Kananaskis Country
A vast mountain area between Banff and Calgary, quieter than the national parks. Popular spots include the Kananaskis Nordic Spa and Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Kananaskis Country lies southeast of Banff National Park and is a group of provincial parks. Its mountain and lake scenery rivals Banff's, but it has far fewer visitors. Popular destinations include the Kananaskis Nordic Spa in the Kananaskis village, with outdoor hot pools and saunas, which has become a sensation for soaking in the snow in winter and requires advance booking. Other highlights are the loop trails around Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes and the Highwood Pass alpine meadows, open from mid-June to late November, where the larches turn gold in autumn. You need to buy a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, which is not valid in Banff National Park. From Banff, take Highway 1 and then Highway 40 for about one hour. There is no public transport, so you will need to drive.
Opening hours
Open all day (spa approx. 09:00–21:00)
Nearby sights
- Canmore
- Grassi Lakes
- Banff Hoodoos Viewpoint
- Two Jack Lake
- Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain)
- Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Lake Minnewanka
- Fairmont Banff Springs