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Mount McGillivray Route

Near Lac Des Arcs · Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park

Expert · Out and back

Trail score 67 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

2 km Open the map

About this trail

Mount McGillivray Route is a 11.0 km out and back trail near Lac Des Arcs in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. It runs 5.5 km each way. The route gains 1,473 m in total and tops out at 2,372 m. Hike Alberta rates it expert. Allow about 11 hours 30 minutes of moving time. Two side branches with the same name split off the route, at 4.5 km and 4.7 km. The map also shows a separate section with the same name that is not part of this route. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Expect scrambling and exposure; this is mountain terrain. The T5 demanding alpine hiking section runs from 4.5 km to 4.7 km. Also used for scrambling.

Length
11.0km
5.5 km each way
Elevation gain
1,473m
Estimated time
11h30min
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
2,372m
Lowest point
1,322m

Elevation profile

1,322 m to 2,372 m
2,3721,322 0 km5.5 km

Highest point 2,372 m, lowest 1,322 m, 1,473 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 77% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

0% LTE · 100% 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.

Good for

  • Hiking, Scrambling
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Views, Alpine

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.0508° N, 115.2051° 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 149 trails in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30