Mount Lorette Ponds

Elevation: 1414 m
Elevation Gain: N/A
Named for nearby Mount Lorette, the Lorette Ponds are a string of 5 shallow lakes near the Kananaskis Village. The ponds were originally an oxbow of the Kananaskis River, however, they were cut off from their source by the construction of Highway 40. Following their isolation, the ponds were deepened and stocked with rainbow trout to make them suitable for anglers. The name Lorette is a tribute to Canadian troops who distinguished themselves during WWI’s Battle of Lorette in northeast France.
My Ascents:
October 17 2020
Trailhead: Lorette Ponds Day Use Area

As a child, I remember being under the distinct impression that the 2 most important days of the year were Christmas and my birthday (in no specific order). I think most kids would agree with that assessment. Heck, I know adults that still feel that way. It’s human nature to want attention (and gifts!) from those that you love and birthdays and Christmas are occasions where our loved ones go out of their way to make the day special for us.

With COVID-19 doing its best to rain-out everyone’s special days in 2020, Brianne and I were determined to find a way to make our little Ms. Mera’s 5th birthday special for her. There would be no party filled with hyperactive kindergartners this year; no blowing out candles (droplets!); even the fire truck visits of the spring had stopped as the pandemic shifted from horrifying 2-week lockdown to constant daily suck. With limited options, we decided to book a Kananaskis hotel room to take advantage of their fun, kid-friendly amenities. As we drove west (racing an impending blizzard), we ate pizza in the car and told Mera that we were going somewhere special to spend the whole weekend celebrating her birthday. Her 5th birthday wasn’t going to be typical but it was definitely going to be all about her (except for the staying in the mountains part – I may have had a hand in making that happen)!

LEFT: After a “special” night staying up late and watching movies in our hotel room, we woke (early, of course) and went for a walk to see just how bad the previous night’s blizzard had been. If I was greeted by this amount of fresh snow on my birthday, I’d be surly but, for Mera, it was an opportunity to frolic, slip, slide and play.
RIGHT: Since we were in the mountains, Mera decided to make avalanches on the local playground.

LEFT: After a morning filled with play, hot chocolate (and lattes for the adults), we braved the icy roads since little sister Penny NEEDED a nap (and that wasn’t going to happen in the hotel room)! After dozing for 40 minutes on Highway 40, we stopped at the Lorette Ponds since no Hobbs birthday celebration would be complete without a “hike!”
RIGHT: Someone was much happier after her nap!

The calm after the (snow) storm: a wintry mountain scene reflects in the pond's still waters.

All of the birthday party attendees: Penny, Mom, Mera, Dad and, even, Mount Lorette.

LEFT AND RIGHT: Penny takes advantage of the abundant, fresh snow. During our last hike (2 weeks earlier), we’d considered swimming in Lillian Lake to cool off. Thanks to Alberta’s fall weather, that was no longer a concern this weekend!

With a return distance of 1.1 km and an elevation gain of (essentially) nil, the Lorette Ponds punched above their weight when it came to mountain scenery. Offering fine views of nearby Mount Lorette (left) and Mary Barclay’s Mountain (right), they’re a great place to stretch your legs if you’re driving through K-Country. Click to see larger.

Taking in the view north towards Mary Barclay’s Mountain on a dock near the end of the Lorette Ponds loop.

Hiking along a dock with freezing open water below and slippery winter conditions above. What could possibly go wrong? Penny sure wanted to find out…

LEFT: Sister hugs and hikes are 2 of the key ingredients in any successful birthday celebration. 😍
RIGHT: Scenic and snowy views towards Wasootch Peak as the storm clouds swirl and break overhead.

LEFT: After working up an appetite on our mighty “hike,” we made our way back to the Kananaskis Lodge for Mera’s grand birthday dinner. Even though her mac & cheese already came with ice cream, our waitress brought her a fancy piece of “birthday cake” as well. Obviously, being given 2 desserts made this the “best birthday ever!” 🍰
RIGHT: Walking off our dessert(s) and warming up around a roaring fire after dinner. 🔥

LA PIECE DE RESISTANCE! You’ll come to the Kananaskis Lodge for the mountain views but you’ll stay for the “beaver waterpark” (if you’re 5 years-old)!!! Definitely the best birthday ever for Ms. Mera (even if she did get a little water up her nose).

Warming up in the hot tub after a day filled with mountain walks, playgrounds, double-dessert, blizzards and waterslides.

LEFT AND RIGHT: Thanks to a well-timed blizzard, Mera and Penny found creative ways to avoid overheating in the toasty hot tub! They’re definitely Daddy’s girls! ❄️

All tuckered out after a full day of birthday adventures. A special thanks to the staff at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge for making our little girl feel special and for making us feel safe in the midst of a global pandemic. Thanks also to the Moores’ for suggesting the Kananaskis Lodge when Brianne and I were looking for ways to make Mera’s 5th birthday special!

BEST – BIRTHDAY – EVER!!!