Caring for the Trail in Kananaskis
The Friends of Kananaskis (FoKC) trail group works closely with Alberta Forestry and Parks in the greater Kananaskis region to help ensure that this iconic trail corridor is well-maintained and safe to use. In 2025, the group approached Trans Canada Trail with a request for funding to help them maintain 110 kilometres of the Trail in Kananaskis Country, Alberta. With funding from our Trail Catalyst Fund – Infrastructure and Adaptation funding stream, the Friends of Kananaskis dedicated over 1,000 hours of work to maintaining and enhancing key areas of the Trans Canada Trail. Here’s a look at the tremendous work they accomplished.
Maintaining and enhancing the Trans Canada Trail
The FoKC’s 2025 maintenance plan focused on 110 kilometres of the Trans Canada Trail in the greater Kananaskis region, including the entirety of the Trans Canada Trail section of the High Rockies Trail, spanning approximately 88 kilometres. Each trail section had its own maintenance needs and visitor use patterns.
Photo credit: Friends of Kananaskis
Trail stewardship in action
All told, the Friends of Kananaskis dedicated 1,183 volunteer hours to caring for the Trail, thanks to 169 volunteers – a testament to the passion and dedication to trails and access to nature, for which we are very grateful.
On the High Rockies Trail – an extremely popular and well-used trail in the region – the group spent 21 working days, primarily from Goat Creek Trail to Elk Pass at the BC-Alberta border. They completed the following tasks:
• Removing deadfall and debris
• Resolving numerous minor drainage issues
• Undergoing trail tread repair and corridor brushing
• Conducting thorough trail sweeps
They scheduled their work around seasonal snowmelt and ecological requirements, including Canada’s Migratory Birds Regulations.
The FKC also spent 17 working days on several other trail sections in the area: West Bragg Creek Trail (Tom Snow Trail); Kananaskis Country Trail (Cox Hill and Lusk Pass); and Bow Valley Trail, undergoing minor maintenance, trail brushing and more.
Photo credit: Friends of Kananaskis
“The Friends of Kananaskis Country (FoKC) is not-for-profit organization that is blessed with an awesome group of passionate volunteers that help maintain and preserve the trails within the 4,000 square kilometres of mixed-use lands called Kananaskis Country in Alberta,” says Janice L. Pasieka, co-chair of the Friends of Kananaskis board. “We have been thrilled over the years to be part of the building and maintenance of a section of the Trans Canada Trail, named the High Rockies, that links Alberta to British Columbia. I personally have spent many days hiking sections of this beautiful trail and have been part of the volunteer trail crews over the years. The FoKC is appreciative of Trans Canada Trail’s support, but more importantly of its vision of making the longest trail system in the world a reality, a legacy for Canada that will live on for generations.”
Sustaining the Trail for years to come
This extensive trail maintenance work helps prevent erosion, reduce future repair needs and enhance user safety on the Trail. It also helps to ensure that Kananaskis Country remains a world-class trail destination for residents and visitors alike.
“The dedication shown by the Friends of Kananaskis is truly inspiring,” says Heidi Tillmans, Trans Canada Trail’s Director, Trail Infrastructure and Funding. “Through thousands of volunteer hours and careful stewardship, they are not only maintaining the Trans Canada Trail today, but also safeguarding a world-class trail experience for years to come. This is exactly the kind of community-led work that keeps the Trail strong, resilient, and welcoming for everyone.”
Photo credit: Friends of Kananaskis
About the Trail Catalyst Fund
Trans Canada Trail’s Trail Catalyst Fund supports strategic investments in trails and the trail sector, all with the goal of fostering a safe, inclusive and resilient Trans Canada Trail. The Infrastructure and Adaptation funding stream provides financial support for major and minor repairs, maintenance, destination development, safety upgrades, new trail construction, and active transportation projects to ensure the Trail remains accessible and resilient in the face of changing environmental and usage conditions.
Find out more about the Trail Catalyst Fund.
Read more about how dedicated volunteers across Canada contribute to our national trail system.
Main photo credit: Friends of Kananaskis
