Weekend in Kananaskis
Why Kananaskis?
Kananaskis offers a peaceful alternative to Banff and Canmore with fewer tourists, wide-open spaces, and a truly serene mountain experience.
It’s family- and pet-friendly with no shortage of hikes, paddling, and outdoor adventures for everyone.
Pros:
• Quieter, more secluded than Banff or Canmore.
• Family- and pet-friendly accommodations and trails.
• Shorter drive from Calgary than Jasper.
• Budget-friendly compared to Banff (lower fees, more casual dining).
Cons:
• Fewer luxury or high-end dining options.
• Less nightlife and shopping.
• Not as many iconic Instagram spots as Banff’s Lake Louise or Jasper’s Maligne Lake.
Best time to Visit
Spring (April-June):
• Best for: Waterfalls, wildflowers, wildlife viewing.
• Top Activity: Troll Falls Hike for a mellow family-friendly adventure.
• Fees: $15/day Kananaskis Conservation Pass.
Summer (July-August):
• Best for: Hiking, paddling, picnics.
• Top Activity: Canoeing or paddleboarding on Barrier Lake or hiking Grassi Lakes.
• Fees: $15/day pass.
Fall (September-October):
• Best for: Golden larch hikes and cooler, quieter trails.
• Top Activity: Hike Ptarmigan Cirque for stunning alpine views.
• Fees: $15/day pass.
Winter (November-March):
• Best for: Snowshoeing, skiing, or sledding.
• Top Activity: Hit the slopes at Nakiska Ski Area, or try snowshoeing on Ribbon Creek.
• Fees: $15/day pass, plus ski lift tickets.
Weekend Itinerary (2 days)
Adventure & Relaxation
Day 1: Saturday Morning Arrival
• Drive Time from Calgary Airport: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Drive Distance: ~110 km
9:00 AM – Touchdown in Calgary and pick up your rental car. Stop by Monogram Coffee on the way out for some local brew, and head out to Kananaskis by 10:00 AM.
11:30 AM – Check into Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, your cozy home base for the weekend. It’s a kid-friendly, pet-welcoming lodge that balances comfort and luxury.
12:30 PM – Start with the Barrier Lake Lookout Hike (3-hour round trip). It’s a bit more challenging but totally doable for kids with moderate hiking experience and pets on a leash. The payoff? Jaw-dropping views of Barrier Lake and surrounding peaks, minus the crowds you’d find at places like Lake Louise.
OPTION 2 : Widowmaker (1.5hr or less if you prefer picnic by the water, you can find a spot in 5-10mins walk, see below photo)
WIDOWMAKER
4:00 PM – Late lunch at Woody’s Pub & Patio, which welcomes families and pets. Take in the sunset over the Rockies with a cold drink while your kids and pets chill by your side.
6:00 PM – Evening relaxation at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa (adults only). While one parent unwinds, the other can stay back at the lodge with the kids for fun board games or family movie night. If you’re both up for it, swap turns!
8:00 PM – Dinner at Forte Restaurant in Kananaskis Village. It offers family-friendly dining with Italian-inspired cuisine, perfect for refueling after a full day.
Day 2: Sunday
7:30 AM – Early rise for a quick bite at the lodge before hitting the trails. You’ll beat the crowds and enjoy cooler morning temps.
8:30 AM – Set out for Troll Falls, an easy, pet- and kid-friendly hike. The round trip will take about 1.5 hours and rewards you with a serene waterfall. Let the kids splash around in the stream while your dog enjoys the off-leash vibes. Don't forget to count all the trolls on the trail!
10:30 AM – Stop by Kananaskis Village for brunch at Blacktail Bar. Grab a seat on the patio to take in the crisp mountain air and beautiful views. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a laid-back family meal.
12:00 PM – Head to Bow Valley Provincial Park for a fun afternoon of exploring easy, short trails, like Many Springs or Flowing Water Trail, both kid- and dog-approved. Pack a picnic and settle by the river for lunch, letting the kids and pets run around and explore.
OPTION 2 : Policeman's Creek Boardwalk (15mins)
POLICEMAN'S CREEK BOARDWALK
2:30 PM – Stop by Barrier Lake on your way back. Rent a canoe or paddleboard (weather permitting) for an hour on the water, or simply enjoy the lakeside views with a good book while the kids and pets explore the shore.
4:00 PM – Begin the scenic drive back to Calgary, filled with memories of a weekend well-spent. Depending on traffic, you’ll be at the airport by 6:00 PM.
Make the Most of Your Weekend
• Travel early: Avoid weekend traffic by leaving early on Saturday and enjoy peaceful mornings on the trails.
• Pack for variety: Layers for unpredictable weather, water, snacks, and don’t forget a leash for your pet and some games for the kids.
• Take breaks: Stop by small picnic spots or lakesides for downtime and let everyone recharge!
• Don't forget the bear spray and visit the information centre to grab trail maps, park passes, and insider tips.
Affordable Hotels & Lodges
1. Mount Kidd RV Park & Campground
• Vibe: Rustic mountain setting, with tent or RV camping options, plus cozy cabins for a more comfortable stay.
• Pet/Kid Friendly: Absolutely! Lots of open space for kids to run around and pets are welcome.
• Pricing: $50–$150/night (depending on cabin vs. camping).
• Bonus: Access to nearby trails, and stunning mountain views without Banff prices.
2. Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel
• Vibe: Simple, rustic, and no-frills accommodation in the heart of Kananaskis.
• Pet/Kid Friendly: Yes, but pets need to be kept on a leash and kids will love the communal spaces.
• Pricing: $35–$60/night per person.
• Bonus: Budget-friendly way to experience Kananaskis without sacrificing location.
3. Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino
• Vibe: Modern but affordable hotel located just outside Kananaskis on the Trans-Canada Highway.
• Pet/Kid Friendly: Yes. They have family rooms, a pet-friendly policy, and a pool with a waterslide that kids will love!
• Pricing: $150–$180/night.
• Bonus: Close enough to Kananaskis for easy access, plus indoor entertainment if the weather turns bad.
Affordable Airbnbs
1. Mountain Cabin Getaway (Near Canmore/Kananaskis)
• Vibe: A rustic cabin with mountain views and cozy interiors, located near Dead Man’s Flats (15 mins from Kananaskis).
• Pet/Kid Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome, and the outdoor space is great for kids to explore.
• Pricing: $120–$160/night.
• Bonus: Far more affordable than Banff, and only a short drive to Kananaskis’ best trails.
2. Cozy Suite in Dead Man’s Flats
• Vibe: Modern apartment in Dead Man’s Flats, a quiet area just 15 minutes outside Kananaskis.
• Pet/Kid Friendly: Yes. This 2-bedroom suite is perfect for families and allows pets for a small fee.
• Pricing: $130–$180/night.
• Bonus: Full kitchen to cook meals, and access to hiking trails nearby, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
3. Mountain View Chalet (Exshaw)
• Vibe: An affordable yet charming chalet with mountain views, located in Exshaw, about 20 minutes from Kananaskis.
• Pet/Kid Friendly: Yes. There’s a spacious yard for kids to play, and pets are allowed with advance notice.
• Pricing: $100–$140/night.
• Bonus: Proximity to both Canmore and Kananaskis, giving you more flexibility.
4. Family-Friendly Condo in Canmore
• Vibe: A spacious 2-bedroom condo with a full kitchen and outdoor space for kids and pets to run around.
• Pet/Kid Friendly: Yes, the condo is designed with families in mind, and they welcome pets.
• Pricing: $160–$200/night.
• Bonus: Canmore has great access to both Banff and Kananaskis, offering more dining options and shops.
Why Choose These Over Banff Options?
• More Affordable: You’ll save anywhere from $50 to $200 a night compared to staying in Banff.
• Proximity to Nature: These options place you closer to trails and natural beauty without the crowds. Kananaskis accommodations are typically more relaxed and connected to nature than the busier, more commercialized areas.
• Fewer Fees: You won’t be hit with high tourism or parking fees common in Banff, plus food and activities are generally more affordable.
This Kananaskis weekend itinerary is packed with adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking views, offering the perfect family-friendly, pet-friendly escape without the crowds and hustle of Banff!
Important Numbers:
• Kananaskis Conservation Pass: Required, $15/day.
• Emergency (Kananaskis Public Safety): 403-591-7755
• RCMP (Kananaskis Detachment): 403-591-7707
This off-the-beaten-path adventure delivers serene mountain vibes without Banff’s high costs or crowds!
Feel free to reach out for questions!
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