As world leaders descend on the Canadian Rockies for the G7, all eyes turn to one of the country’s best adventure playgrounds — Kananaskis Country.
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Kananaskis Country—affectionately known as “K-Country”—offers incredible oudoor adventure and wilderness just an hour’s drive from Calgary. While Banff often steals the spotlight, Kananaskis quietly delivers some of the most authentic, crowd-free summer experiences in the Rockies. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a mountain biker, a paddler, or a climber, K-Country has a trail, a peak, or a lake with your name on it.
Hiking: Trails for Every Adventurer
Kananaskis has more than 4,000 square kilometres of wilderness, laced with an extensive network of trails. For those G7 world leaders and associated hangers-on looking for a moderate challenge with unforgettable views, Ptarmigan Cirque delivers high alpine beauty in under two hours. If you want something more rugged, Tent Ridge Horseshoe offers a thrilling ridge walk with sweeping panoramas of the Spray Valley.
For casual hikers, Elbow Lake and Grassi Lakes near Canmore are both accessible and picturesque with the former offering more challenging terrain. And for the ambitious, summiting Mount Allan or tackling the multi-day Northover Ridge Loop will test your limits and reward you with some of the most awe-inspiring views in the province.
Ptarmigan Cirque: This short but stunning hike begins at Highwood Pass, one of the highest paved roads in Canada. The trail meanders through alpine meadows and offers breathtaking views of jagged peaks and wildflowers. It’s a perfect spot for photography and wildlife spotting.
Tent Ridge Horseshoe: A moderate to challenging hike, this loop takes you along a ridge with panoramic views of the Spray Lakes and surrounding mountains. The route includes some scrambling, so it’s best suited for experienced hikers.
Mountain Biking: Singletrack Bliss
Kananaskis is incredible for the mountain bike set offering trails ranging from flowy forested singletrack rides to technical climbs. The West Bragg Creek trail network is a favourite, featuring classics like Sugar Daddy, Boundary Ridge, and Merlin View—perfect for an all-day ride with varied terrain.
For backcountry bikepacking, consider the High Rockies Trail, which runs more than 80 km from Goat Creek near Canmore to Elk Pass. You’ll wind through dense forests, over roaring rivers, and alongside turquoise lakes—all with that wild K-Country feeling.
Elbow Valley: For those looking for a mix of cross-country and technical trails, the Elbow Valley offers a variety of routes. The trails are less crowded, providing a more secluded riding experience.
Kananaskis Village: For beginners or those looking for a leisurely ride, the trails around Kananaskis Village offer easy rides with beautiful scenery. It’s a great place to start if you’re new to mountain biking.
Paddling & River Adventures: Lakes, Rivers & Surf
Summer in Kananaskis isn’t complete without time on the water. Barrier Lake, with its calm waters and stunning mountain backdrop, is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes offer tranquil paddling experiences with opportunities to spot loons, bald eagles, and the occasional moose drinking at the shore.
Whitewater more your speed? The Kananaskis River features beginner-friendly rapids and guided rafting trips that make for a thrilling half-day adventure.
Barrier Lake: This serene lake is perfect for a peaceful paddle. The calm waters and surrounding mountains create a picturesque setting. It’s also a great spot for paddleboarding, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes: These interconnected lakes offer a variety of paddling experiences. From calm waters perfect for beginners to areas with more challenging conditions, there’s something for everyone.
Kananaskis River: For those seeking adventure, the Kananaskis River offers Class II-III rapids suitable for beginners and intermediates. The river is dam-controlled, ensuring consistent water levels.
Rafting: Several companies offer guided rafting trips on the Kananaskis River. These trips provide an adrenaline rush as you navigate the rapids, with opportunities to surf the waves and even take a swim.
River Surfing: For experienced paddlers, the Kananaskis River offers opportunities for river surfing. The Canoe Meadows area features man-made waves like Santa Claus and Hollywood, ideal for practicing surfing techniques.
Climbing: Crags, Boulders & Big Walls
Kananaskis is a climber’s paradise, offering a variety of routes for all skill levels. From the towering walls of Yamnuskato the bouldering problems at White Buddha, there’s something for every climber.
Yamnuska: Known for its multi-pitch routes, Yamnuska offers challenging climbs with rewarding views. The 500-metre south-facing wall is a popular spot for experienced climbers.
Kid Goat and Nanny Goat: These crags on the southeast face of Goat Mountain offer moderate climbs. Nanny Goat requires some gear, making it suitable for trad climbers.
Barrier Crag: One of the larger crags in Kananaskis, Barrier offers more than 100 routes. The north end has multi-pitch gear routes, while the south end features sport climbs ranging from 5.9 to 5.12.
Cowbell Crag: An anomaly among the limestone crags, Cowbell is on a conglomerate bluff. The climbs are generally 5.10 and below, requiring gear for protection.
Prairie Creek: This steep, featured limestone cliff offers challenging climbs, mostly 5.11 and above. The north-facing aspect provides a breeze, making it a good choice for hot days.
White Buddha: Located south of Prairie Creek, White Buddha is a bouldering crag with problems ranging from V1 to V7. The problems finish at a line of jugs halfway up the cliff.
Camping & Wildlife Watching
Kananaskis is one of the best places in Alberta to see wildlife. Black bears, grizzlies, elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep all roam these hills. Dawn and dusk are the best times to catch a glimpse—just remember to keep a safe distance and carry bear spray.
When night falls, nothing beats a cozy campsite under the stars. Campgrounds like Elkwood, Interlakes, and Boulton Creek offer forested sites near lakes and trails. For those craving solitude, try a backcountry site like Forks Campground or Three Isle Lake—accessible only by foot, but well worth the hike.
For a more secluded experience, consider backcountry camping. Sites like Forks Campground and Three Isle Lake require a hike to reach but offer a peaceful setting away from the crowds.
Final Thoughts
So, while many will be focussed on politics, let’s take a moment to recognise one of Canada’s incredible outdoor meccas in Kananaskis Country. You’ll catch glimpse of its brilliance here and there this week, look further, and plan your next adventure getaway.
Leave a Reply