Overview
Kananaskis Country is a network of provincial parks and wilderness areas in the Rockies, just west of Calgary. It is much less visited than nearby Banff, with a mix of turquoise lakes, steep ridges, forest and mountain meadows, and it is popular with locals for hiking, cycling and skiing.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is the centrepiece, with the Upper and Lower Kananaskis lakes beneath tall peaks. The Highwood Pass, at 2,206 m, is the highest paved pass in Canada and is closed in winter. Wildlife is plentiful, including bighorn sheep, moose and bears.
Highlights
- Upper Kananaskis Lake and its lakeshore trails
- Highwood Pass, the highest paved pass in Canada
- Wildlife, including bighorn sheep and moose
- Walks and cycling routes near Kananaskis Village and Canmore
Best time to visit
Late June to September is best, as the Highwood Pass road is normally closed from early December to mid-June. Larches turn gold in late September. Winter is good for skiing and snowshoeing in the lower valleys.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Good
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Calgary (YYC), then drive about an hour and a half to Kananaskis Village, or two hours to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Public transport is limited, so a car is the easiest option. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is needed for vehicles.
What to expect
Easy to moderate. Trails range from short lakeshore walks to demanding mountain routes. Bear spray and bear awareness are important. Facilities are simpler than in the national parks.
Practical tips
- Buy the Kananaskis Conservation Pass online before you go.
- Check the Highwood Pass opening date and road conditions.
- Carry bear spray and make noise on trails.
- Fill up with fuel in Canmore or Calgary, as stations are limited.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kananaskis from Calgary?
About 90 minutes to Kananaskis Village and a little more to the Kananaskis lakes.
When is the Highwood Pass open?
Usually from mid-June to early December, depending on snow.
Is it better than Banff?
It is quieter and less developed. Banff has more facilities and more famous sights.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Khoshhat (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
