Thanksgiving: the time of year when we gorge on turkey and stuffing, sip on apple cider, and spend as many hours as possible with family members. It is also the time of year when Kananaskis turns into an autumnal arcadia. 

Kananaskis covers an area of approximately 4,000 sq km and is jam-packed with towering mountain ranges and picturesque alpine views. Come fall, it also becomes home to varying shades of crimson, amber, and gold as the area’s perpetual forests begin to change colour. 

For those searching for a seasonal escape, Kananaskis has all you need to enjoy a getaway that epitomizes the crispness of fall.

1. Take a horse ride through the colourful forests with Boundary Ranch

Boundary Ranch is located just outside of Kananaskis Village and offers several varying levels of trail rides. What better way to take in the stunning scenery of Kananaskis than on horseback? Their most popular package is the Ridge Ride, which sees riders traverse mountain ridges before reaching an astonishing view overlooking the entirety of Kananaskis Valley.

This view becomes especially breathtaking in the fall, as interweaving colours dot the landscape. Additionally, riding in the fall often offers pristine riding conditions as the changing season brings in cooler weather, fewer bugs, and inviting scenery. Spend the day traversing the mountains before the ranch’s horses turn in for the winter. Lastly, finish the day off by tucking into some rustic wood-fired pizza at Forte.

2. Attend Thanksgiving Palooza at PKML

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge has mastered the holidays, hosting numerous luxurious events and offering various indulgent menus throughout the year. On October 8th and 9th, they will be hosting a Thanksgiving-themed afternoon – their Thanksgiving Palooza. Complete with seasonal crafts and steaming spiced apple cider, families are invited to celebrate this harvest holiday in the picturesque Kananaskis valley. 

Previous fall events have included activities like a family scavenger hunt to get the whole family in on the fun. In the spirit of appreciating family and spending quality time, come settle in at this mountain escape and appreciate the fall colours while enjoying backcountry luxury.

3. Toast marshmallows at Kananaskis Lodge

The smell of wood smoke, the crackling of flames, and the sizzling of sugar are some of the sensory memories forged while roasting marshmallows around a campfire. Come fall, this traditional activity becomes even more satisfying as the sun sets earlier and the temperature dips, making the warmth of the fire all the more enticing.

Kananaskis Lodge hosts their ‘Fireside Moments’ every evening from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, which serves as “A hosted evening, social mixer; where guests gather to connect with the great outdoors.” Marshmallow roasting sticks and smores supplies are provided, so you can expect to experience an authentic Canadian campfire as you snack on sweet treats and sit back with a beverage.

4. Go on a world-renowned autumn alpine hike

Kananaskis is renowned for its beauty year-round, boasting hundreds of trails and summits to explore. The region becomes even more impressive throughout the fall months, as one of K-country’s claims for fame is its sheer number of “Golden Larch” trees, which turn yellow for a short period at the beginning of autumn. In fact, these trees only grow at high altitudes – making them a noteworthy staple of the forests covering our never-ending mountain landscape. Seeing these trees in bloom becomes extremely popular during these few short weeks, with some waking up at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds.

With enough hikes to choose from for every experience level, you will be sure to find something that suits your goals. To get even more of an in-depth experience, book a private guided tour or survival hike with Kananaskis Outfitters. Learn about wildflowers, edible plants, and wildlife while taking in the views of autumn overtaking the Rockies.

5. Be thankful for your health at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Spend the day thanking all the effort you put into your health by cycling through the Hydrotherapy circuit at Kananaskis Nordic Spa. With hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, hammocks, and even an exfoliation cabin at your disposal, you will find it hard to engage in anything but relaxation.  The spa’s mantra is “Hot, cold, rest, repeat,” based on the ancient Nordic wisdom behind the wellness benefits of alternating between hot and cold.

Massage treatments are also available, including an aromatherapy massage, custom Relaxation or Therapeutic massage, and time-together massage. During the fall months, enjoy the yellowing mountain scenery as you lay back in a hammock while sporting a luxurious tartan robe. Keeping in the theme of self-appreciation, cap off your day of pampering with a visit to Two Trees Bistro to enjoy Canadian-sourced sharing platters, wines, and craft beers.

One of the legends of Kananaskis is that the name is derived from a First Nations name (originally Kin-e-ah-kis) that means ‘one who is grateful’. For Thanksgiving, we can all be grateful for the natural wonders we all get to enjoy so close to home presented to us in such vivid grandeur.