Kananaskis | Alberta - 1000 Towns of Canada

Top 23 Places to Visit in

Kananaskis | Alberta

The page created by Kulvir J | Mount Royal University | Photo by Katherine Mary Govier

Region:

Kananaskis Country

Known For:

Kananaskis Village | Hiking & backcountry trails | Wildlife | Alpine lakes | Less-crowded Rockies alternative

Best For:

Hiking | Wilderness Escapes | Scenic Drives | Quiet Mountain Trips

Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country is often kept as a secret mountain sanctuary for locals away from the masses that visit neighbouring Banff National Park.

Canoe Meadows

OutdoorSelfie Spot

Scenic spot This area is coveted by water sports enthusiasts for its easy access to the Kananaskis River. No matter what the weather, you can see boaters launching and landing their crafts. This course is not recommended for beginners due to the advanced grade of the rapids.

Widowmaker

OutdoorSelfie Spot

Despite its ominous name, Widowmaker Day Use is a popular destination for kayakers and canoeists, who may be seen on the river’s edge getting ready to plunge into the rapids below or navigating the river itself.

Barrier Lake

OutdoorSelfie Spot

This picturesque lake (really not a lake but a reservoir) is popular for kayaking & paddleboarding & surrounded by hiking trails. You’ll find the best time to visit this area is March through November.

The Colonel’s Cabin

History

In 1934, the Canadian government established the National Forestry Program under the supervision of the Department of Defence. The program was designed to provide work for unemployed single men during the Great Depression.

Wasootch Ridge Trailhead

OutdoorSelfie Spot

Enjoy this 13.4-km out-and-back trail. This is a trendy area for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing. The best times to visit this trail are April through October.

Mount Lorette Ponds

OutdoorSelfie Spot

Situated at a bend in the Kananaskis River and named for the peak to the north, these three engineered ponds are an excellent place for viewing the spring and fall migration of birds, such as Canada geese, ospreys, and golden eagles.

Sundance By Basecamp

Stay

Closed for winter Sundance By Basecamp, previously known as Sundance Lodges, offers a glamping experience in trapper’s tents and tipis in the heart of Kananaskis Country overlooking the Kananaskis River.

Troll Falls

OutdoorSelfie Spot

Troll Falls is a short, family-friendly trail that meanders through aspen forest and concludes at a surprising waterfall – can you spot the troll in the rock formations?

Golden Eagle Migration Observation Site

Outdoor

For the casual bird watcher or ornithologist, the Golden Eagle Migration is an incredible spectacle to witness. During the Fall and Spring, Golden Eagles – these magnificent birds of prey – migrate between Canada and the Northern United States.

Nakiska Ski Area

Outdoor

Nakiska Ski Resort is a great resort to visit whether you are an aspiring skier or an avid snowboarder. This resort is set on Mount Allan and features 64 trails to explore. Having opened rather recently in 1986, this resort was the site for skiing events of the 1988 Winter Olympics set in Alberta!

Kananaskis Village

Outdoor

Kananaskis Village is a resort community. It features hotel-style accommodation and numerous amenities. The village was the host of the 28th G8 summit in 2002 and will be the host of the 51st G7 summit in 2025.

Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Stay

Pamper yourself at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, which is committed to your wellness and to evoking rejuvenation through the setting to the amenities. There are many facilities and massage treatments to choose from. Relax in the Saunas; indulge in Exfoliation Cabin treatments; or cacoon in a Hammock.

Kananaskis Outfitters

Outdoor

The tours by Kananaskis Outfitters are designed to provide an exceptional experience for guests of all ages and abilities.

Boundary Ranch

Kids & FamilyOutdoor

Discover the magnificent Canadian Rockies on a horseback trail ride in captivating nature with family and friends! There are shorter and longer routes. Boundary Ranch is ideal for riders of all levels and experiences six years and older.

Summit Restaurant

FoodSelfie Spot

Kananaskis Country Golf Course Dine on the picturesque terrace of Summit Restaurant at Kananaskis Country Golf Course! Enjoy your meal in front of Mount Kidd and Mount Lorette. We promise you will not forget it for a long time.

Wedge Pond

Outdoor

If the kids want to splash and play in the water, this small pond is the perfect place. It is located just beyond Kananaskis Village on Highway 40. While the pond isn’t as warm as a swimming pool, you can still spread a blanket and relax by the shore while your little ones play nearby.

Lower Kananaskis Lake

OutdoorSelfie Spot

Lower Kananaskis Lake is a natural lake that was turned into a reservoir. The lake is part of a series of natural and man-made reservoirs in the Kananaskis used for hydroelectric power, flood control, and water reserves.

Elbow Pass

OutdoorSelfie Spot

A short but steep walk leads you to picturesque Elbow Lake and its backcountry campground. Lying cradled in Elbow Pass, this height of land separates the Kananaskis and Elbow drainages. The Rae Glacier, nestled high on Mount Rae, slowly melts to fill Elbow Lake and the Elbow River.

Rock Glacier

OutdoorSelfie Spot

Welcome to the threshold of the Kananaskis Alpine zone! This short walk will introduce you to a river of moving rock, some plants native to arctic Canada, an animal that seldom moves more than 10 m from this jumble of rock and the magnificent alpine environment of Kananaskis Country.

Highwood Pass

OutdoorSelfie Spot

Highest Paved Pass in Canada At 2206 m above sea level, Highwood Pass is the highest driveable pass in Canada. Walk this .5 km trail over the pass. You will travel into the past of this alpine area to gain insights about its future.

Mount Armstrong

OutdoorSelfie Spot

British Columbia Stay on your way on Highway 40 to enjoy the view of Mount Armstrong – it is on British Columbia land.  Photo and video: Vlad Umnov

Mountain Cows

HistoryOutdoor

Don't be surprised when you drive down Highway 40 and see many cows around. They graze during the day, mostly without people.