Kananaskis is full of incredible places to explore, but sometimes the best adventures start when you let a local lead the way. Guided tours take the guesswork out of planning, helping you discover the most scenic spots and hidden gems without having to map out every detail yourself. With someone who knows the area by heart, you’ll get local stories, insider tips, and a deeper connection to the place you’re exploring. Whether you’re hiking through the forest, learning survival skills, or hearing traditional knowledge passed down for generations, exploring Kananaskis with a local guide makes every experience more meaningful. In this blog, we’ll highlight three guided tours that showcase the best of what Kananaskis has to offer.
Kananaskis Outfitters – Local Adventure Experts
Kananaskis Outfitters is your go-to spot for all things guided adventure. Made up of local experts with nearly ten years of experience exploring the valley, their team is dedicated to creating memorable and engaging tours that teach you about the area while keeping things fun and memorable. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, they’ve got you covered with year-round excursions, while also providing you with all the gear you’ll need. Below are three incredible guided tours that show off Kananaskis in unforgettable ways.
Snowshoe Tour
Perfect for all ages and all skill levels, step into a winter wonderland on this two hour snowshoe adventure through quiet forest trails and snowy meadows. Your local guide will share stories about how wildlife survives the season while you take in the views, sip hot drinks, and enjoy a few treats along the way.
Survival Hike
A hands-on adventure where nature becomes your classroom. Over three hours, you’ll learn how to track animals, build a shelter, and even start a fire without matches. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to build real wilderness skills while exploring some of the most scenic terrain in Kananaskis. Recommended for ages five and up.
Stargazing Snowshoe Tour
Experience Kananaskis after dark on this magical two-hour snowshoe tour under a sky full of stars. Recommended for ages twelve and up, this guided evening adventure starts from Kananaskis Village, where your guide will help you spot constellations and share stories about the night sky while you relax with warm drinks in a peaceful mountain meadow.
Mahikan Trails – Indigenous Medicine Walks
For a guided experience that blends culture, nature, and tradition, Mahikan Trails offers something truly special. Led by Cree guide Brenda Holder, or her son, Jordan, their Medicine Walks teach visitors about the traditional uses of local plants and how Indigenous communities have connected with the land for generations. Carrying forward her family’s traditions, Brenda shares her deep knowledge of the land as a way to educate visitors and celebrate Indigenous tourism. These tours are a peaceful, eye-opening way to see nature and culture from a new perspective.
While Kananaskis isn’t listed as a regular tour location on their website, Mahikan Trails has previously led Medicine Walks in the region, and you can request a Kananaskis-specific experience directly through their website at mahikan.ca.
Alpine Helicopters
Take a ride with Alpine Helicopters and see Kananaskis Country like never before, soaring above its stunning forests, lakes, and mountain peaks. Departing from nearby Canmore, these sightseeing tours give you a whole new perspective on the Rockies as local pilots share stories and point out the landmarks below. Whether you choose a short scenic flight or an extended tour deep into the backcountry, it’s an unforgettable way to take in the beauty of Kananaskis from above.
Planning Your Adventure
Before booking your guided tour, it’s worth planning ahead to make the most of your Kananaskis experience. Check availability early, especially during peak seasons, and keep an eye on the weather before you go. Dress in layers, pack water and snacks, and don’t forget your camera for the views. Some tours are seasonal, so ensure you confirm dates and details beforehand. However you choose to explore, guided tours are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to experience Kananaskis with the people who know it best.
