2 minute read
Experience Kananaskis Country
On September 22nd, 1978, Premier Peter Lougheed officially dedicated Kananaskis Country and Kananaskis Provincial Park (now Peter Lougheed Provincial Park), as a place where all visitors could enjoy outdoor recreation.
Half an hour west of Calgary, this 4,200 sq. km recreation area quickly became a cherished location for Albertans to hike, ride, and be active on the eastern slopes of the central Rockies, year-round. Since then, and especially after the ‘88 Olympics, it has grown into a place where people from around the world come to enjoy wildland recreation. It’s a place to renew your spirit and reconnect with wilderness.
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The name Kananaskis was chosen 161 years ago to name the lakes, valley, and river visited by Captain John Palliser on his expedition through the area. The name comes from the Cree ‘Kin-e-a-kis’, said to be the name of a warrior who survived an axe blow to the head. Archaeological evidence of human use goes back 8000 years, and the Stoney-Nakoda, Siksika, Blood, and Kootenai First Nations all have deep connection here.
Kananaskis Country was first identified as a place worthy of being preserved, more than a century ago. In 1902, parts were included in the Rocky Mountain National Park (now Banff National Park), but they were removed in 1911 and eventually turned over to the Alberta Government in 1930.
Photo Courtesy of Jonah Alvarez
Bow Valley and Bragg Creek Provincial Parks were created in 1959 and 1960 and remain popular places to visit. In 1972, the Alberta Wilderness Association proposed a wilderness area in the Elbow, Sheep, and Kananaskis Valleys. That same year the Environment Conservation Authority identified a need to set aside this area to protect watersheds and to provide resource development and recreation opportunities.
The mountains were formed about 200 million years ago as tectonic plates forced layers of rock to pile, break, and fold into mountains. The rock itself, mainly limestone, comes from layers of fossilized sea creatures that lived hundreds of millions of years ago in an inland sea that covered southern Alberta. The evidence is seen in ancient coral reefs, oyster beds, and shark teeth throughout the area.
When you visit the area, anticipate comfortable facilities, such as the Canmore Nordic Centre (see pg 52-54) and the William Watson Lodge, (see pg 61) vibrant education and interpretive programs, and a continued commitment to public safety and wildlife management.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Info Centres can provide you with more information about trails and activities. Explore the area’s spectacular landscape. Help to preserve Kananaskis Country for the next generation by minimizing your impact. Be safe and enjoy your visit!
