Canada’s Highest Paved Road is Now Open (Almost)

Tucked into the heart of Kananaskis Country lies the Highwood Pass. 

Coming in at around 2,206m, it’s the highest paved road in Canada, and claims about 54km of highway 40. 

If you’re looking for scenic vistas, endless hiking opportunities, and the chance to see some local wildlife, then the Highwood Pass is perfect for you.  

When Does The Highwood Pass Open? 

Normally, the Highwood Pass opens in the middle of June (usually the 15th), but this year is a little different. Because the G7 summit is taking place in Kananaskis from June 15-17, the opening of the road will be delayed.  

• Open to Vehicles: Saturday, June 21

• Open to Cyclists/Pedestrians (from the south via Longview): June 1–21, with access ending just before Ptarmigan Cirque

• Closed to all traffic from the north via King’s Creek until June 21

Check Alberta Parks for how the G7 affects the Highwood Pass.  

What Makes The Highwood Pass So Special?

Driving the Highwood Pass is like driving the spine of the Rockies. 

Alpine meadows and jagged peaks accompany you with every twist and turn. Wildflowers in early summer paint the tundra with many beautiful colors, and the local wildlife love to call this area home. Don’t be surprised to see elk and bighorn sheep on the side of the highway, and the occasional bear can be spotted if you’re lucky.  

If geology is your jam, the region showcases an extraordinary geological history.

One of the more striking features is the thrust faults that can be seen along the Highwood Pass, where powerful tectonic forces pushed newer rocks up, leaving the older ones sitting on top. These faults, formed over millions of years, created what is now the Canadian Rockies. The exposed ancient rock layers, once buried under the sea, are now twisted and folded into the ridgelines that define Kananaskis Country.

For geology enthusiasts and curious people alike, this is a rare chance to see firsthand how the mountains were formed.  

What To Do And See Along The Route 

Whether it's the drive, the hikes, or just the mountain air you’re after, here are some top highlights of the Highwood Pass. 

Hikes

Okay, if you haven’t been to the Highwood Pass before, here are some of the must-do hikes that show up on everyone’s bucket list.

Yes, they’re popular — but they’re popular for a reason. The views are unreal, the access is decent, and they deliver the kind of scenery that makes you fall in love with Kananaskis.

• Pocaterra Ridge – One of the most iconic ridge hikes in Kananaskis, especially during larch season when the whole place turns gold. It’s a point-to-point hike, so you’ll need two cars or a willingness to retrace your steps. Totally worth the logistics.

• Ptarmigan Cirque – A short and sweet trail that gives you classic alpine views without the huge effort. Wildflowers steal the show in early summer, and it’s a great intro to hiking in the area.

• Arethusa Cirque – Similar vibe to Ptarmigan, but often less crowded, even in peak larch season. A little route-finding helps, but it’s not overly technical. Want more of a challenge? You can extend your hike up to Little Arethusa, which adds a few hundred metres of elevation gain and even better views. And if you’re an experienced scrambler, Mount Arethusa is right there too — a solid push with 360° summit views as your reward.

• Cat Creek Falls – A chill, family-friendly 2.6km trail that ends at a picturesque waterfall. Great for kids, dogs, or just a quick leg-stretcher. Bonus: it’s swimmable if you don’t mind a cold plunge on a hot day. 

If you want to level things up a bit, then the next couple hikes are a little more adventurous:

• Mist Mountain – Most people stop at the natural hot springs halfway up — and while they’re a cool novelty, the water’s really just lukewarm, and unless you’re there midweek at sunrise (yes, that means hiking in the dark), it’s usually packed and kind of overrated. Feels more like a lineup for an Instagram shot than a peaceful soak. But if you’ve got mountain legs, don’t stop there. The summit is a grind, but 100% worth the effort. It’s one of the tallest peaks in the area, and the views from the top are wild. Totally changes the whole experience.

• Gap Mountain – This one’s got some bite. You’ll climb steeply up to a saddle with a gorgeous alpine meadow on the backside — a solid turnaround point if you’re not up for scrambling. Bighorn sheep sightings are common here, and the views already feel like a win. But if you’ve got some experience with route-finding and hands-on scrambling, you can push on and bag the summit. It’s no joke though — loose rock and exposure in places — so know your limits and don’t take it lightly.

Waterfalls, Lakes, Rivers

Edworthy Falls via Elbow Lake

At just under 10km, this is an incredible hike that shows off some of the best scenery in the area, with the bonus of stopping at both Elbow Lake and Edworthy Falls along the way.

Highly recommend this one. It’s a bit of a grunt to get up to Elbow Lake, but that’s actually part of the charm — it keeps the crowds down. Unlike drive-up lakes like Upper Kananaskis, this one feels way more peaceful.

The stretch between Elbow Lake and Edworthy Falls? Legitimately one of the most beautiful alpine walks in all of Kananaskis. The meadows up there are something else — especially mid-summer.

If you're looking to extend your day or want to spend the night out there, continuing on to Rae Lakes is 100% worth it. There are a couple of camping spots along the trail, and it’s a great way to turn this into a mellow overnight trip.

Fishing on the Highwood River or Alpine Lakes

The Highwood River is a popular trout spot and considered one of Alberta’s better fisheries. Fly fishing is the go-to, but spin casting from the banks works too.

Quick heads-up: If you're planning to fish the Highwood River, you won’t actually be on the Highwood Pass itself. Most anglers head further downstream along Highway 541 near Longview. It’s a short detour and still very accessible if you’re driving the Pass. There are lots of good access points along the river — if you're keen to plan a trip, here's a solid resource: Highwood River Fishing Guide.

But honestly? One of our favorite ways to fish around the Pass is at the alpine lakes. You can toss a line in at Elbow Lake (see above), but Carnarvon Lake is a next-level option.

It’s a tough but rewarding trek — about 10km in with 829m of elevation gain, so it’s not your average afternoon stroll. But the lake itself is absolutely stunning, and it makes for a perfect overnight trip. No reservations required, just pack your gear and go.

The fishing? Let’s call it scenic-first, fishing-second. You’re not hauling in monsters, but the cutthroat are plentiful, and when the wind dies down, you can sight fish in crystal-clear water. On my first visit, I didn’t catch anything over 12". On the second trip, I pulled in three between 12" and 13.5". Most fish are smaller, thanks to regular stocking — but that’s not really the point.

You’re there for the views, and the fishing is just the bonus.

Cycling

The options are endless when it comes to cycling the Highwood Pass.

Cycling Alberta has you covered if you’re unsure of what route to take, how much of the road to tackle, and any other questions you may have if you plan to tackle this route.  

A Few Pro Tips

• Avoid peak hours — early mornings or late afternoons = fewer crowds, more wildlife, and better lighting for photos.

• Fall is magic. Seriously. Late September is peak larch season and it’s unreal.

• No signal, no gas. Download your map ahead of time and fill up before you hit the road.

• Watch for wildlife and narrow curves. Take it slow and expect the unexpected.

• Weather changes fast — it might be sunny one minute and snowing the next. Bring layers.

Highwood Pass is only open for a few months each year, so don’t wait too long.

Whether you’re hiking, riding, or just rolling down the highway with a good playlist and the windows down, this is one of Alberta’s most iconic drives. Soak it all in — and don’t forget your camera. 

About The Author