Kananaskis
Kananaskis is a remote spot full of magnificent mountain ranges providing endless possibilities for hiking, cycling, or practicing water sports. While the area doesn’t have a town like popular destinations such as Banff and Canmore, do, if you are looking for somewhere remote, it’s the ideal place. This secluded area does attract more bears, so be sure to purchase and bring bear spray for any of your adventures. Also, oddly enough, a friend of a friend thought that bear spray worked in an equivalent way to bug spray. Fortunately, these friends discovered that bear spray is used on bears ONLY, and not humans! I genuinely love the Kananaskis area and hope to explore more this summer. Also, try to pick up a map at the visitor center. If you are anything like me and rely on GPS, be forewarned that cellphone service in this area is limited or non-existent. To help maintain the parks, you must pay a fee for the Kananaskis conservation pass, which you can purchase online. This is a fee that is paid per car, not per person.
1. Drive through the Scenic Mountains
Even if you aren’t super athletic, driving through the mountains is enjoyable, and there are plenty of places to stop for photos or enjoy an outdoor meal.
2. Go for a Hike at Barrier Lake
I’ll admit I have yet to do too many hikes in this area, but Barrier Lake is a great spot to stop; if you don’t want to venture up the mountain slope, simply walking around the turquoise water pool is enchanting enough. This is a wide path and a relatively easy hike, so it suits a group. The trek starts with a little to see, but the view of Barrier Lake at the top is epic.
Distance: 7.7 km
Difficulty rating: 6
Time: 2 hours
3. Enjoy the Nordic Spa at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Who doesn’t love a few hours of self-care? What better place than right in the middle of the mountains! Plan a massage and enjoy the health benefits of hydrotherapy at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
4. Catch up with Friends
Is there someone you haven’t seen for awhile? If you can, treat yourself to a stay at this relaxing mountain-encompassed hotel. Book a massage or treatment in their Nordic Spa and submerge yourself in the cold and hot therapy pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Sit by the fire and roast marshmallows at night.
I’ve taken both families and friends to enjoy this hotel and had a blast!
5. Hike Ribbon Falls
This is an easy and peaceful loop.
Distance: 5.6 km
Difficulty rating: 3
Time: 2 hours
6. Lounge at Lower Lake Kananaskis
You pack, eagerly await the long car drive, and finally arrive in the mountains. Full of trail mix and jerky, you spend days charging up mountains like a pro. The next day, you are a little sunburned and a little tired. It’s always lovely to sandwich a recovery day for travel. Sometimes we need to travel for rest. Heading to a lake with a cooler, book, and floatie is equally as enjoyable as burning the rubber of your sturdy hiking boots.
7. Practise Water Sports at Lower Lake Kananaskis
A hot day is best paired with a refreshing plunge into the water. In fact, getting into a body of cold water stimulates dopamine release. As a lover of warm weather, I used to loathe getting into cold water and now find it as stimulating as a shot of espresso.
8. Go Glamping At Sundance Lodges
I loved staying in a canvas tent at the Sundance by Basecamp. They have camping, canvas tent, and teepees with kerosene heaters. It’s what I consider “glamping”. It’s a wonderful place if you want the camping experience but don’t have the gear or energy to acquire it. Their main administration building provides cooking equipment (for a fee) if you need it and showers.
9. Hike Troll Falls
An easy, quick hike, nice to do after or before a long car ride to stretch the legs. Easy out and back flat trail for any fitness level.
Time: 1 Hour
Distance: 3.4 KM
Difficulty Rating: 2
10. Hike Mount Yamanuska
This is challenging hike to complete, so if you are full of energy and enjoy a challenge, this may be an ideal venture to try.
Difficulty: 8
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 9 KM
11. Practise White Water Sports
This post was only supposed to be ten things to do, but this is another unique option to explore. I am not adventurous enough to practice extreme sports, but if you are into white water kayaking or rafting, there’s an opportunity to do so.
Several companies offer rafting trips in the Kananaskis area:
Summary
Oh, and if all these activities have made you hungry, please check out the Kananaski Dining Guide!
There’s really something for everyone in Kananaskis. I hope this post has inspired you to visit this serene destination, and if you have favorite hikes in the area, I’d love to hear about them! And if you are looking for more places with fun mountain adventures, check out my post on Waterton, Alberta.
UNANCHORED EVE 