Experience the Kananaskis Trail

The Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40), is one of the most scenic drives in the world and it slices through the heart of Kananaskis Country. Skirting gorgeous lakes and rivers, rising through high mountain passes, and meandering along the base of snow-smeared, soaring mountains, it serves up scintillating views throughout. While motorists who drive the 104 km long highway – from its junction at the Trans Canada Highway to the heights of the Highwood Pass and beyond – don’t actually have to get out of the comfort of their vehicle to appreciate the beauty, there are, not surprisingly, some awesome “off road” adventures along the way.

In the spring of 2013, Kananaskis, commonly referred to as “K Country,” was one of the hardest hit areas during Alberta’s devastating floods. Thanks to fast-melting snowpack and a massive storm, which dumped over 200 millimeters of rain in the region, many small creeks and tributaries became raging rivers. In terms of the devastation, one of the hardest hit areas was the Kananaskis Country Golf Course. But, thankfully, it has made an amazing comeback. And, without a doubt, it’s one of the top attractions along the Kananaskis Trail.

Highway through K- Country

Photo By: Andrew Penner

Located just a few minutes south of the village of Kananaskis, the Kananaskis Country Golf Course boasts two of the world’s most picturesque mountain golf courses. Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., both the Mount Lorette and Mount Kidd courses were obliterated during the flood. Thirty-three of the 36 holes were destroyed. However, after five long years, the wait is over. The restoration of these amazing mountain golf courses is now complete. Headed by Canmore architect Gary Browning, both of the courses reopened 2018 and divots are once again be flying on these legendary courses.

“It’s been an unforgettable journey for us,” says GM Darren Robinson. “From those early days when the devastation was so complete, to the uncertainty of what the future would be, to the years of reconstruction, and, finally, to where we are today, with these stunning golf courses so impeccably restored, it’s all surreal. The anticipation for the 2018 golf season was off the charts.” Having played the Mount Lorette course last fall in a media preview event, I can confidently state that people will be “wowed” by the “new” Kananaskis golf experience.

The par-5 9th on the “new” K-Country Golf Course

Photo By: Andrew Penner

Thanks to an extensive $38 million renovation, a “wow” factor is par for the course at neighbouring Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. An Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott, there are many highlights of this dazzling new mountain-surrounded retreat. In fact, people who have not visited this property for a few years will barely recognize it! It has truly become a worldclass hotel. With 247 renovated guest rooms and suites, five restaurants, and a world-class Nordic Spa, which includes five outdoor pools, six steam and sauna cabins, exfoliation room, salt-water float pool, and eight massage treatment rooms, guests will be pleasantly surprised with the amenities, modernization, and overall experience at this resort.

Located in the Kananaskis Village, the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is ideally situated for guests to immerse themselves in the outdoor recreation options here. Some of the most popular activities (for day-trippers and overnight guests alike) include horseback riding, hiking, biking, SUPing, and canoeing. If you need equipment or would like to embark on a fully-guided adventure, Kananaskis Outfitters is the place to go.

A family-run business opened in 2008, the friendly staff at Kananaskis Outfitters are experts when it comes to guiding intrepid explorers on some of the most exciting adventures available in Alberta. A few of their most popular excursions include guided hikes at Highwood Pass, canoeing on beautiful Barrier Lake, and horseback riding at the legendary Boundary Ranch, another nearby attraction that boasts western cookouts and memorable horseback riding adventures in K-Country.

Bikers along the Bill Milne trail near Kananaskis Village

Photo By: Andrew Penner

Naturally, with an abundance of wilderness to explore along the Kananaskis Valley Trail, the majority of visitors choose to embark on their own self-guided excursions into this gorgeous, unspoiled terrain. Many of the most picturesque spots along the highway – including Mt. Lorette Ponds, Wedge Pond, Galatea Lakes, and Elbow Lake, to name a few - have small parking lots where you can get out, take photos, and enjoy a half, full, or multi-day hike into the Canadian Rockies.

Regardless of which activities you choose along the Kananaskis Trail, the experience – and the drive! - is going to be beautiful.

Photos and Story By: Andrew Penner