KANANASKIS COUNTRY

Lying along the east side of the Continental Divide south of Banff National Park and less than one hour’s drive from Calgary, this sprawling 4,250-square-km (1,640-square-mile) area of the Canadian Rockies (pronounced can-AN-a-skiss) has been extraordinarily successful in balancing the needs of the 2.4 million outdoor enthusiasts who visit annually while keeping the region in a relatively natural state. Although the area lacks the famous lakes and glaciated peaks of Banff and Jasper National Parks, the landscape rivals those parks in many ways. As well as the areas set aside for recreation, large tracts of land give full protection to wildlife. Throughout Kananaskis Country, wildlife is abundant and opportunities for observation of larger mammals are superb.
  Kananaskis Country encompasses seven provincial parks, 1,300 km (800 miles) of hiking trails, a complex network of bike paths, areas for horseback riding (and some for ATVs), a world-class 36-hole golf course, boat and bike rentals, and 30 lakes stocked annually with more than 150,000 fish. The downhill-skiing events of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games were held here at the specially developed Nakiska alpine resort, which is now open to the public. Deeper in the mountains, Fortress Mountain provides more downhill skiing and boarding. Meanwhile, Nordic skiers can glide over hundreds of cross-country skiing trails in the region.

Canoe Meadows: This is a groovy little spot to make a stop right beside the highway into Kananaskis Country. Even if kayakers aren’t doing their stuff down the manmade rapids, the sparkling waters of the Kananaskis River are worth admiring. (read more)

Kananaskis Country Golf Course: Non-golfers won’t be too impressed, but if you do golf and plan on playing just one round in the Canadian Rockies, book a tee time here. (read more)

Highwood Pass: In Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, you’ll find one of the only places in the Canadian Rockies where you can drive to an area of alpine meadows. (read more)

Rawson Lake: Hikers visit for a variety of reasons—to go fishing, to admire the wildflowers, or simply to soak up magnificent mountain scenery. Regardless of your own interests, add this destination to your hiking agenda. (read more)

Bragg Creek: This picturesque hamlet was discovered years ago by Calgarians. Join them browsing the many galleries and taking lunch at an outdoor café. (read more)