The pristine wilderness in Kananaskis is a spectacular visit any time of year, as hordes of people flock to its snowy peaks and flowering fields each summer. However, one season in our believed K-country is an undeservedly underrated one: Spring time!

As the snow begins to melt and mother nature stretches her legs in preparation for summer, the valley becomes teaming with demonstrations of life as animals re-enter their forests and this alpine escape defrosts. Kananaskis becomes the perfect mix of sunny afternoons and cool mornings, giving ample opportunity to the adventurer from any season. There are so many things to do in Kananaskis, as certain trails reopen for the warmer months and a plethora of new activities become accessible. 

Kananaskis Village serves as a home base for these surrounding mountainscapes and can be accessed via the Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. When accessing Kananaskis, you will need a Kananaskis conservation pass.

Whether you’re looking warm up with a soak in the hot tub, or experience a burst of adrenaline, there’s something for everyone in K-Country. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Kananaskis during the spring, whether you’re looking to wind down or turn up the heat.

Hiking

This wouldn’t really be a guide to Kananaskis if we didn’t prioritize hiking, would it? K-country is home to some of Alberta’s most awe-inspiring summits, including leg-burners like Tent Ridge Horseshoe and afternoon walks like Troll Falls. Regardless of your skill and/or comfort level, the wide array of trail choices in Kananaskis is sure to satisfy any climbing itch.

Many of these trails– including the highly-favoured Troll Falls– are within close proximity to Kananaskis Village, making it the ideal recreation location for those in need of hiking equipment rentals…or those who want to be back for a beer by 3:00 pm sharp! Kananaskis Outfitters offers hiking equipment rentals for both winter and summer temperatures, which can be helpful as the weather fluctuates through the spring. For more information on choosing a hike in Kananaskis, check out one of our many hiking guides.

Coal Mine Hike + Beer with Kananaskis Outfitters

Picture this: the year is 1950 and you are walking home from a hard day of work at the coal mine to your home in Kovach. Alternatively, you can just book the Coal Mine Hike (with beer!) from Kananaskis Outfitters. The hike will guide you through the trail where horses used to cart the coal from said mine, eventually reaching an Insta-worthy viewpoint where you can still spot the mine scar that marks the surrounding rock face. Afterwards, celebrate your day of work with an aptly named Ghost Town Ale from the Grizzly Paw Brewing Company.

Horseback Trail Rides

Saddle up in true western fashion and explore Kananaskis on horseback. Boundary Ranch has trail rides that let you enjoy the thrill of riding horseback across rugged terrain. Of course, all while surrounded by towering mountain peaks, babbling brooks and lush forests.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, Boundary Ranch’s horses are well-trained and matched to your skill level, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience. Choose from an array of different trail ride packages including:

Buffalo Loop: A great introduction to horses and riding, this 1-hour ride is a favourite for families. You will pass the ranch’s buffalo paddock before traversing more of Kananaskis’ wooded terrain, taking in the sights and sounds that surround the picturesque Boundary Ranch.

Kananaskis Adventure Ride: The Kananaskis Adventure Ride is a jam-packed full day, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery for a whole day. From the back of your trusted steed, you will explore creeks, forests and mountain trails that wind through alpine passes. Throughout the day, you will make periodic stops to stretch your legs, grab a snack, and breathe in the mountain air. 

Ridge Ride n’ Steak Lunch: Be a cowboy for a day and embark on an excursion riding through the scenic trails of K-country before stopping for a truly Albertan lunch of steak, beans and ranch-baked pie. The Ridge Ride is Boundary Ranch’s most popular adventure and is available as just a ridge ride without lunch.

Mountain Bike

Roam K-Country’s never-ending wilderness with ease using a mountain bike rental from Kananaskis Outfitters. Choose between electric, standard, or premium full-suspension mountain bikes. Helmets and gel seat covers are also available for rent, so even the most spontaneous explorers can gear up and go. Kananaskis village is surrounded by immaculate mountain bike trails, making it the perfect place to both grab your bike rental and embark on a day of adrenaline-inducing adventure.

Survival Hike

Thinking of auditioning for Survivor? Look no further. Kananaskis Outfitters offers a survival hike designed to teach essential survival skills in an authentically wild setting. You’ll learn how to build a fire (without a lighter!), set up a shelter and navigate using a map and compass. 

Experience a unique perspective of the surrounding nature, and make Bear Grylls proud as you utilize plants for survival purposes you would usually walk right by. In true Kananaskis fashion, you might even run into some wildlife and will also learn how to recognize and use their tracks.

Wagon Ride with Boundary Ranch

Engross yourself in Kananaskis’ nature and history through a wagon or sleigh ride with Boundary Ranch. Learn about Canada’s largest land animal– the buffalo– in their paddock and sit back as you pass through the surrounding mountain scenes. Your ride will turn around at the TeePee village, giving you the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich Indigenous history and ways of life. Upon your return, an optional marshmallow or s’more roast is available.

Pack Trips with Boundary Ranch

Boundary Ranch is run by the Guinn family, who have a rich legacy in Alberta dating all the way back to the early 1900s. Long before Kananaskis Country was recognized as a destination, the Guinn family was riding and guiding the same trails used today. For 80 years, their specialty has been guided pack trips into the Rocky Mountains, using their long-curated local expertise.

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the Rocky Mountains for two or more days – still coordinated in the traditional manner that Alvin Guinn started in the 1930s. What could be more authentic than learning about Kananaskis from some genuine cowboys?

The Nordic Spa

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is a luxurious spa experience that combines the ancient Nordic wisdom of hot, cold, rest and repeat, with the stunning mountain scenery of Kananaskis. Nestled in the heart of Kananaskis Village and connected to Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge, the spa is the ultimate embodiment of relaxation.

Several outdoor hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, an exfoliation cabin and even a polar plunge make up the spa’s grand, alpine-themed outdoor space. Stay+Spa packages are available through the Lodge, making this the perfect hotspot to take in the changing seasons.

Staycation

The Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge is the most recognizable face of Kananaskis Village. The lodge places visitors in ideal proximity to the areas surrounding adventure activities, hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and more. In the last decade, the lodge received a $26M upgrade – turning the already upscale mountain resort into an unmatched, yet welcoming luxury experience. During the springtime, visitors enjoy a hybrid of winter’s ideal hot tub temperatures and warmer afternoons that call for a walk to the Lodge’s lookout. 

With such an elegant ambiance, the lodge practically calls on you to pamper yourself and put your feet up. Between multiple restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, and upscale seating areas, the hardest part of your staycation will be packing up to go home. The Lodge also hosts events like Mountain Yoga and Paint + Sip night, meaning you’ll have lots (or little!) to keep you occupied.

Fireside Moments

We’d like s’more, please! As if it couldn’t get any cozier, Kananaskis Lodge also hosts its Fireside Moments. Every night between 7-9 pm, hotel guests can curl up by a roaring campfire and roast marshmallows before stuffing them between some chocolate and graham crackers. Fireside Moments run year-round and while we’re sure you’ll have no marshmallow qualms any other time of year, visiting in spring is the perfect mix of longer days and cold chilly nights. Enjoy a beverage and a sweet treat (or two, or three…) underneath the sparkling Kananaskis sky.

Kananaskis Country Golf Course

Visit Kananaskis Country Golf Course and discover awe-inspiring views – with renowned golf layouts to match. Pristine alpine vistas contain 36 holes, framed by glacial creeks and ponds that trickle down from Kananaskis’ surrounding peaks. From the base of the Rocky Mountains, work on your swing and breathe in the alpine air, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. April and May offer quieter tees and cooler afternoons, creating the kind of atmosphere that only golf in the mountains can deliver.

Springtime in Kananaskis really is a feast for the senses as the white snow blanket gives way to verdant hills, blooming flowers and more accessible forests. For more information on springtime activities in Kananaskis, visit our itineraries centre and enjoy the natural wonder of Kananaskis!