Kananaskis

Kananaskis Country is relatively new to the Provincial Parks, estated in 1977 as recreational playground for Albertans and their guests.  It offers spectacular hiking, two Robert Trent Jones golf courses, a five star hotel, one alpine ski resort, extensive horseback, mountain biking and 4WD trails. 

"K-Country" is a short 45 drive SW of Calgary in the rugged slopes of the Canadian Rockies.

This area is a well guarded treasure by Albertans.  Kananaskis Country is the eastern-most ranges of the Canadian Rockies Mountains located a little more than halfway from Calgary to Banff National Park and just 40 minutes from the TransCanada Highway.  The mountains of Kananaskis are towering peaks with rugged and jagged spines.  It is startling to visitors just how different these mountains are to the classic ridgelines of the Rockies main ranges.

Kananaskis has a single village area with limited services; 1 hotel and restaurants and eateries located within the hotels.  Day visitors and overnight guests are equally welcome to enjoy all the amenities.  Since the accommodation is limited, reservations are strongly encouraged to avoid
disappointment.  Because of its proximity to Calgary, Kananaskis Village can be a popular conference and meeting venue.

Although the village might sound small, there is an excellent choice of activities.  There are 2 quality golf courses that provide the quintessential mountain golf experience with impressive views from every tee box and even better, the green fees are quite reasonable priced compared to many of the
resort courses nearby.  There are some very rewarding hikes, if not challenging hikes and the mountain biking is also excellent with many flat trails available for less experienced riders.  In winter the bike trails become an extensive and maintained cross country ski trail network.  Downhill skiers have enjoyed Nakiska Ski Resort, site of the ski events for the 1988 Winter Olympics.

There are several drives to take that can be successful for wildlife viewing including the dirt trail that links Kananaskis and Canmore through the Spray Lakes Road.  This area can be especially good for spotting moose and grizzly bears.  If you do see these animals, do not leave your vehicle and give them the space they need.  Even if you are not lucky enough to view animals, you will be impressed by the striking mountainscape and beautiful lakes.  If you want to visit an area that isn't on the usual visitor itinerary, Kananaskis could be the hidden gem to include.

Map of Kananaskis