Road map Kananaskis Country surrounding area (Alberta, Canada)

Kananaskis Country

Spanning several provincial parks, Alberta's Kananaskis  Country is 4,250 km2 of prime outdoor recreation land located at the  foothills of the Rocky Mountains. In contrast to B.C. resorts like  Radium Hot Springs and Panorama west of the Rockies, Kananaskis Country  is where the mountain meets the prairie, marked by rolling grasslands,  historic ranch country, and a warm, dry chinook wind that can bring  springlike temperatures in winter. The region is also the home of  Alberta's rich oil and gas industry, centered in Turner Valley.

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site [C8] This immense historic  ranch, founded in 1882, was once one of the foremost ranching operations  in Canada. Theater and interpretive displays in over 35 buildings  commemorate the ranch's history, and a variety of ranching activities  take place all summer long. Drop in at the Pekisko Creek General Store  for local crafts, or try some sourdough biscuits and buffalo burgers at  the Roadhouse Restaurant.

Kananaskis Country Outdoor Recreation Area [A5-A6] This  provincial recreation area is a tiny alpine village with a few hotels  that attracts visitors year-round. People come to paddle or raft the  rivers, hike more than 100 km of trails or bike a 30 km paved bicycle  trail. Golfers play while elk roam the scenic 36-hole course. Horseback  riding and mountain biking is popular through the east entrance on  Highway 66. William Watson Lodge caters exclusively to seniors and  people with wheelchairs, and has accessible trails around the lodge and  to the river for fishing.

Panorama, B.C. [C2]

Just north of the Purcell Wilderness Provincial Conservancy,  this B.C. ski resort in a spectacular setting is rated second only to  Whistler for its trails. Downhill, crosscountry, and heliskiing are  offered in season.

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park [B5]

One of Alberta's largest provincial parks, Peter Lougheed has  500 km2 of swift-running streams, glassy lakes, evergreen valleys, and  lofty peaks. Anglers can hike to a high alpine lake or fish the shores  of the two lakes anchoring the park, Lower and Upper Kananaskis lakes.  Other park trails range from the 2.5 km Marl Lake Loop to the 8 km Mount  Indefatigable, a strenuous climb to a breathtaking panorama over Upper  Kananaskis Lake.

Radium Hot Springs, B.C. [B2] On the doorstep to Kootenay  National Park at the junction of highways 93 and 95, this longtime  favorite B.C. vacation spot is a must for those who like an outdoor  sauna. Tucked into the Sinclair Canyon, the two hot spring pools offer  visitors a hot 41 °C or a cooler 28°C soak in the mineral-rich waters.  Private lodges and camping are available. Golfing is also an attraction  here.

Turner Valley [B8]

At the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Turner Valley has  been the cradle of Alberta's gas and oil industry since the Dingman  Discovery well blew on May 14th, 1914. The Turner Valley Gas Plant  National Historic Site traces the roots of big oil through photos,  videos, model derricks, and tours. Driving tours of area oil boom towns  are also available. IS Slightly north of Turner Valley is Millarville,  home of the largest Farmers' Market in the Calgary region, held Saturday  mornings throughout the summer.

ATTRACTIONS

BAR U RANCH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Visitor Orientation Centre Pekisko Creek General Store Bar U Ranch Roadhouse Restaurant

KANANASKIS COUNTRY OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA

William Watson Lodge Highwood House Kananaskis Village Fortress Mountain Highland Pass

Bow Valley Provincial Park Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial  Park Peter Lougheed Provincial Park McLean Creek Off-Highway Vehicle  Zone Elbow Sheep Wildland Park

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

Aquacourt Kootenay National Park

TURNER VALLEY

Turner Valley Gas Plant National Historic Site Sheep River Library Sheep River Wildlife

Sanctuary Millarville Farmers' Market