Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Conservation Pass

Please note that a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley.

Visit the Government of Alberta Kananaskis Conservation Pass page to purchase a daily or yearly pass now to experience Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Corridor while supporting conservation efforts in the area.

About Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country was officially dedicated as a protected area in 1978, a place where Albertans and visitors from all around the world can enjoy nature, renew one's spirit and reconnect with wilderness. Almost every outdoor enthusiast will be able to enjoy activities in all seasons.

Whether you are visiting the Canadian Rockies for the first time or on a regular basis, Kananaskis Country is a must-see. It is often kept as a secret mountain sanctuary for locals away from the masses that visit neighbouring Banff National Park.

Kananaskis Country is located West & Southwest of Calgary and borders the town of Canmore and Banff National Park. Kananaskis Country includes five provincial parks, four wildland provincial parks, one ecological reserve and several provincial recreation areas. It also encompasses the Canmore Nordic Centre, a world-class facility built for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, as well as Nakiska Ski Resort, which was specially designed for the alpine events.

Activities & Adventures

Kananaskis Country is a year-round playground. Activities include dog sledding, downhill skiing, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.

Hotels & Lodging near Kananaskis

Most nearby hotels and resorts are located in Canmore, just outside of Kananaskis Country. Visit our comprehensive accommodation guide to find your hotel, lodging or other accommodation in Kananaskis Country and surrounding resort communities.

Visitor Information Centres

Up-to-date information dealing with recreational activities is available at the following visitor information centres:

• Barrier Lake Info Centre:
  403-678-0760 (Kananaskis Information Line)
• Bow Valley Provincial Park:
  403-678-0760 (Kananaskis Information Line)
• Canmore Nordic Centre:
  403-678-0760 (Kananaskis Information Line)
• Peter Lougheed Prov. Park:
  403-678-0760 (Kananaskis Information Line)

For more information, visit the Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation website for Kananaskis Country.

Provincial Parks

• Bow Valley Provincial Park
• Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
• Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
• Sheep River Provincial Park
• Spray Valley Provincial Park

Wildland Provincial Parks

• Bluerock Wildland Provincial Park
• Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park
• Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park
• Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park

Ecological Reserve

Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve