The 8.1-kilometre Frozen Toad loop snowshoe trail is one of the newest snowshoe trails in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and a great introduction to snowshoeing in Kananaskis. It’s an easy, mostly flat, and kid-friendly outing (ages 6 and up) between the Boulton Creek and Elkwood Campgrounds by way of Marl Lake. You’ll enjoy Kananaskis mountain scenery, and the chance to spot wildlife and birds along the way.
There’s one big hill at the midpoint and a couple of smaller hills, but overall, it’s a flat, very enjoyable outing.
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Frozen Toad Snowshoe Loop – At a Glance
- Distance: 8.1 km + extra km if you park at the Marl Lake parking lot
- Elevation gain: Approximately 270 m but it’s mostly flat
- Time: 3 – 4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs: Yes, on leash.
- Permit: Kananaskis Conservation Pass
- Trailhead: Boulton Creek Campground or Elkwood Campground
- Washrooms: Elkwood Campground Day Use Area, Boulton Creek Campground and Boulton Bridge Day Use Area.
- Map: Download a copy of the Peter Lougheed Winter Trails Map
- Trail report: Alberta Parks
- Highlights: Views from Marl Lake west to Mount Indefatigable and east to the Opal Range
- Trail users: Mountain bikers and snowshoers are permitted
Where is the Frozen Toad Snowshoe Loop?
The Frozen Toad Loop is in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, approximately 55 km – 60 km south of the Trans-Canada Highway via Highways 40 and 742, depending on where you park.
Parking and Trailhead Information
There are two trailheads to access the Frozen Toad Loop snowshoe trail – the Boulton Creek Campground and the Elkwood Campground – Marl Lake parking lot shown here on Google.
From the Boulton Creek Campground parking lot snowshoe to the cross-country ski trail. Just off in the trees is the sign shown below. It’s only takes a few minutes to get to the trail.
In the Elkwood Campground area, park at the Marl Lake parking lot up from the Elkwood Amphitheatre. There is a maze of trails to navigate to reach the Frozen Toad Loop snowshoe – but it’s very doable. You will be adding around 3 km to your snowshoe outing.
Frozen Toad Trail Conditions and Difficulty
Save for one longer hill and a couple of short ones, you can look forward to an easy, flat snowshoe outing on the Frozen Toad loop. If it’s icy, switch to microspikes and use hiking poles for balance.
What to Expect on the Frozen Toad Snowshoe Loop
- From the winter parking lot near the Elkwood Amphitheatre we head out on the Elkwood – High Rockies Trail – on a not-so-interesting road through the forest passing turnoffs to three campground loops
- Reach the shores of Marl Lake and head right to snowshoe in a counterclockwise direction
- Cross the Wheeler ski trail and reach frozen marsh with lumpy, snow-covered vegetation and views towards Mount Indefatigable – a highlight of the day
- Cross meadows and/or marsh, see moose tracks and reach a road – the Whiskey Jack Trail
- After crossing the road, snowshoe parallel to Kananaskis Trail to arrive at the Boulton Creek Trading Post. Clear picnic table of snow and have lunch.
- Keep an eye out for snowshoe signage as you work your way through the Boulton area. There is good signage near the parking lot at Boulton Creek.
- Next up is the only big, sustained climb but for no more than 10 minutes
- Snowshoe a short section of the B loop – also part of the High Rockies Winter Trail – in the Boulton Campground area
- After crossing the Packers x-country ski trail snowshoe for a few beautiful kilometres through the forest parallel to a creek with views of Mount Wintour
- Cross the Amos x-country ski trail and in short order arrive on the shore of Marl Lake
- From Marl Lake you can head back to the parking lot from the first intersection you reach or continue to the second one and retrace your steps to the parking lot in the Elkwood area
- We took the first intersection and climbed up through a beautiful snowy forest to reach the Elkwood Loop Trail, following it back to the parking lot
Best Time to Snowshoe the Frozen Toad Trail
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park usually gets good snow early in the season starting sometime in December. It usually lasts until late March. You can get an idea of what the snow is like by checking the Alberta Parks trail report – or Skier Roger as it provides user generated up to date skiing conditions. At the vert least you’ll know the state of the snow.
Looking for more easy snowshoe trails? See my guide to snowshoeing in Banff National Park.
Do You Need Snowshoes or Microspikes
Snowshoes are great after a fresh snow and even if its packed down. But if it hasn’t snowed in a while, or if the trails have become icy thanks to warm days and cold nights, then microspikes like these ones by Canadian manufacturer Hillsound are the better option.
Safety Tips for Snowshoeing in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
In winter, you need to play it safe – with regards to weather, what you’ve packed and wildlife.
Weather
Temperatures in Alberta can go south in a hurry, so it pays to be prepared. Check the forecast before you go. If it’s heading south of -20C, it’s probably worth planning a different day.
What to pack
Always pack the hiking essentials and include the following.
- Layers of warm clothing made of wool or synthetics
- An extra pair of dry socks
- Winter hat and neck warmer
- Something hot to drink and high calorie food for energy
- A headlamp
- Sunscreen and lip balm with a high SPF
- A map on your phone or a paper map
- Toe warmers and handwarmers
- An emergency location device should you get into trouble like a Garmin InReach Mini 2
Wildlife
It’s a thrill to see wildlife – and judging by the tracks on the Frozen Toad loop, there is a lot going on. We saw fresh moose tracks and a place where one had bedded down for the night. If you see one, give it a wide berth. There were also snowshoe hare and coyote tracks.
Although it would be highly unusual to see a bear in winter, we’re now packing bear spray – just to be safe.
Interested in more snowshoe outings in Alberta?
- Sunshine Village’s Signature Snowshoeing Experience – Discover stunning alpine views on a guided snowshoe tour at Sunshine Village, Banff.
- Winter in Jasper – 20+ Fantastic Things to Do – A comprehensive guide to winter adventures in Jasper National Park, from ice walks, and snowshoe trails to skiing, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
- 8 of the Best Places to Snowshoe in Alberta – A handpicked list of the best places to snowshoe in Alberta, from easy forest trails to scenic mountain routes – all personally tested.
- Snowshoeing to Mountain Lakes in Kananaskis – Two beautiful snowshoe outings to frozen alpine lakes in Kananaskis with great mountain views.
- Snowshoeing the West Bragg Creek Trails, Alberta – Explore peaceful forested trails just outside Calgary, perfect for a winter day of snowshoeing.
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