Kananaskis, Alberta

Kananaskis refers to a large multi-use mountainous region in Alberta in the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies west of the city of Calgary. The area contains multiple provincial parks, recreation areas and a small village hub for visitors.

Outdoor recreation opportunities are the main draw - miles of hiking and biking trails, alpine lakes and mountain vistas, established campgrounds and winter snow-sport facilities. The landscape ranges from montane forests in valley bottoms to rugged peaks and alpine meadows.

Land in the region has been managed for a mix of recreation, conservation and resource use; over time provincial authorities developed park infrastructure, trail networks and visitor services to support year-round outdoor recreation.

The Kananaskis region occupies the foothills and front ranges of the Canadian Rockies in southwestern Alberta, positioned west of Calgary and east of the higher central Rockies.

• Primary activities: Activities across the area include hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, horseback riding and downhill or cross-country skiing depending on season.
• Wildlife note: Wildlife such as elk, deer and bears inhabit the region, so standard backcountry safety and food-storage practices are important.

What to See #

• Peter Lougheed Provincial Park: A provincially designated park known for alpine lakes, backcountry trails and mountaineering routes, popular for summer hiking and winter snow sports.
• Kananaskis Village: A small built-up service area that provides lodging, restaurants and trailhead access for the surrounding parks and recreation areas.
• Spray Valley Provincial Park: A valley park with extensive trail systems and river corridors used for hiking, cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing.