You Need to Road Trip through Kananaskis Country. Here's Why.
Kananaskis Country is actually a conglomerate of 11 different Provincial Parks within Alberta and actually a shorter drive from Calgary than to Banff! If you haven't had Kananaskis on your radar before, I hope these 5 reasons put the wheels in motion to extend your Canadian vacation and to explore some of the areas that make up the beautiful Kananaskis region.
1. Scenery
Mind you there are a lot of places here in Canada that boast incredible views, but there is something about Kananaskis Country that makes it a little different. Almost every time I stop along Highway 40 there is something new to discover and the best part of all is you don't have to hike very far (if at all) to discover them. There is not a lot of places that can be so serene and breathtaking from a roadside lookout.
2. Camping
There is no shortage of camping along the Kananaskis Trail. Whether you're an RV'er or backcountry tenter there are plenty of options for you to set up your own slice of heaven. One of my favorite spots for backcountry tenting is PickleJar Lakes where you can fish cutthroat trout and camp beneath the Rocky Peaks.
3. Wildlife
It's no surprise that the animals in the Rocky Mountains give the word "wild" new meaning, but what sets it apart from the rest is the high chance of seeing wildlife. Maybe I am just lucky, but almost every time I've been to Kananaskis I've come across some amazing creatures. Whether it's pika's, marmots, big horn sheep or elk there is everything you've come to expect from the Rockies here and then more. It's also the only place I've seen a grizzly bear.
4. Photography
If you're a photography nut, especially of the outdoor kind, you will love it here! From night shots above Barrier Lake to long exposures of the countless waterfalls, there is enough here to keep you up at night when you're not dreaming of those "perfect" shots.
5. Diversity of Activities
Kananaskis has it all. Whether you're a hiker, biker, kayaker, rafter, canoer, camper, snowshoer, or anybody else I didn't mention, chances are you can find something to tickle your fancy here. You would be hard pressed to find better mountain biking trails at Bragg Creek and Moose Mountain and make sure to check out Merlin View trail if you do.
There you have it! Make sure you put Kananaskis Country on your list this summer and get out and explore the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Rockies.
