Canoe Meadows

From the TransCanada Highway 76 km (47 miles) west of Calgary, Highway 40 branches south across open rangeland, entering Kananaskis Country beyond the boundary of the Stoney native reserve. The first worthwhile stop along this route is Canoe Meadows, a large day-use area above the sparkling Kananaskis River. Below the picnic area, white-water enthusiasts use a short stretch of river as a slalom course. Manmade obstacles and gates challenge recreational and racing kayakers, while upstream (around the first bend), the manmade Green Tongue creates a steep wave, allowing kayakers to remain in one spot, spinning and twisting while water rushes past them.