TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Kulvir J | Mount Royal University | Photo by Katherine Mary Govier
Kananaskis Country is often kept as a secret mountain sanctuary for locals away from the masses that visit neighbouring Banff National Park.
It was officially dedicated as a protected area in 1978, a place where Albertans and visitors from all around the world can enjoy nature, renew one’s spirit and reconnect with the wilderness. Almost every outdoor enthusiast will be able to enjoy activities in all seasons.
Photos and videos: Vlad Umnov
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. But curious observers are welcome to watch safely from the water’s edge.
Photo: Vlad Umnov
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. This beautiful portion of the Kananaskis River has been featured in several Hollywood films.
Photo: Vlad Umnov
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 views can vary depending on your route, but you’ll come across many overlooks that offer gorgeous views of the lake or surrounding area. Do carry bear spray, especially in the dawn and dusk when bears are active in this prime bear country!
Photos and video: Vlad Umnov
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. The Kananaskis Forest Experimental Station near Seebe was founded as a part of this initiative.
In 1939, the site was adapted for use as Kananaskis Internment Camp #130, a prison camp for civilian internees and enemy merchant seamen. Two years later, the site was enlarged and fortified for use as prisoners of war camp.
The camp detained combat officer personnel from late 1942 until 1946 when the camp closed. During their time in detention, the internees cleared the valley that now forms the bed of Barrier Lake.
The Colonel’s Cabin served as the Camp Commandant’s quarters.
Photos: Vlad Umnov
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.
Photo: Vlad Umnov
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.
The ponds are stocked each summer, making this a popular fishing location for anglers of all ages and abilities.
There are a few tables for family picnics here.
Photos and videos: Vlad Umnov
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.
A true wilderness getaway for families, friends, and couples, surrounded by Canada’s Rocky Mountains and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Photo: Vlad Umnov
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? Troll Falls is often completed as an out-and-back trip but can be combined with the Hay Meadows trail, which starts at the northeast corner of this trailhead.
Photo and video: Vlad Umnov
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.
Catch this incredible natural migration in Kananaskis with the Rocky Mountain Eagle Research Foundation’s Eagle Watch.
Photos: Vlad Umnov, By Giles Laurent – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=120444128
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!
For those not so inclined to ski or snowboard, the resort also features tubing.
Photos: Vlad Umnov, jockrutherford from Owen Sound, ON – Nakiska Ski Area, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89140323
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.
Photos: Vlad Umnov
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. You can follow the hydrotherapy cycle for three to four circuits to experience the full benefits of hydrotherapy, which relaxes the body and the mind.
The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is an adults-only facility. However, there are babysitting and childcare options for spa guests with children.
The tours by Kananaskis Outfitters are designed to provide an exceptional experience for guests of all ages and abilities. Whether you decide to go in summer or winter, the local experts with eight years of guiding in the valley will deliver high-quality, educational, interactive and exciting experiences. There are many tours ranging from land to water and group to private to customized. A stargazing tour for sure seems like an incredible and eye-opening adventure.
You can even rent quality sports equipment in summer and winter.
Photo: https://kananaskisoutfitters.com/tours/stargazing-tour/Â
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. Exciting events, such as BBQs, staged gunfights, wild west rodeos, wagon or sleigh rides, and much more, are designed to meet the guests’ needs.
Complete this adventure by seeing the Western Entertainment Center open year-round.
Photos: https://boundaryranch.com/photo-gallery/#Â Â
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.
The golf course is especially scenic, too, and a must-see for the golfer in the area. Escape to beautiful views of meandering rivers, towering mountains, and lush forests while you play.
Photos: Vlad Umnov
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. There are also a few picnic tables, so bring some treats to enjoy.
The Loop Trail is a short, scenic hike that circles Wedge Pond. There are many options for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. You will need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.
Photos: Emmy Lou Fontanilla, Karen Berg, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/wedge-pond-loop-trail/photosÂ
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.
The lake is also famous for hiking paths surrounding the lake and cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
Photos: Vlad Umnov
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.
Photo and video: Vlad Umnov
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.
Your walk can be completed in only minutes, but take your time and explore this unique place.
Photo: Vlad Umnov
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.
Be ready for rain: the weather can change rapidly at these high elevations.
Photo and video: Vlad Umnov
Don’t be surprised when you drive down Highway 40 and see many cows around. They graze during the day, mostly without people.
When Kananaskis Country was established in 1978, this area was assigned a multi-use land designation, which included cattle grazing, logging, oil and gas exploration, and recreation. Cattle grazing along the Eastern slopes of the Rockies has been a part of Alberta’s history for several generations.
Photos: Vlad Umnov
