Canadian Tourism Commission
Driving through Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
Words by Jane Usher
The Kananaskis region is a destination that can offer days of enjoyment among some of the most scenic settings in Wild Rose Country. A testament to this is the area draws millions of visitors every year with its range of activities, accommodations, and untouched nature. While this region is occasionally bypassed on the Trans-Canada Highway for other popular attractions like Banff and Lake Louise, it shouldn’t be. It’s easily accessible, RV- friendly and the spectacular scenery will make you return for day trips, scenic driving tours, or full-on vacations.
What’s more interesting, is that you’ll likely come across many familiar settings. Kananaskis Country – or K-Country as it’s known by locals – has been the setting in many Hollywood films such as Interstellar, Inception, Legends of the Fall, The Unforgiven, and Brokeback Mountain, just to name a few. There are more than 20 standing movie sets just west of Calgary alone, which have been built and maintained on private property for more than 40 western productions.
Neil Zeller @neil_zee
A scenic setting near Bragg Creek among the Kananaskis Foothills.
You could spend any length of time in this region but if you’re short on time, it’s definitely worth the 336-plus km (about 209 mi) circle tour from Calgary and Bragg Creek, through the classic foothills and into the heart of the Rockies via interconnecting byways. This route offers a nice break from the Trans-Canada with great examples of why the area is considered so charming to visitors.
Calgary and Bragg Creek to Longview and Seebee
About 20 km (12.5 mi) west of Calgary, turn south on Highway 22, which is known as the Cowboy Trail, and make your way to Bragg Creek and the Provincial Park of the same name (approximately 8 km (5 mi) west of the town site on Highway 66). Located at the edge of the Kananaskis, this day-use park has a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and of special note is the hike to Elbow Falls. This easy, 1 km (.6 mi) trail leads along the Elbow River. It’s also paved, wheelchair accessible, and has picnic tables and fire pits for relaxing breaks.
Andrew Penner
The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site in Longview.
If you continue on Highway 66, just 20 minutes from Bragg Creek is Paddy’s Flat Campground in Elbow River Provincial Recreation Area. There are nearly 100 treed RV and tent sites plus a variety of interpretive trails that are accessible from the campground. Trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking are nearby.
Continuing west on the Cowboy Trail leads to the scenic communities of Turner Valley, Black Diamond, and Longview. It’s here where several of the local ranches were the locations of many films including Open Range. The cattle drive scenes were filmed on Nicoll Ranch at Jumping Pound Creek as well as the Turner and Hughes ranches in southwest Longview.
Stevin Tuchiwsky @stevint
Sheep River Provincial Park, which is just 23 km (14 mi) west of Turner Valley on Highway 546.
Making your way further west from Longview, Highway 541 changes to Highway 40 – known as the Kananaskis Trail - where you’ll pass grasslands, aspen parkland, tall dark forests, all the while climbing in elevation before being in the shadows of the Rockies and Kananaskis Country. For another hour or so (not including the stops to take a selfie or two), you’ll tour through spectacular scenery and a variety of provincial parks, including Peter Lougheed, Spray Valley, Bow Valley Wildland, and Elbow-Sheep Wildland.
While all of these parks are beautiful, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park highlights the neighbouring Lower and Upper Kananaskis lakes, which are easy to access. For instance, the Lower Lake Kananaskis Interpretive Trail is 6.6 km (4 mi), has an elevation gain of just 246 m (800 ft), offers excellent views, and is suitable for all ages. If you have time and are looking for a great day hike, the Upper Kananaskis Trail meanders to Upper Kananaskis Lake. Although relatively flat, the route is long at 15.7 km (9.7 mi) but it circumnavigates the lake and offers excellent views of Kananaskis and Sarrail falls.
Corey Myke
It’s worth the hike to Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Kananaskis Country is active with wildlife. Spotting bighorn sheep, deer, elk, or black and grizzly bears while driving, camping or hiking is common - bear safety measures should always be practiced.
If you continue on Highway 40, you’ll reach the Trans-Canada Highway near Seebee, where you can make your way back to Bragg Creek and Calgary, which is about 102 km (63 mi), or continue to Canmore, which is 26 km (16 mi) to the west with more outdoor activity and many commercial services. Another route to Canmore from Seebee is the 1A that is another scenic drive for more opportunities to enjoy this region in the Canadian Rockies.
For more details on the Kananaskis, area attractions and Alberta trip ideas visit travelalberta.ca
*In light of the current pandemic, always travel safe and do your part by following public health advice and the appropriate safety Covid-19 measures. It’s also advisable to check for modified operating hours of parks or local businesses before your departure.
Colin Way Travel Alberta
Try a round at the popular Kananaskis Country Golf Course.
There’s Even More to the Kananaskis…
Kananaskis Country Golf Course
For those who can’t get through a vacation without hitting the links, there’s the Kananaskis Country Golf Course. Tee up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains and enjoy your game on immaculate fairways, bent grass greens, and the challenging silica-sand bunkers. Of course, wildlife is also common and should always be given honour. The course has 36 holes with two layouts including Mt. Kidd and Mt. Lorette with lengths of 7,136 and 7,232 yards. www.kananaskisgolf.com
Hike Famous Mount Yamnuska
This is one of the most recognizable peaks in the first range of the Rockies. But if you panic when the words like ‘hike’ and ‘mountain’ are in the same sentence, don’t despair - it’s not as difficult as it sounds. At 7 km (4 mi), this hike takes about three to four hours and there are alternate trail options after the first 3.5 km (about 2 mi) that cater to hiking or endurance levels. Nonetheless, the view at the top is amazing.
Enjoy Beach Time at Quarry Lake
This reclaimed mining quarry is now a recreational park and popular location for those who enjoy afternoons swimming, laying on a beach, and just relaxing among towering mountain peaks. Pack a picnic lunch and of course, bring along a floatie to guarantee an even more enjoyable afternoon.
Sheep River Provincial Park
This is just one provincial park in the area and is located west of Turner Valley. It’s home to the Sheep River Wildlife Sanctuary where bighorn sheep live all year. Don’t be surprised to also see deer and elk. You can stay overnight or for a few days at the Sandy McNabb Campground, which has more than 100 treed sites for RVs and tents.