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Kananaskis: Spectacular Scenery & an Outdoor-Lover’s Paradise
Kananaskis, also known as Kananaskis
Country, is a destination where year round activities, adventures
and inspiring natural beauty make an indelible impression on those who visit.
In the summer alpine meadows spill down the craggy peaks of the Rocky
Mountains of Alberta,
Canada. Campers, hikers
and bikers drawn into the rugged peaceful surroundings are met by countryside
bejeweled with crystal icy rivers, fresh alpine air, and meadows that teem
with brilliant wild flowers. Winter brings skiers and other adventurers
who derive great pleasure in the white frozen beauty of the Rockies. Regardless
of the season and whether visitors experience Kananaskis on a day trip,
"rough it" in a two-man tent, or relax in luxurious first class accommodation,
the joy and splendour of Kananaskis Country is revealed to all who venture
into it.
Transportation
Kananaskis, a 4250 sq km (2665 mi) area, is located 90 km (56 mi) west of
Calgary adjacent the
south eastern corner of Banff
National Park . Kananaskis Country includes the provincial parks
of Bow Valley, Bragg Creek, Peter
Lougheed and Elbow/Sheep Wildland. There is year round highway access
to the Kananaskis area from Highway 1, (Trans Canada Highway) then south
on Highway 40. During the summer months Highway 40 is open from the town
of Longview through to the Trans Canada (Highway 1) - but from fall until
late spring a middle segment of Highway 40 closes. The best form of transportation
to get to Kananaskis is by motor vehicle. Having a vehicle allows for the
spontaneity to stop at appealing areas such as picnic spots, waterfalls,
paths or perhaps at a road side stop to view a grizzly bear that has wandered
down from the mountains. There are also some charter
bus services available.
Riding
in K - Country.
Once in Kananaskis the best form of transportation
is the one that brings the most delight - be it skis, hiking boots, a river
raft or a trusty steed. The Barrier Lake Visitor Information Centre on Highway
40 and the Peter Lougheed Visitor Information Centre in Peter Lougheed Park are open year round and are a valuable resource. They are staffed with
knowledgeable people who answer questions, give out maps, guides and up-to-date
trail conditions. Trails can be closed in the winter due to treacherous
weather conditions and in the summer trails can be closed due to bear activity.
Stopping to "check out the trails" is a year-round recommendation.
History
Eons ago in the Bow Valley, glaciers reached out with icy fingers to carve
the mountain peaks and valleys that define Kananaskis Country. Several sites
of archaeological importance have been excavated revealing artifacts from
as far back as 4500 B.C. People have enjoyed the beauty and bounty of Kananaskis
since a time in history that reaches back to before the Egyptians were building
pyramids. The Neolithic native people, the First Nations people and early
settlers all used the area as a passage way from the mountains to the prairies.
Early in the 18th century Kananaskis was controlled by the Blackfoot, Peigan
and the Sarcee. Since the mid nineteenth century the Stoney people have
lived in the Kananaskis area. Present day Stoneys use the area for gathering
herbs and berries, to hunt, fish, trap and for camping. It is also a place
for spiritual connections and rituals. The Kananaskis area was named by
John Palliser, an early explorer to the area. Legend has it that a man named
Kananaskis, who was in the area, suffered a severe axe blow to the head.
Kananaskis was fortunate. Not only did he have a remarkable recovery, he
also had a magnificent valley named after him.
Climate
The cliched advice that "when in the Rockies if you don't like the weather
wait five minutes and it will change" is advice that though slightly exaggerated
does have some credibility. Dressing in layers is the recommended clothing
strategy for the Rockies - year round. It is handy to have a pack so one
can add or subtract clothing as needed. Always have an extra layer, even
in the summer and keep in mind that evenings always cool down. Chinooks
are a southern Alberta favourite that can turn an ice cold -20 ºC (-2 ºF)
day into a balmy snow melting day within the hour. Chinooks are warm winds
that blow in from the coast. As the winds blow up the mountains, precipitation
is gathered and then released in the mountains as rain or snow . The winds,
now bereft of precipitation, are dry. This dry air blows down the mountains
and the air is warmed. Average temperatures from the Barrier Lake Visitor
Information Centre.
Temperatures
in Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis Village
Kananaskis Village, set deep in the forest, is a year-round resort area
where visitors can set out to explore Kananaskis Country from the comfort
of a luxury hotel.
The village is made up of two hotels as well as shops,
restaurant
facilities, equipment rentals, and an information desk with maps and trail
information. A short drive down the road is the Kananaskis
Country Golf Course. This world class par 72 golf course has spectacular
scenery on more than 16 acres of land. Nearby Nakiska
Resort on Mount Allan draws skiers in the winter and hikers and
bikers in the summer.
Skiing - Downhill
Downhill skiers and snowboarders flock to Kananaskis. Nakiska, the downhill
ski resort that was created for the downhill events of the 1988 Winter Olympics,
is located near Kananaskis Village. Its close proximity to Kananaskis Village
and to Calgary makes Nakiska a popular ski destination. Further afield,
powder lovers can spend a day on the slopes at either Sunshine
Village or Norquay,
both located near Banff
and Canmore.
Skiing - Cross Country
Cross
country skiing is at its best in Kananaskis. Most of the trails
are located in the western area where snow is abundant. Scores of maintained
ski tracks are ready for the skiers challenge. Ribbon Creek area has several
trails that are linked to Kananaskis Village and to Ribbon Creek Hostel.
Skiing the trails, without having to drive in the car first, is a special
treat for people who overnight at one of these places.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park offers long loops of trails for different
skill levels. This network of adjoining loop trails allow skiers added flexibility.
The visitor centre has an information desk, a little museum and comfortable
chairs with a fabulous view of the valley - a wonderful place for skiers
to warm up and settle in for a lunch break. The facilities at Peter Lougheed
Provincial Park make it particularly family friendly. The Smith-Dorian Trail
provides a variety of loop trails for beginners and experts. The Mount Shark
Trail is used early and late in the season for races when the Canmore
Nordic Centre does not have adequate conditions. Although these
challenging trails are occasionally groomed with a track set device, the
skier may be required to "break trail" creating their own paths as they
ski. The visitor information centres have maps of the various areas with
valuable information regarding trail safety, location, length and level
of difficulty. The trails in Kananaskis are almost endless and can be explored
and enjoyed by skiers of all ages and abilities.
Biking
Biking
in Kananaskis Country
Splendid biking opportunities exist in Kananaskis. Miles of paved bike paths
wind through the valley beckoning bikers of all ages to pedal forth. A lovely
biking opportunity exists in K-Country in May to early June while the middle
section of Highway 40 is still closed for the winter. Since the highway
is closed to cars, bikers can ride side by side along the paved road enjoying
the scenery without worrying about cars. For the more adventurous mountain
biker, back trails are waiting to put biking abilities to the test.
Hiking
Wander down a woodland trail, touch the clear icy water of a mountain creek,
smell the fresh pungent aroma of juniper, scramble up the scree of a mountainside
- hiking is glorious in Kananaskis for hikers of all ages and abilities.
The variety of hikes available is incredible. Take a woodland hike west
of Bragg Creek
or climb up, up, up on the Indefatigueable Trail near Kananaskis Lakes.
A short hike that is appropriate for the whole family is Troll Falls. From
the parking lot at Nakiska, this hike is at most an hour long and hikers
are rewarded with a beautiful water fall at the end of the trail. There
are numerous hikes of different lengths, difficulty and terrain. The information
centres in Kananaskis have maps and reports concerning all of the trails.
Camping
Enjoying
the Campfire
There is something special about sitting around a campfire at night. Mesmerizing
flames crackle and dance sharing warmth with the campers of today as they
shared warmth with the Neolithic campers of 4000 years ago. To people so
used to the lights of the city, the black darkness in the mountains makes
star gazing a rare treat. The diamond stars in the infinite black of the
night stretch the imagination, making one feel small yet part of something
magnificent.
Camping season is June, July and August - however there are some campers
who venture out in the shoulder seasons as well. Camping
is popular in Kananaskis. Armed with a tent, a tent trailer, or a full scale
luxury recreational vehicle, many people enjoy the close contact with nature
that camping provides. There are several different places to camp in the
Kananaskis. Mount
Kidd is a private campground with lots of amenities. The higher
altitude Boulton
Creek is set deep in a forest, while Lake Kananaskis has camp sites
near the water. For true backpackers, there are camping places that can
only be accessed after a long hike. Camping is a splendid way to experience
and appreciate the gifts of nature in the mountains both in the light of
day and the dark of night.
Trail Safety
Trails are monitored for bear activity and it is not unusual for trails
to be closed if bears are in the vicinity.
Check in with one of the information centres before hiking.
Never approach or feed wildlife.
Read material regarding safety and animal encounters.
Carry enough water.
Although the water in the creeks looks crystal clear it is not safe
to drink. If you must drink the water is should be boiled for at least
5 minutes.
Do not hike alone.
Make noise while you hike, sing wear a bear bell, talk…
Dress in layers and remember to pack along a warm layer.
Ticks can be a nuisance in the spring. Wear repellant, long sleeve
shirts, socks, long pants and a hat. Check yourself for ticks after
hiking.
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