Ford Creek

Near Kananaskis Village · Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area

Easy · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 62 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Ford Creek is a 3.7 km out and back trail near Kananaskis Village in Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area. It runs 1.9 km each way. The route gains 80 m in total and tops out at 1,636 m. Hike Alberta rates it easy. Allow about 1 hour 15 minutes of moving time. It meets Ford Knoll Loop at 0.8 km, and passes two other mapped junctions. Along the way you pass a stream crossing. Also used for walking, trail running and mountain biking.

Length: 3.7km; 1.9 km each way
Elevation gain: 80m
Estimated time: 1h15min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,636m
Lowest point: 1,606m

Elevation profile

1,606 m to 1,636 m

Highest point 1,636 m, lowest 1,606 m, 80 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 17% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

100% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 0.0 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

0.2 kmStream crossing

Good for

Hiking, Walking, Trail running, Mountain biking, Horseback riding, Snowshoeing
Dog friendly (on leash), Kid friendly
River or creek

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 50.8055° N, 114.8425° W.

Driving directions

Kananaskis Conservation Pass

Vehicle pass required when parking

Buy pass

Pass details

Vehicles parked at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley need this pass. It is registered to the licence plate. People arriving without a vehicle do not need one, and official exemptions and free days may apply.

$15 daily for one vehicle · $90 yearly for up to three vehicles

Information and prices checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 5 trails in Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area

Government of Alberta, Open Government Licence Alberta
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30