Best Things to Do in Kananaskis Country: 13 Experiences You Can’t Miss

Mountain Adventures For Every Pace

In Kananaskis, the hardest part isn’t finding something to do. It’s deciding what to do first. The list of things to do in Kananaskis is much longer than the number of days most people have to explore.

Ironically, I only ended up in Kananaskis because I couldn’t find a campsite in any of the nearby national parks. We wanted a weekend in the mountains, So we “settled” for Kananaskis and headed out knowing almost nothing about the region except that it was close to Banff and still had campsites available.

What we found was a mountain playground of turquoise lakes, scenic drives, wildlife sightings, quiet day use areas, and some of the best hiking in the Canadian Rockies. Since that first visit, I’ve returned again and again to discover more of what Kananaskis has to offer.

Some days that has meant challenging hikes like Tent Ridge, Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge, or exploring some of the region’s best larch hikes as the mountains turn shades of gold each September. Other days it has meant spotting bighorn sheep from the roadside, cooking supper beside Upper Kananaskis Lake, or exploring some of the day use areas.

If you’re still deciding where to stay, when to visit, or how to plan your trip, my Kananaskis travel guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

Whether you’re looking to hike to an alpine lake, spend a day paddling, relax at the spa, cast a fishing line, or simply enjoy time in the mountains, these are the best things to do in Kananaskis.

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1. Hit the trails

Hiking is one of the biggest reasons people visit Kananaskis. With over a thousand kilometres of trails ranging from easy waterfall walks to challenging summit scrambles, there is an adventure here for every ability level.

One day you might find yourself wandering through a golden larch forest, while the next has you standing beside an alpine lake or looking out across endless mountain ridges. Some trails, like Grassi Lakes, can be completed in an hour or two, while others easily fill an entire day.

If you’re looking for inspiration, some of the region’s most iconic hikes are worth adding to your list, while those willing to venture a little farther from the crowds will find plenty of quieter trails that offer solitude and opportunities for reflection.

Kananaskis is bear country and knowing bear safety is essential.

2. Drive Highway 40

If you’re looking for something a little slower paced, Take a drive down HIghway 40.

The highway winds through mountain valleys, alongside rushing rivers, and past some of the most beautiful scenery in Kananaskis.

This is also one of the best places to spot wildlife, including big horn sheep, mountain goats, bears, elk, and deer. If you see a line of stopped vehicles, it’s usually wildlife on or beside the highway.

There are also some beautiful day use areas like Mount Lorette, Barrier Lake, and Wedge Pond with opportunities to fish, paddle, picnic, or wander short trails.

Note: Highway 40 south of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park closes seasonally from December 1 to mid-June due to snow conditions and to protect important wildlife habitat.

3. Watch for Wildlife

Wildlife sightings are a common part of any Kananaskis trip. You’ll often see them the crossing the highway, moving through campgrounds, or grazing in a meadow.

While big horn sheep and mountain goats are the most common, Kananaskis is also home to elk, deer, moose, black bears, grizzly bears, marmots, and more.

Never feed or pet wildlife, no matter how friendly they may appear. Use binoculars or a zoom lens to enjoy a closer look without disturbing the animals, and always give wildlife plenty of space by keeping a respectful distance.

5. Explore the Backcountry on Horseback

Horseback riding offers another way to experience Kananaskis without lacing up hiking boots.

Several guided horseback experiences are available in the region, ranging from beginner-friendly trail rides to immersive backcountry adventures.

Shorter rides offered through Boundary Ranch are suitable for all experience levels and provide an easy introduction to horseback riding in the Rockies.

Experienced riders looking for a bigger challenge can also find a full-day backcountry horseback experience that ventures deep into alpine valleys, forests, creek crossings, and mountain passes rarely seen from the road.

6. Take a White Water Rafting Tour

While Kananaskis is best known for its hiking trails and lakes, white water rafting offers a completely different way to experience the region..

The Kananaskis River is a popular rafting route that combines mountain scenery with more than 10 class II-III rapids and optional swim spots and river games. This is a family-friendly activity with a minimum age of just 5 years old.

This is a great way to change things up with a true, fast paced outdoor adventure. The tour can be booked through Get Your Guide.

4. Spend Time at the Lakes

The lakes are one of the defining features of Kananaskis, and each offers something a little different. Some, like Barrier Lake and Upper Kananaskis Lake, are perfect for paddling, picnicking, or spending a relaxing afternoon at the day use area.

Others, like the turquoise waters of Grassi Lakes or nearby Elbow Lake, reward visitors with a short hike and some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.

Whether you’re looking to launch a paddleboard, enjoy lunch with a view, cool off on a hot summer day, or stretch your legs on an easy trail, there’s a lake to match your adventure style.

If lakes are high on your priority list, my guide to the best lakes in Kananaskis highlights some of the region’s most beautiful places to spend a day by the water.

7. Visit a Waterfall

From roadside viewpoints to hidden cascades deep in the mountains, waterfalls are another great reason to explore Kananaskis.

Troll Falls is one of the region’s most popular waterfalls and is a favourite for families thanks to its short, easy trail. Elbow Falls is even more accessible, making it an easy stop while exploring the Elbow Valley or driving Highway 40.

Other waterfalls are part of the journey rather than the destination. Sarrail Falls is a beautiful stop along the trail to Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge.

Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a scenic break along a longer hike, waterfalls are one of the most rewarding things to do in Kananaskis.

8. Go Paddling

With so many lakes and rivers, paddling is one of the best ways to experience Kananaskis from a different perspective.

If you don’t have your own equipment, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards can be rented from Kananaskis Outfitters in Kananaskis Village.

For beginner paddlers, calm water destinations like Barrier Lake, Upper Kananaskis Lake, and the sheltered bay near Peninsula Day Use Area are great places to build confidence while enjoying mountain scenery.

More experienced paddlers can explore sections of the Kananaskis River, where moving water adds a new challenge and opens the door to longer point-to-point adventures.

9. Explore Kananaskis Village

Kananaskis Village is the closest thing Kananaskis has to a town centre and serves as the hub for many of the region’s amenities.

The village is home to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, the Kananaskis Country Golf Course, and several accommodation options. You’ll also find a pub, a restaurant, a small gift shop, and an outfitter offering equipment rentals and guided experiences.

Whether you’re relaxing after a long hike, heading out for a round of golf, or warming up over a meal after a day outdoors, Kananaskis Village makes a convenient stop during your visit.

10. Try Fishing

With dozens of lakes, rivers, and ponds scattered throughout the region, Kananaskis offers plenty of opportunities for anglers.

Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes are among the most popular fishing destinations in the region, while Mount Lorette Ponds are regularly stocked and provide an approachable option for families and beginners. More adventurous anglers can even combine fishing with a hike to places like Picklejar Lakes or Running Rain Lake.

Both lake and river fishing opportunities exist throughout Kananaskis, with trout species including rainbow, cutthroat, and bull trout found in various waters throughout the region.

Anglers aged 16 and older require a valid Alberta fishing licence, and regulations vary considerably between lakes and rivers. Some waters are catch-and-release only or restrict bait and fishing methods, so it’s important to check the current regulations before heading out.

11. Go Camping

Camping and Kananaskis go hand in hand. Whether you prefer a fully serviced campground, a quiet tent site surrounded by trees, or a backcountry adventure, spending the night lets you experience a different side of the mountains once the day visitors have gone home.

Popular options range from the convenience of Boulton Creek Campground to lakeside sites at Interlakes and the more rustic experience at Spray Lakes West Campground. For visitors looking for a softer introduction to camping, places like Sundance by Basecamp offer many of the same mountain experiences with a few more comforts.

There is something special about waking up to mountain views, enjoying coffee outside your tent, and having the trails and lakes at their quietest before the crowds arrive. For many visitors, camping isn’t just where you stay in Kananaskis — it’s part of the experience itself.

12. Experience Larch Season

For a few short weeks each September, parts of Kananaskis transform as alpine larch trees turn brilliant shades of gold. The display is spectacular, and it has become one of the most anticipated times of year to visit the region.

Popular hikes like Pocaterra Ridge, Arethusa Cirque, Ptarmigan Cirque, and Chester Lake attract visitors from across Alberta hoping to catch the colours at their peak. Parking lots often fill early and trails can be busy, but the glowing mountainsides make it easy to understand why.

Larch season is also a favourite time of year for photographers. Some of my favourite Kananaskis photos were taken during those few short weeks when the golden larches, dark evergreens, and rugged mountain peaks come together.

Larch season only lasts a few weeks, but for many visitors it is one of the highlights of the mountain calendar.

13. See the Three Sisters

The Three Sisters are a Kananaskis icon. Whether you’re admiring them from a roadside pullout, photographing them from Policeman’s Creek, or spotting them from one of the surrounding trails, these three peaks are a Canmore/Kananaskis rite of passage.

One of the best things about the Three Sisters is how accessible they are. Some of the most spectacular views require little more than a short walk, making them one of the most rewarding mountain experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities.

For visitors looking for a bigger adventure, hikes such as Three Sisters Pass trade the roadside viewpoint for alpine meadows, mountain trails, and an up-close look at these signature peaks.

If you’re hoping to capture that classic Kananaskis postcard photo, sunrise and sunset often provide the most beautiful light for photography.

Bonus: Spend an Afternoon in Canmore

If you’re staying deeper in Kananaskis Country, a trip into Canmore offers a completely different experience. Swap hiking boots for patios, browse local shops and galleries, grab a coffee downtown, or enjoy dinner with mountain views before heading back into the quieter pace of Kananaskis.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Kananaskis

Kananaskis surprised me.

What started as a backup plan because everywhere else was full quickly became one of my favourite places in the Canadian Rockies. There is something special about this corner of Alberta — the quiet lakes, the wildlife, the mountain views, and the space to slow down and simply enjoy being outside.

Whether you’re here to tackle a challenging hike, paddle beneath towering peaks, or relax beside the water with a cup of coffee in hand, there are enough things to do in Kananaskis to keep you coming back again and again.

I never take places like this for granted. We are incredibly blessed to have landscapes like these right in our own backyard and the freedom to explore them.

For me, this place makes it easy to pause, be grateful, and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation that surrounds us. These places are gifts, and I hope we never lose our sense of wonder for them.

Sometimes the places we don’t plan for become the ones we return to the most. I hope you leave Kananaskis tired, grateful, and already planning your next trip back