake heading west. At the Bryant Creek junction, turn right onto West Side Trail. You will come to another junction 5.2 Km later, stay straight. If you head left, it is a 38.8 Km hike to the town of Banff. From this junction, it is 11.9 Km to the Spray Lakes West Campground. Back to Hiking/Trails page Home

MAP NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.