Article by Andrew Kyle,
Mount Engadine Lodge, Kananaskis, Alberta
Some of the best kept secrets in the Rocky
Mountains are hidden in the valleys directly south
of Canmore. These valleys are full of natural
history that includes the Stoney Indians, Captain
John Palliser, and many of the early pioneers who
discovered Canada's National Parks.
For a great trip from Calgary or Canmore, head to
Highway 40 South, the gateway to Kananaskis
Country. Kananaskis Country is a massive
collection of Provincial Parks, over 4000 square
kilometres. Each park is designated for different
activities, from quiet solitude to off-road motorized
sports.
To do a complete circuit of the Kananaskis Valley
that takes you back to Canmore, try the spectacular
backcountry Smith Dorrien/Spray Lake road. It's a
wildlife corridor second to none. Access this road
after you have visited Peter Lougheed Provincial
Park and the large North and South Kananaskis
Lakes. ACTIVITIES
From the Visitors Center onwards, many first class
recreational activities are just minutes away.
In the summer, hiking, biking (both on single track
and paved bike paths),
horseback riding,
canoeing, kayaking,
white water rafting, fly
fishing and even golfing
at one of Canada's
premier golf courses are
available.
In the winter, cross
country skiing, downhill
skiing, and snowshoeing
are easily accessed on
both professionally
groomed trails and in
the backcountry.
Kananaskis is home to
Nakiska and Fortress
Mountain downhill ski
areas. Nakiska was the
site of the 1988
Olympics for Alpine
Skiing.
The winter in
Kananaskis and the
Spray Valley is magical.
Snowfall near Burstall
Pass usually triples that
of Canmore or Banff:
With groomed trails at
Sawmill, Chester Lake,
and at the Mount Shark
ski trails, it's a paradise
for cross country skiers
and snowshoers.
As well, there are plenty of locations for ice fishers,
dog sledders, and ice skaters, especially on the
Spray Lake at the north end of the Spray Valley. |
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WILDLIFE
Moose, elk, deer, and bear frequent the Spray Valley, and many moose calves are sighted throughout the summer and fall. A great wildlife viewing spot is at the bridge near the Mount Engadine Lodge turnoff.
In mid-October, the golden eagle migration passes overhead in Kananaskis. The Festival of Eagles offers opportunities to learn about these magnificent birds of prey and their larger ecosystem, as well as to participate in nature hikes that take you closer to the birds in flight.
AMENITIES
A great stopping off spot for lunch is the Kananaskis Village, which also includes first class overnight hotel accommodation. They have a general store, a recreational rental shop, restaurants, bistros, and bars. The Village also has a number of shopping options from souvenirs to luxury mountain apparel.
For campers, a variety of options, from fully serviced RV locations with kids' swimming pools to private backcountry tenting sites, are spread throughout Kananaskis, including overnight stays in authentic tepees.
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