If you are looking for a place to explore during the winter months, I cannot recommend Chester Lake more. It is one of the perfect hikes to start the transition from being a summer hiker to all-season hiking. Chester is an easy hike, so it is great for beginners during all seasons. However, it also provides gorgeous views and accumulates a considerable snow pack, giving an authentic winter hiking experience while remaining approachable for those new to winter hiking.
Chester Lake Hike Summary
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 9.3 km round trip
- Elevation: 300 metres
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Trailhead: Chester Lake Trailhead
The elevation to Chester Lake remains relatively gradually overall, so it is certainly doable in the snow. You may want to bring micro-spikes or hiking crampons for extra grip. You can check out my other winter hiking recommendations if you need more information on what to bring and what to know before going to the mountains in the winter.
Hiking Chester Lake in Different Seasons
I did this hike first in the early fall when I was still quite new to hiking, in 2015 or 2016. I hiked it again in March of 2019, which I would still consider a winter hike, although we were graced with warm weather. This hike was the first trail my hiking boots saw (though the ground itself was covered in a thick layer of snow), so it remains a special one for me.
When I hiked the trail of winter 2019, I was surprised at the depth of snowpack at the top. Since then, I have also hiked the trail in November 2023 and most recently for larch season in October 2024. Chester Lake is a popular larch hike in Kananaskis, and for good reason!
Chester Lake Trail Description
The hike did not take us long, I believe less than 3 hours round-trip. That being said, it was windy at the lake, so we did not stick around too long to eat lunch before the chill got to us. If the sunshine had stayed for the duration of the hike we might have taken more time at the top.
After reaching the clearing in the trees where the trail flattened out, it became apparent that staying on the packed-down trail was imperative. That is, unless you wanted to sink to your hip in snow. I accidentally stepped off the path more than once, and I don’t think my foot touched the ground. If my other leg wasn’t rooted on a solid path of snow, I am not sure how deep I might have sunk into the snow. Without my fellow hiker, I would have had a difficult time getting back on the path.
Winter Hiking Tips
Though I always recommend hiking with at least one other person (especially for newbies!), I think it is extremely important in the winter, as you never know when you will encounter new obstacles created by the ice and snow.
This trail is also accommodates snowshoers and cross-country skiers! Keep an eye out for others using the trails and be courteous of your fellow winter sportsmen.
This trail is completely different between summer, fall, and winter so I definitely recommend going during different seasons. I hope to make it out here again this winter!
Don’t forget that a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is necessary within park boundaries in the winter months as well!
All of the winter photos in this week’s post were taken by my good friend and fellow hiker. I am so grateful to her for these lovely shots!
This really sounds like a great trail even for a novice, just need it to warm up a bit.