Want to be free from this daily life routine full of hustle for some time? Why not visit the Black Shale Suspension Bridge for a change?
This Black Shale Suspension Bridge in Kananaskis is one of the magical mysteries of Kananaskis. It is a quite long trail with an elevation of 333m. It is located down the Smith Dorrien highway in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada.
How to Reach the Bridge?
Are you wondering how to get there? I will tell you this- There are two routes. Most of the time, hikers choose the longer route full of trees and mountains. People with physical disabilities or not fond of hiking can go for the shorter route from the black prince trailhead.
I would like to mention here the details of both routes so that you can the most preferable.
The Longer Route
The longer route is spotted close to the Black Prince Day Area, which is 3.05 km one way. It is more than 1.5 hours from Calgary, although it will not feel much because of the pleasant weather of the Kananaskis mountains. You need to park first at the Black Prince parking lot before walking down around 300 m to the Smith Dorrien highway. After crossing the highway, you will be guided by a sign on your way to the Black Shale Suspension Bridge Trailhead.
If you you might get confused or miss the route keep your Google Maps on and check there. Google Maps is the best solution for sure.
The Shorter Route
The Black Shale Creek Suspension Bridge trailhead or the bypass trailhead is the shortcut trail to reach the suspension bridge in Kananaskis, which is just 0.5 km one way. It was built by the Alberta Parks so that people can continue their hikes during the winter.
Parking on the Smith Dorrien highway is prohibited, so I would advise you to park at the Black Prince parking lot only. If you park on the highway, please do so at your own risk. When you reach the Smith Dorrien highway, you can try to search the bypass trail on Google Maps. After this, there is only a walking distance of 10-15 minutes.
How’s the Hiking Area?
People are always eager to know about the hiking area and the challenges involved. I must say that the trail for the suspension bridge hike is smooth enough. However, you will have to drive by your own vehicle/car as no public transport is available for the trailhead to the Black Shale bridge in Kananaskis. Also, the highway is not so well and dusky enough.
So now the real adventure begins. The Blackshale Suspension Bridge hike is a short, pretty easy and fun-filled hiking path full of trees and mountains for people of all ages. You can also bring your kids. They can play around while walking through the whole journey. This trail is a wide path full of forest area. It is a pretty good opportunity as it is also accessible to mountain bikers as several mountain bikes are allowed to enjoy this high rock trail. Here I would like to add to be careful of fast-moving bikers during the black shale bridge hike.
You will surely drive past Lower Kananaskis Lake while hiking. As Kananaskis is full of forest areas, it is also full of dangerous wild animals, like bears. Therefore, I want to advise you not to go alone on this high Rockies trail.
What else can you do for your safety? Well, I must say that you should try to remain on the trail only and carry bear spray with you. After crossing the high Rockies, the trail would be more fun to cross the wobbly bridge hanging over Black Shale Creek.
And the magical view will be yours! Nothing can be more peaceful than the scenic beauty of this suspension bridge in Kananaskis and the mountain views over the Black Shale Creek. Sit, take selfies to post and enjoy the stunning views while the bridge wobbles.
It Doesn’t End Here –
Hiking is not an easy task. People need to be aware of the route and the risks involved. Although the bridge is safe enough and there are many safety rails, if you have kids with them, I would advise you to be careful and not let your kids jump while crossing the suspension bridge as it could be dangerous. If someone is still willing to continue hiking, they can head on the Black Prince trail to beautiful Warspite Lake, Alberta.
Once you are done with the suspension bridge, it’s time to return. You can get back by the same two routes themselves or just follow your footsteps to get back on the same trail to the highway again. Although you can get back through the black shale creek shortcut, you still have to walk to the parking lot for your car.
Some Essential Points to Know
- The minimum age of a tourist can be 6 years, and the presence of one adult is also mandatory.
- The Black Prince Parking Lot is the only parking lot you can find here. The nearest washroom is accessible in the black prince parking lot.
- To be free from inconvenience during the trip, do not forget to download maps offline and hike-related information as there is very limited internet available there, or wifi will be available at tourist centers only. So try to have these tasks done before reaching Kananaskis.
- I would like to advise you to carry your own food because there are only a few options available, and Kananaskis don’t provide services. Make sure to take a good amount of water too, as there are no drinking water facilities during the hike.
- Also, don’t forget to carry a travel guide.
- There is not much preparation needed, but to be on the safer side, call and gather exact details about this bridge and trail to ease your hike.
- Also, there is good news, you can take your pets along on the black shale bridge hike across this high Rockies trail.
Where to Stay?
To ease the tiredness due to the visit here is a list of hotels in and around Kananaskis:
So, Don’t Miss the Adventure and Fun
The suspension bridge in Kananaskis and Kananaskis country itself is no less than a wonder. I have provided almost all the essential details you must know before starting your journey.
The best time to make a trip to the Suspension Bridge in Kananaskis is the daylight of summer. Do not visit there in mid-winter as it is dangerous to be on the suspension bridge due to heavy snow. The closure of the suspension bridge in Kananaskis takes place in the heart of winter, although the date changes every year.
To avoid crowds, and the fun of the bridge, try to visit there early morning or late evening in summer only. Also, check the weather news before leaving for the suspension bridge in Kananaskis, as it can be dangerous to hike on the path due to rain.
Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
