Kananaskis Country — "K-Country" to locals — is a vast network of provincial parks and recreation areas stretching south and east of Banff National Park. It offers the same spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery as Banff with a fraction of the crowds, no park entry fees (just a conservation pass), and a more rugged, wilderness-focused character.
Getting There
Kananaskis is about 45–90 minutes from Banff. The main access routes are:
- Highway 1 east to Highway 40 south: The main route into Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
- Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail Road (Highway 742): A gravel road from Canmore directly into K-Country. More scenic but slower
Kananaskis Conservation Pass
- Daily pass: $15 per vehicle
- Annual pass: $90 per vehicle
- Purchase online through the Alberta Parks website before you arrive
Top Day Trip Activities
Hike to Rawson Lake
A 7.8 km moderate hike to a stunning alpine lake tucked beneath the towering walls of Mount Sarrail. The trail starts from the Upper Kananaskis Lake parking area and climbs through forest before emerging at the lake.
Chester Lake
A beautiful 10 km return hike through meadows to an alpine lake surrounded by larches. In late September, the golden larch trees here rival anything in Banff.
Ptarmigan Cirque
A short but steep 4.5 km loop above Highwood Pass — the highest paved road in Canada. The trail climbs into an alpine cirque bursting with wildflowers in summer.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa
Combine a morning hike with an afternoon at the Nordic Spa — outdoor hydrotherapy pools surrounded by forest and mountain views. Book in advance.
Wedge Pond
A picturesque pond just off Highway 40 with a short walking trail and one of the most photographed views in K-Country — Mount Kidd reflected in the water.
Wildlife
K-Country is excellent for wildlife viewing. The area is home to grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and wolves. Highway 40 through Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is one of the best wildlife-viewing corridors in the Rockies.
Practical Tips
- Pack a lunch: Very few services in K-Country — bring all food and water
- Gas up: Fill your tank in Canmore or Banff before heading out
- Cell service: Extremely limited. Download maps and trail info offline
- Highway 40 closure: The southern section (Highwood Pass) is closed December 1 to June 14 to protect wildlife
- Bear safety: Carry bear spray on all hikes. Grizzly encounters are more common here than in Banff
Return to Banff for the evening — book your stay on Expedia. Explore guided tours and adventures for more activities.