Kananaskis Country: Alberta's Hidden Gem — A Guide to Hiking, Biking, Skiing & Kananaskis Village
Kananaskis Country is a network of provincial parks and public land in the Canadian Rockies, roughly 90 to 110 kilometres from Calgary. It draws hikers, mountain bikers, anglers and skiers year-round, centred around Kananaskis Village and the surrounding peaks of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. This guide covers what to actually do once you're there, and how Red Mile Limousine Services provides a private transfer from Calgary International Airport (YYC) so getting there is as easy as being there.
Hiking & Biking
Trails for every level, from Troll Falls to alpine ascents.
Fishing
Upper & Lower Kananaskis Lakes, popular for trout.
Nakiska Skiing
The 1988 Olympic alpine venue, closest resort to Calgary.
Kananaskis Village
Lodges, dining and the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
Getting to Kananaskis Country
Getting to Kananaskis Country from Calgary is part of the appeal — the drive winds through stunning mountain scenery on Highway 1 and Highway 40. Full distance and drive-time details are covered in our Calgary to Kananaskis distance guide. For those flying in, Red Mile Limousine Services provides a private transfer directly from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to any Kananaskis lodge or trailhead — no rental car, no navigating an unfamiliar mountain highway. See our full Kananaskis transportation page to book.
Hiking in Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis Country has one of the densest trail networks in the Canadian Rockies, with routes for every skill level. Popular options near Kananaskis Village include the short, family-friendly walk to Troll Falls, the moderate climb to Ha Ling Peak overlooking the Bow Valley, and the alpine meadows of Ptarmigan Cirque along Highway 40. Further into Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Chester Lake and the Upper Kananaskis Lake trail offer full-day options with dramatic mountain and glacier views. Trailheads are well signed, but conditions and closures shift with the season — check current trail reports before setting out.
Mountain Biking
Kananaskis Village and the surrounding valley have a growing network of purpose-built and multi-use biking trails, ranging from gentle valley-floor routes to technical singletrack climbing into the foothills. Many trails connect directly to the village, so it's possible to ride straight from your lodge. Bike rentals are available seasonally in the village for visitors who don't bring their own.
Fishing
The Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, along with the Kananaskis River and its tributaries, are popular fishing spots for rainbow trout, bull trout and lake trout. An Alberta angling licence and awareness of catch-and-release regulations for certain species are required. Fishing here pairs naturally with a day trip into Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, where the lakes sit at the heart of the park.
Kananaskis Village & Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Kananaskis Village is the accommodation and dining hub of Kananaskis Country, anchored by Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and the Basecamp Kananaskis area. The village sits at the base of Mount Kidd and is the starting point for most hiking, biking and Nordic ski trails in the immediate area. It's also home to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, one of the most visited spa destinations in Alberta, along with several restaurants and cafés serving the valley.
Nakiska Skiing
Nakiska Ski Resort, built for the 1988 Winter Olympics alpine events, sits on the eastern slope of Mount Allan within Kananaskis Country and is the closest ski resort to Calgary — closer than any of the Banff-area mountains. Kananaskis Village itself also has an extensive network of groomed cross-country and Nordic ski trails, making the area a genuine winter destination and not just a summer one.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is the largest protected area within Kananaskis Country, centred on the Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. It offers some of the region's most rewarding hiking, paddling and wildlife viewing, along with backcountry campgrounds for multi-day trips. The park sits roughly 20 to 30 kilometres beyond Kananaskis Village, extending the drive from Calgary slightly further.
Wildlife Viewing
Kananaskis Country is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and sightings of elk, bighorn sheep, deer and occasionally black or grizzly bears are common along trails and roadways. Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife, and consider a guided tour for expert insight and safety tips.
Dining & Accommodations
After a day outdoors, Kananaskis Village offers everything from casual cafés to upscale dining featuring locally sourced ingredients. Accommodations range from luxury rooms at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and Basecamp Kananaskis to rustic cabins and campgrounds throughout the wider Kananaskis Country area.
Book your private transfer into Kananaskis Country
Direct transportation from Calgary Airport to Kananaskis Village, Nakiska or Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. View our rates and request a quote.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) offers the best hiking, biking and fishing conditions with long daylight hours. Winter (December to March) is ideal for Nakiska skiing, snowshoeing and Nordic Spa visits. Kananaskis Country is genuinely a year-round destination — each season offers a different experience.
Why Choose Red Mile for Your Kananaskis Trip
- Private transfer direct from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Kananaskis Village, Nakiska or Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
- Room for hiking packs, bikes, skis and fishing equipment in our luxury SUVs
- Fixed pricing — no surge fees, no per-kilometre surprises
- Mountain-trained chauffeurs experienced with Highway 40 year-round
- Group and corporate transportation for retreats at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
- Child seats and 24/7 availability, every day of the year
Connected Destinations
Many visitors combine Kananaskis Country with a wider Rocky Mountain trip. Use the guides below to plan connected transfers.
Kananaskis Country — Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kananaskis Country?
Kananaskis Country is a stunning outdoor recreation area located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, approximately 90 to 110 kilometres from Calgary. It offers a diverse landscape of mountains, forests and lakes across a network of provincial parks and public land.
What activities can I do in Kananaskis Country?
Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, canoeing, wildlife viewing and golf throughout the year, depending on the season.
Is there an entrance fee to access Kananaskis Country?
Yes. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is a per-vehicle parking pass required by the Government of Alberta whenever a vehicle parks at a provincial park or public land site within Kananaskis Country. Requirements and pricing can change, so confirm current details on the official Alberta.ca Kananaskis Conservation Pass page.
When is the best time to visit Kananaskis Country?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) offers the best hiking and biking conditions, while winter (December to March) is best for skiing at Nakiska, snowshoeing and Nordic Spa visits.
Are there accommodations available in Kananaskis Country?
Yes. Kananaskis Village is home to Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and Basecamp Kananaskis, with additional options ranging from rustic cabins and campgrounds to full-service hotels and lodges catering to different budgets.
Can I bring my dog to Kananaskis Country?
Yes, dogs are allowed in many areas of Kananaskis Country but must be kept on a leash at all times. Check specific trail regulations before visiting, as some areas have seasonal wildlife closures.
What should I wear when exploring Kananaskis Country?
Dressing in layers is recommended due to changing mountain weather conditions. Sturdy footwear appropriate for hiking or your chosen activity is essential, along with rain or wind protection even in summer.
How do I get to Kananaskis Country from Calgary?
The easiest way is to take Highway 1 (Trans-Canada) west toward Canmore, then follow Highway 40 south directly into Kananaskis Country. Red Mile Limousine Services also provides private transfers from Calgary and Calgary International Airport (YYC) directly to any Kananaskis lodge or trailhead.
Is Kananaskis good for beginner hikers?
Yes. Kananaskis Country has trails suited to every skill level, from short, flat interpretive walks near Kananaskis Village to challenging multi-hour ascents. Trailheads are well signed and popular beginner routes include Troll Falls and parts of the Kananaskis Village trail network.
Can I ski in Kananaskis Country?
Yes. Nakiska Ski Resort, the 1988 Winter Olympics alpine venue, operates in Kananaskis Country and is the closest ski resort to Calgary. Kananaskis Village also has extensive cross-country and Nordic ski trails.
Does Red Mile Limousine provide private transportation to Kananaskis Village?
Yes. Red Mile Limousine Services provides private, chauffeur-driven transportation from Calgary and Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Kananaskis Village, Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Nakiska Ski Resort and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, with fixed pricing and year-round mountain-trained chauffeurs.
