Kananaskis Country / Kananaskis Valley

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-war

Kananaskis 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.