Kananaskis

Kananaskis is a popular provincial park located in the Canadian Rockies, within Alberta’s Kananaskis Country region. Situated approximately 100 kilometers west of Calgary, the park spans over 490,000 hectares (1,210,000 acres), making it one of the largest protected areas in the province. Kananaskis offers diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, alpine meadows, forests, and pristine lakes, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The park is renowned for its hiking trails, which range from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks, such as the popular **Spray Lakes Trail** and the **Kananaskis Rim Trail**. It also features world-class mountain biking routes, including the **Kananaskis Mountain Bike Park**, which attracts enthusiasts from around the globe. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing, with groomed trails and designated areas for backcountry exploration.

Kananaskis is home to abundant wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and grizzly bears, as well as a variety of bird species. The park’s ecosystems support diverse flora, with subalpine forests, alpine tundra, and riparian zones contributing to its ecological richness. Conservation efforts in the area focus on protecting wildlife habitats and maintaining sustainable recreation practices.

Accessible via Highway 40, Kananaskis offers several entry points, including the towns of Canmore and Banff to the east and the smaller community of Spray Lakes to the west. The park is managed by Alberta Environment and Parks, which oversees visitor access, trail maintenance, and environmental protection. Kananaskis remains a favored destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking a connection to Alberta’s stunning wilderness.