How to Spend a Day in Alberta's Kananaskis Country
Updated: April 19, 2023
Written by
AAA Inspector 450
Summer action abounds with horseback riding, white-water rafting, golfing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking and fishing, all of which can make for an adventure-packed day. And the winter has no shortage of activities either; skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling are among the options. For the more adventurous, there is skijoring (a skier being pulled by a horse or a dog), fat biking and ice climbing.
There are plenty of tour companies offering a variety of activities in the area. The family-run Boundary Ranch and Guinn Outfitters, located just a few kilometers from Kananaskis Village, is noted for horseback riding, but they offer all kinds of packages and adventure travel experiences.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
How to Spend a Summer Day in Kananaskis Country
• Option No. 1: Start the morning with a round of golf at the Kananaskis Country Golf Course. Have lunch at the clubhouse, then walk to the viewpoint at Kananaskis Village. Head to Boundary Ranch for a horseback ride in the afternoon.
• Option No. 2: Double down at Boundary Ranch with a horseback ride in the morning and an afternoon white-water rafting adventure. Barbecue lunch is included.
• Option No. 3: Do the easy and picturesque hike (about 4 km) to Troll Falls near Nakiska, or take the Lake Trail along the north side of Barrier Lake. There are a plethora of other nearby hikes including challenging options that involve rock climbing. Get a picnic lunch at the Market Café in the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge or at the concessions in the Village Center. After lunch, rent a bike at Kananaskis Outfitters and follow the paved 10-km (6.2 mi.) route to Wedge Pond (or ask them about some of the more challenging bike trails).
• Bonus things to do: Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard from Barrier Lake Boat Rentals.
The Perfect Winter Day in Kananaskis Country
• Option No. 1: Spend the morning cross-country skiing on the trails at Ribbon Creek or Evan-Thomas and Wedge Pond. Have lunch at the stylish Blacktail Bar in the lobby of the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge before indulging in a massage and taking in the hydrotherapy at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
• Option No. 2: Enjoy a full day of skiing and snowboarding at Nakiska Ski Resort.
GETTING THERE
Take Trans-Canada Hwy. 1 west to Hwy. 40 (exit 118), then travel south 23 km (14.3 mi.) to turn off for Kananaskis Village.
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AAA Inspector 450
AAA Inspector 450 is an AAA Travel Expert.