Kananaskis Country Attractions
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After leaving Calgary and traveling about 80 km (50 mi.) west along the four-lane TransCanada Highway 1, there is a turn-off south on Highway 40 into some most charming countryside known as Kananaskis Country, and the unspoiled Kananaskis Valley, a favorite spot for walkers in summer. A short way from the junction is the Alberta Center, which provides information and maps.Some 8 km (5 mi.) further on lies "Colonel's Cabin", a Second World War prisoner-of-war camp, with a watch-tower and the commandant's hut still preserved. Historical photographs may be seen. The dam across Barrier Lake was also constructed by German prisoners-of-warKananaskis Country is also bear country and hikers or mountain bikers should be aware of bears in the area. Information is usually available at the visitor centres.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park - known as Kananaskis Provincial Park until 1985 - forms the very heart of the Kananaskis region and where elk, Wapiti deer, thick-horned sheep, mountain-goats, beaver, grizzly and black bears, pumas and wolves may all be encountered. It covers 508 sq. km (196 sq. mi.), which makes it the largest provincial park in Alberta. In summer especially many adventurous holiday-makers are attracted here by the superb mountain scenery, traversed by various trails and dotted with numerous high lakes. Well worthwhile is the detour to the Park Visitor Center at the northern end of Lower Kananaskis Lake. Various exhibitions and slide-shows give an insight into the geography and history of the Kananaskis region. Board and lodging is available in nearby William Watson Lodge. A number of interesting trails and instructional paths start from here, including Boulton Creek Trail, Kananaskis Canyon Trail and Rock Wall Trail. The road leading to the park ends at Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Smith-Dorrien Trail System
The trail known as the Smith-Dorrien Trail leads southwards through magnificent and wild mountain country to Spray Lake Reservoir and to Highway 40 in the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.The Smith-Dorrien Trail system is a popular area in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park with hikers, cross country skiers and mountain bikers. The area is a fun place to explore in summer or winter.
Kananaskis, Canada
Some 22 km (14 mi.) south of the TransCanada Highway and by Ribbon Creek 4 km (21/2 mi.) away stretches the holiday resort of Kananaskis Village comprising a number of hotels, condos, shops and restaurants.The area is popular for conferences and corporate events. It is also a good base from which to explore some of the surrounding areas or do day hikes.A rather special kind of attraction is the Kananaskis Country Golf Course, laid out almost 1500 m (4900 ft) above sea-level. Elk can often be seen, and sometimes hard to miss, wandering around the golf course.
Nakiska
Just outside of Kananaskis Village is the ski hill of Nakiska. Reputed for being a family hill, Nakiska offers a large variety of runs.A fine view opens up of Mt Allan, more than 2800 m (9200 ft) high, on the side of which can be seen the ski-slope laid down for the Alpine competitions. In only two years an international skiing region was created from a veritable wilderness; at the foot was built "Nakiska" (Indian for "meeting-point"), with lift-stations, a ski-school and ski-hire, and a cafeteria.
Fortress Mountain (Closed)
THE SKI HILL HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE 2006 WITH NO DATE SET FOR RE-OPENING.
