This Canadian Village Is A Mountainous Outdoor Haven That Rivals Banff National Park

There is a lot to explore in Canada's fourth-largest province. Alberta stretches more than 247,000 square miles and is covered with mountains, badlands, prairies, and forests. It's a lot to take in, and Canada prides itself on its conservationism and park system, which you can witness in Alberta's Banff National Park. Banff is the nation's first national park and a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's beautiful and expansive, but it also attracts a lot of tourists, especially in the warmer summer months. Fortunately, just an hour's drive away, there's Kananaskis Village, a community tucked into the mountains that offers outdoor thrills in every season. The village is home to the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, a four-star resort with lavish suites, dining, and a spa.

Kananaskis offers easy access to the stunning landscapes of the Canadian wilderness. While it's technically unincorporated, Kananaskis Village is certainly among the most beautiful places in Canada to visit. It's also a great way for the entire family to experience the best of the Canadian Rocky Mountains all in one place.

Kananaskis Mountain Village is remote, but it has everything tourists need for a comfortable wilderness experience. The village is part of what is called Kananaskis Country, which covers more than 1,500 square miles and features mountain summits with elevations of over 9,600 feet. You're not incorrect to think that's a lot of area to cover. Fortunately, the free Kananaskis shuttle bus runs year round, making hiking trails, golf courses, and waterways easily accessible. The service is provided by Explore Kananaskis and runs on a first come, first served basis. 

For those looking to add upscale dining to their mountain getaway, the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge resort offers a variety of options. The Blacktail Bar showcases craft cocktails at dinner, while the Forte Restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas. The resort's Canadian steakhouse, the Cedar Room, offers seasonal dishes, and Woody's Pub and Patio has pool tables and a scenic terrace. All restaurants offer views of the mountainous landscape as well as in-room dining options.

The Village Rim Trailhead is a short distance from the lodge, offering four official viewpoints of the village. The on-site Kananaskis Outfitters has bikes and snow equipment available to give guests a chance to explore other nearby trails like the Bill Milne Bike Path and Terrace Trail, both of which begin at the resort. While tourism thrives here, it's important to be aware of the common behavior tourists should avoid in Canada, such as exploring the wilderness without a map, which could be dangerous. After exploring the trails, the on-site Kananaskis Nordic Spa offers plenty of opportunities to relax. The 50,000-square-foot facility has five steam and sauna cabins, five outdoor pools, a relaxation lodge, lounges with crackling fires, and an on-site eatery. Massage and exfoliation treatments are also available by appointment.

While the Kananaskis Country region is vast, the mountain village is only a 75-minute car ride from Calgary International Airport (YYC). The village resort rose to popularity in 1988, when the Winter Olympics were held within Kananaskis Country. Facilities built for the Olympics are still in use, providing just some of the many ways to enjoy this Canadian wilderness playground.

Skiing is a beloved pastime in the Kananaskis Country region, and the Nakiska Ski Area is just a five-minute ride from the comforts of the resort. This complex was not only built for the Olympic games, but with the needs of future visitors in mind. If you're deciding whether skiing or snowboarding is easier to learn, many slopes are geared toward beginner or intermediate-level guests. A few other routes are dedicated to the more experienced. Plus, Nakiska Ski Area uses a state-of-the-art snowmaking system to ensure fresh powder all season long.

The Kananaskis Mountain Village is open year-round, offering hiking trails in warmer months and downhill sports in the winter, along with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. All vehicles parked in the area must obtain a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, which are available online or at visitor information centers in the region. Staying at the mountain lodge can be quite pricey, and if you'd prefer to save some money on accommodations, some nearby towns may offer more budget-friendly options, such as Canmore or Dead Man's Flats.