It's time to explore Kananaskis
Kananaskis is a playground of unfiltered wilderness that surrounds the town of Canmore and runs alongside Banff National Park. It’s known for its untamed mountain vibe and raw beauty, offering countless ways to explore, recharge, and connect with nature.
Location and Landscape
Kananaskis Country spans more than 4,000 sq km (1,544 sq mi) of protected parks, wildland areas, and recreation zones along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies. Its landscapes range from rolling foothills to alpine peaks, with lakes, rivers, and valleys offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Quick Facts
- Geographic Location: Just over an hour west of Calgary, bordering Banff National Park and the town of Canmore.
- Area Size: 4,000 sq km (1,544 sq mi) of parks and protected lands.
- Elevation: Summits reach up to 2,936 m (9,633 ft).
- Parks & Recreation Areas: More than 10 provincial parks, wildland parks, and ecological reserves, plus numerous recreation zones.
- Trails: Over 150 official hiking trails, from family-friendly walks to multi-day backcountry routes.
- Activities: Hiking, cycling, paddling, climbing, camping, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing across all four seasons.
Landmarks and Attractions
Kananaskis is defined by its dramatic landscapes and iconic peaks. These are some of the natural landmarks that make the region unforgettable:
- The Three Sisters Mountains: Iconic peaks that define the skyline of the Bow Valley and symbolize the region.
- Mount Joffre: The tallest summit in Kananaskis, towering at 3,450 meters (11,319 feet).
- Highwood Pass: Canada’s highest paved road, offering dramatic scenery and access to alpine trails.
- Barrier Lake, Spray Lakes, and Kananaskis Lakes: Glacier-fed lakes ideal for paddling, fishing, and scenic rest stops.
- Signature Hikes: Trails like Ha Ling Peak, Grassi Lakes Trail, Troll Falls, Rawson Lake, and Tent Ridge showcase waterfalls, alpine meadows, and rugged ridgelines.
History and Geology
Kananaskis’ limestone peaks were shaped over 200 million years, carved by glaciers during the last ice age, and still hold fossils from ancient seas. Humans have lived in the region since 4,500 BC, with deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Stoney and Blackfoot First Nations.
One of the great explorers of the Canadian Rockies, Captain John Palliser, named the area on an expedition more than 150 years ago. He chose the name Kananaskis, derived from the name “Kin-e-a-kis,” an Indigenous warrior who survived an axe blow to the head spurred by a fight to win the attention of a woman.
In the 20th century, political debates about what to do with this formidable area gave way to negotiations on conversation. Former Premier Peter Lougheed flew over this vast wilderness in a helicopter and was inspired to preserve the landscape and fragile ecosystem. He declared the space as protected in 1978. Today, Kananaskis Country refers to as a vast network of parks and reserves, spanning 4,000 sq km (1,544 sq mi).
About Canmore
Learn about Canmore, a quaint and vibrant mountain town in the midst of the mountains of Kananaskis.