Canada's Rugged Mountain Village Offers Captivating Outdoor Adventures That Rival Banff

With a unique landscape, there's a lot to love about Canada's fourth-largest province, Alberta. From vast prairies to lush forests, rugged mountains, massive turquoise glaciers, and popular parks like Banff National Park in Alberta's Rocky Mountains, the province is awash with possibilities for nature lovers. Actually, in a single day, you can go for a swim on a calm lake in the mid-morning, explore a glacier in the afternoon, and hike in the evening as you enjoy majestic sunset vistas or breathtaking wildlife scenery in one of the parks. 

Unfortunately, while these destinations are very popular among tourists from around the world, particularly Banff National Park, they can be expensive and crowded during high season. Fortunately, many hidden gems within the province offer the same breathtaking outdoors without the hefty price tags and overcrowded environments. One that stands out is the Kananaskis Mountain Village, one of the most beautiful places in Canada to visit. Located within the wider Kananaskis Country region, and about 68 miles southwest of Calgary or 39 miles southeast of Banff National Park, the Kananaskis Mountain Village is a small resort community with a lot to offer visitors seeking a tranquil getaway.

The destination features different outdoor and indoor activities, including parks, a ski area, lodges, a ranch, and even a golf course. While the entire K-Country's history dates back to about 200 million years ago when the stunning peaks of the region were formed due to tectonic plates drifting, the village's history kicked off in 1988 when the then-Olympic Games were held in the current Kananaskis Country Nature reserve. The global sporting event rewarded the area with facilities that are still being used today. The wider K-Country region also hosted the 2002 and 2025 G7 summits.

Although the broader Kananaskis Country experienced flooding in 2013 that displaced about 100,000 residents and destroyed several facilities, including trails and a golf course, it has since been rebuilt and is today among Canada's best-kept secrets. Whether it's skiing, hiking, camping, lodging, or indulging in a sauna, you will find it at Kananaskis Village! If you are into hiking, the Troll Falls Hike offers a brilliant way to explore the village. The fairly quiet and family-friendly hike has an elevation of around 60m and is 2.3 miles long. Before you get to the falls, along the way you will pass by rivers, meadows, and forests. The trail is accessible both during winter and summer.

Another great area for outdoor enthusiasts to explore is the Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreational Area. Nestled in Exshaw, the facility covers about 6000 acres and is awash with lush forests, hiking trails, and wildlife, making it one of the most popular must-visit destinations around the world for avid hikers. Ski buffs will find the Nakiska Ski Area heaven-sent. Built for the 1988 Olympic Games, the facility features an Olympic flame at the resort's entrance, 79 marked trails, and a 2-mile run (the longest). 13% of the terrain is classified as beginner, 59% intermediate, and 28% advanced, making it largely family-friendly.

If you are a novice in the sport, don't fret, the facility offers a variety of ski lessons for both adults and children in various languages, including English, French, and Italian. After you are done with outdoor excursions and need to relax, head to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa within the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. The visit will reward you with an invigorating spa experience featuring a relaxing massage and hydrotherapy in an alpine setting.

If you do not go for a massage at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa within Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, why don't you grab a few bites, a handcrafted cocktail, or a beer at their Blacktail Bar? Notable items on the food menu include roasted eggplant, tarragon butter poached lobster, and cheddar cheese. On the drinks menu, you will find Western Cape (South Africa), Tuscany( Italy), and Margaux (France). If you are looking for a more lavish treat, you can stop by the Forte Restaurant for a firewood-prepared pizza and other Italian meals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

For those who like sleeping under the stars, surrounded by Mother Nature, there are various options, including backcountry and frontcountry camping. A good example is the privately run Mount Kidds RV Park located at the bottom of Mt. Kidd. The destination is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors with an RV or like camping. It features a total of 229 sites with stunning views of the nearby mountains, rivers, and forests.

They are well-maintained, spacious, and come with various amenities, including full hookups, picnic areas, showers, and restrooms, making them perfect for both families and those who know how to be respectful when sharing a campsite. Another great place to stay is the Sundance By Basecamp. Located near Kananaskis village, the lodge not only offers state-of-the-art camping facilities in its cone-shaped tents, but also serves visitors fresh coffee in the morning. It also has a grocery, a gift shop, restrooms, coin laundries, and hot showers. Besides the tipis, it offers unserviced campsites or trapper tents.