HIke to Barrier Lake Lookout

From the parking lot, cross the dam, heading west onto the trail, with the lake on your left. Once you reach the forest, you will come to a 'Y' intersection, from which point you have two options:

1. 6.7 miles (10.8 km), 4 hours roundtrip, out-and-back
   For a shorter hike, go right at the 'Y' intersection and make your way up to the lookout via a wider, old access road. You will begin a steady ascent, switch backing through the forest. The trail is wide most of the way, though it narrows as you reach the top. You will approach a scramble/steep section right before the first lookout. The hike peaks at the lookout over Barrier Lake - after you've had your fill of the view, head back the way you came.

2. 9.3 miles (15 km), 5 hours roundtrip, loop (clockwise)
   If you have more time, I suggest going left at the 'Y' intersection and hiking to the lookout via Jewel Pass. While you see a sign on your left, leading into a dense forest, you will begin your ascent up the mountain. This trail is quite scenic, with a small waterfall and other views along the way. Once you get to the lookout over Barrier Lake, you will hike back down the other side of the mountain, heading east.

From this first lookout, you also have the option to continue for a half mile (800 m) to the Fire Lookout (0.5 mi/800 m further), where there are 360 views of Kananskis and Banff National Park. So if you are feeling ambitious, continue to hike west up the mountain. You will hike through the forest before you come to a viewpoint overlooking Alberta's prairies and foothills, to the east. You will also get a perfect view of Mount Yamnuska (another great day hike/scramble), and on a really clear day you will be able to see Calgary's skyscrapers in the distance. From here, you will hike along a ridge until you reach the Fire Lookout, which is a great place to hang out and have a snack before heading back down.

Getting there: Heading west from Calgary on Highway 1, drive until you reach the Stoney Nakoda Casino Resort and Casino on your left. You will take that exit onto Highway 40, and head south into Kananaskis. The parking lot for the hike is located on the north end of Barrier Lake, only a few kilometers down the road, on your right hand side.