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Hiking Little Arethusa Peak - panoramic view
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Hiking in Little Arethusa Peak: trails, map and practical info

Canadian Rockies • Alberta

Tackle one of Alberta's most rewarding alpine challenges: 44 km and 1,550 m elevation gain to Little Arethusa Peak in the Canadian Rockies. This very hard, 13.5-hour summit rewards serious hikers with panoramic views and genuine mountain terrain—no technical climbing required. Access via Highway 40 in Kananaskis Country.

François Dumaine
François DumaineUpdated Oct 10, 2026
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44 km
Distance
13h30
Duration
625 m
Elevation
Difficulty
Very hard
Max altitude
2,822 m
Dogs
Allowed
Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Little Arethusa Peak? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

1 community photos

Photos: Thank you for visiting my page from Canada — CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Trail description

Little Arethusa Peak is one of those summits in Kananaskis Country that earns its reputation the hard way. At 44 kilometers round trip with 1,550 meters of elevation gain and an estimated 13.5 hours on trail, this is a serious day out in the Canadian Rockies — the kind that separates casual hikers from those genuinely committed to big mountain days. The reward is a summit with views that stretch across one of the most dramatic landscapes in Alberta.

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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Recommended gear for this trail

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LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
AB-40, Alberta T0L, Canada
GPS coordinates
50.6030951, -114.9757601
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the little arethusa peak can be accessed from the parking lot located off of Highway 40.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?

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Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
Dogs allowed
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
50.6030951, -114.9757601
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Little Arethusa Peak is rated very hard.
The elevation gain of Little Arethusa Peak is 625 m.
The summit of Little Arethusa Peak is at 2,822 m.
Allow about 13h30 for Little Arethusa Peak (44 km).
Yes, dogs are allowed at Little Arethusa Peak.
No, Little Arethusa Peak has no visitor centre on site.
The hike to Little Arethusa Peak takes approximately 13h30 to complete. This is a full-day commitment, so plan accordingly and ensure you start early enough to finish before sunset.
The Little Arethusa Peak trail covers 44 km in total. This is a long-distance hike that requires good fitness and endurance.
The Little Arethusa Peak trail has 1550 m of elevation gain. Combined with the 44 km distance, this makes it a very challenging hike suitable only for experienced hikers.
No, Little Arethusa Peak is rated as very hard and is not suitable for beginners. The combination of 44 km distance, 1550 m elevation gain, and 13h30 duration requires advanced hiking experience and excellent physical fitness.
The Little Arethusa Peak trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Plan your hike to ensure you have sufficient daylight to complete the entire 13h30 route safely.
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Update : October 2026