The Forks Novice Overnight Backpack - Tue, Jun 30 2026

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The Forks Novice Overnight Backpack (6/30/2026)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.You will then make your payment for this event at the venue, NOT in advance to the COC.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike - Backpack

Event Location:

Upper Kananaskis Lake - PLPP

Date(s) & Time:

Tue, Jun 30 2026 10:00 AM (Carpool Departure: 8:00 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Tue, Jun 23 2026 5:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

2 days

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Event Coordinator(s):

Shelley R
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

$18.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests:

Minimum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests Per Member:

Number Registered So Far:

13 (Log in to see who's signed up.)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Are you an avid day hiker who has always wanted to try backpacking, or maybe you've been backcountry camping a few times and want to learn to do it on your own? This is your chance!

This early season trip will be geared towards experienced hikers who are beginner / novice backpackers who would like to see what it is all about and learn a few tips to make it easier. To enjoy this trip the most, members should have a good level of fitness and be able to get some shoulder season milage done (carrying some extra weight in your pack) before we go. Please plan on attending at least one event led by the coordinator prior to the trip, especially if it's been a while since we've hiked together.

Note that members will be sharing tents on this event. If you'd like to come but prefer to tent alone, you are welcome to book your own site and let the coordinator know. Once you have your site, I'll add you to the trip. There were still 6 sites available at the time of posting. Here's the link - click on "The Forks" to see availability: Shop Alberta Parks .

Once all the spots are filled, we'll go over what to expect and what to pack before the trip and we'll learn how to use all our stuff as we need it while we are out there. Priority will go to those with little / no backcountry camping experience (we are trying to make new backpackers!) but if we have spots remaining, experienced backcountry campers will be welcome to join and share their expertise with our newbies. If you are experienced and want to be considered for one of those spots, please contact the coordinator directly.

Note that this is a GROUP-oriented trip. It is expected that if you sign up, you wish to meet other like- minded members and that you will be hiking with the group and joining the group for meals. If you are signing up for the sole purpose of gaining a campsite permit but don't really wish to do the 'group thing', please find another outing.

The plan is to hike from Upper Kananaskis Lake to The Forks campground. Once we have set up camp (tents up, food / scented things locked away), those who are interested can do more exploring, either up towards 3-Isle Lake (until we hit snow) or back over to Kananaskis Lake to check out The Point campground. Those who aren't looking to do more walking are welcome to relax in camp with their favourite book... or nap... until supper time. :)

Trail Details:
7.3 km distance (each way)
100m elevation (approx)
Est. speed: 3 km / hr plus breaks - ~3 hours hiking each way

**Day hike distance / elevation will depend on where we go. We'll make a plan once the group is set up.

Your coordinator will provide you will a packing list and some recommendations about what to bring for food. The sites booked are for double occupancy. Members will be sharing tents (and stoves / water filtration) in their tent pairs. Participants will be responsible for sourcing shared and personal gear (tent / backpack, stove, water purification and sleep setup etc). Once everyone has signed up, we'll organize the group / pairs to minimize the need for rental gear whenever possible.

Required Items to Bring:
* Backpack
* Clothes (layers)
* Raingear
* Sturdy Boots
* Sleeping bag and pad
* Stuff sack for food / scented items
* Utensils / dishes
* Food for 2 days
* Headlamp
* Toilet paper
* Water Purifier (shared)
* Tent (shared)
* Backpacking stove & Fuel (shared)
* Bear Spray

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
* Hiking poles
* Camera
* Quiet time materials (cards, book, e-reader)
* Tarp
* Full packing list to come!

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Follow Hwy 1 west out of Calgary. Take the Hwy 40 exit south. Turn right on the Kananaskis Lake Trail (near the winter gate ~ 50km); Follow KLT for about 10 km. Follow the signs to the Upper Kananaskis Lake Boat Launch parking.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

216Km

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $71.28 (calculated at total Km * $0.33, effective Saturday, May 16, 2026). This is based on $0.16/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle.

Notes:

- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Wendy W and Lynda H., at content@calgaryoutdoorclub.com.

Cost & Payment:

Member Cost:

$18.00/Person

Cost Includes:

Camping fee for 1 person (each site costs $36 for 2 persons). Please e-transfer fee to coordinator within 24hrs of registering to secure your spot. Thanks!

Make a Payment:

Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the COC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
*Note: If you need to cancel and there are willing participants on the waitlist, a full refund is possible. If it's last minute, you will only be entitled to whatever funds we can get back from Alberta Parks.

Waiting List

Sorry, either registration for this event is closed, or the event is full. If you are a COC Member, you may add yourself to the Waiting List here.
Note that if the event maximum has not been reached, but you are still seeing this box, it is because the maximum was reached at one point and there are already others ahead of you on the list.