Kananaskis

Kananaskis Country is a sprawling park system covering over 4,000 square kilometers in the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Established in 1978, the area serves as an excellent, less crowded alternative to the nearby Banff National Park. The landscape is characterized by dense pine forests, pristine alpine lakes, and dramatic limestone peaks. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy an authentic wilderness experience here without navigating the heavy tourist traffic found in adjacent national parks. The region provides world-class outdoor recreation year-round. In the summer, hikers explore scenic trails like Ptarmigan Cirque, while climbers tackle the vertical faces of Mount Yamnuska. Winter transforms Kananaskis into a premier snow sports destination. The Nakiska Ski Area hosted the alpine events for the 1988 Winter Olympics, and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park features an extensive network of cross-country skiing trails. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with frequent sightings of bighorn sheep, elk, and occasionally grizzly bears along Highway 40. Located just a 45-minute drive west of Calgary, the area is easily accessible for day trips or extended stays. Accommodations range from backcountry campgrounds to the upscale Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, which features a highly popular Nordic spa. Late June through September provides the best conditions for hiking and camping, while December to March provides optimal snow coverage for winter sports.

Nearby cities

Lethbridge

Lethbridge is a southern Alberta city built around the Oldman River valley.

Red Deer

Red Deer is a central Alberta city between Calgary and Edmonton.

Airdrie

Airdrie sits just north of Calgary and has grown into a busy commuter city.

Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie is a growing city in northwestern Alberta and a key centre for the Peace region.

Fort McMurray

The urban service area for the oil sands region in Alberta.

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat is a southeastern Alberta city on the South Saskatchewan River.

St. Albert

An affluent suburban city northwest of Edmonton.

Banff / Canmore

Banff and Canmore are world-famous mountain towns in the Canadian Rockies, celebrated for their dramatic peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, …

Banff

Banff is a prominent resort town situated within the Banff National Park in Alberta, surrounded by towering peaks and outdoor adventures.

Fernie

Historic Fernie is nestled in the Elk Valley of the Rocky Mountains, renowned for its epic winter snowfall and Victorian charm.

Golden

Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, Golden is surrounded by six national parks.

Jasper

Jasper is a mountain town in the Canadian Rockies and the commercial center of the 11,000 square kilometer Jasper National Park.

Banff Upper Hot Springs / Radium Hot Springs

These historic thermal springs in the Canadian Rockies offer hot, mineral-rich pools set against a dramatic alpine backdrop.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a world-renowned hamlet in Banff National Park, famous for its striking turquoise lake and the Victoria Glacier.

Banff (Lake Minnewanka)

A premier alpine area within Banff National Park featuring skiing at Banff Sunshine and the glacial waters of Lake Minnewanka.

History & landmarks

Drumheller

The dinosaur capital of the world, located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands.

Peace Bridge (Calgary)

A distinctive pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Bow River.

Calgary Tower

A 191-metre observation tower in downtown Calgary.

Scotiabank Saddledome

An iconic arena in Calgary, known for its saddle-shaped roof.

Edmonton Funicular

An incline elevator that provides easy access between downtown Edmonton and the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Nature

Bow River

A river in Alberta that originates in the Rocky Mountains and flows through Calgary.

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Jasper National Park and one of the best-known landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.

More places

Mount Rundle

An iconic, wedge-shaped mountain overlooking Banff, one of the most photographed peaks.

Cascade Mountain

A massive mountain towering directly over the town of Banff, a classic postcard view.

Calaway Park

Calaway Park is a large family amusement park west of Calgary.

Mount Temple

A prominent mountain in Banff National Park, towering over the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Bar U Ranch

A National Historic Site showcasing the history of the ranching industry in Western Canada from its late 19th-century beginnings.

Glenbow Museum

An art and history museum in Calgary that documents the history of Western Canada.

Calgary Zoo

Canada's second-largest zoo, located on St.

Columbia Icefield

The largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains, feeding water into three different oceans.