Kananaskis Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Kananaskis Country is often whispered about by locals as the “real” Rockies, a place where the mountains feel wilder and the silence deeper than its famous neighbours. While Banff draws the international bus tours, Kananaskis remains the playground of those who seek solitude among the summits. It is a land of stark contrasts, where manicured golf courses sit in the shadow of limestone giants, and where you are just as likely to spot a moose wading in a marsh as you are to see a luxury sports car navigating the winding roads.

Stretching over 4,000 square kilometres of foothills and front ranges, this region is a conservation success story that balances recreation with rugged wilderness. Whether you are soaking in the steam of a Nordic spa while snowflakes fall around you, or scrambling up a scree slope to catch a sunrise over the prairies, Kananaskis offers an intimacy with nature that is becoming increasingly rare. It is not just a park; it is a feeling of being small in a vast, ancient landscape.

A Legacy of Recreation

Unlike the National Parks which were established primarily for tourism and preservation, Kananaskis Country was designated by the Alberta government in the late 1970s specifically as a multi-use recreation area. This unique designation allows for a wider variety of activities, including horseback riding and backcountry camping, while maintaining strict environmental protections. The region gained global fame when it hosted the alpine skiing events of the 1988 Winter Olympics at Nakiska, a legacy that continues today with world-class grooming and facilities that serve as the training ground for future champions.

Culturally, the land has deep significance. It falls within the traditional territories of the Stoney Nakoda, Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations, as well as the Tsuut’ina and Métis. The name “Kananaskis” itself is derived from the name of a Cree warrior, Kin-e-ah-kis, who survived a hatchet blow to the head, a testament to the resilience that this rugged terrain demands of those who traverse it.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Kananaskis Nordic Spa - A 50,000 sq. ft. indoor-outdoor sanctuary featuring hydrotherapy pools, steam cabins, and saunas. Prices start around $90 CAD depending on the day.

Barrier Lake - One of the most accessible and beautiful reservoirs in the area, offering a hiking trail to a fire lookout (12 km return) and a boat launch for kayakers.

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park - Located 50 km south of the Trans-Canada Highway, this park-within-a-park features massive peaks and the glistening Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes.

Highwood Pass - Driving Highway 40 to the highest paved pass in Canada (2,206m) is a bucket-list experience, offering access to high-alpine meadows just steps from your car.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Kananaskis is straightforward but requires a vehicle. It is approximately a 1-hour drive (100 km) west of Calgary International Airport (YYC) via the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 40 South. There is no public transit system within the park, so a rental car is essential. Make sure to purchase your daily or annual Kananaskis Conservation Pass online before you arrive, as license plates are scanned digitally for compliance.

When packing, think layers. Mountain weather is notoriously fickle; a sunny July morning can turn into a hail storm by lunch. Even in summer, bring a fleece and a rain shell. If you are visiting in winter, your vehicle must have winter tires or mud/snow tires, as conditions on Highway 40 can be treacherous. Finally, always carry bear spray on your person (not in your bag) and know how to use it, wildlife encounters are common and respecting their space is paramount.

Kananaskis is a destination that rewards the prepared traveler with moments of profound beauty. Whether you are watching the morning mist rise off the Kananaskis River or enjoying a post-hike fondue by a roaring fire, the memories made here are as enduring as the mountains themselves.