From nearly any part of any road in Kananaskis, you’re likely to be met with a spectacular view. K-Country is home to some of the most beautiful scenery of Alberta’s famous Rocky Mountains, making for some indelible moments that get driving enthusiasts excited. Winding, wooded roads pass through towering peaks and sparkling lakes as the beauty of Kananaskis surrounds you at every turn. 

Taking a drive through K-country’s unmatched wilderness also offers a more accessible way to experience the splendour of Mother Nature’s handiwork. Rest assured, you will be rewarded with just as many alpine views from the driver or passenger seat when travelling down any of the options on our list. 

So buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready to journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth – road trip music optional.

Note: Roads in Kananaskis are subject to temporary or seasonal closures, so make sure to check Alberta’s list of annual and current road closures before heading out on your four-wheeled – or two-wheeled – adventure.

Highway 40 to Kananaskis Village

Highway 40 runs through Kananaskis for 104 km starting at the Trans-Canada turnoff, passing through Kananaskis Village before transitioning into Highway 541 at the southern tip of K-Country. The road sees partial annual closures just south of the turnoff for Lower and Upper Kananaskis Lakes from December through June each year due to weather conditions. Note, the portion spanning from the Trans-Canada through the Village to the lakes’ turnoff remains open throughout the year.

Upon leaving Calgary via the Trans Canada Highway, the AB-40 turns left into Kananaskis, winding through the overhead peaks of Mount Lorette, Mount McDougall, and Mount Kidd – to name a few. As you draw nearer, the mountains that once seemed so far away begin to take shape as they grow in size and grandeur, their rocky faces rising even closer toward the clouds. 

The area is renowned as being ripe for wildlife sightings, including more than just big horn sheep. Bears, elk, the occasional moose and even wolves can sometimes be spotted near or on the road. Keep your eyes peeled, and be sure to give any wildlife you do see as much space as possible.

Another highlight of the 40 is the many pullouts and viewpoints just waiting to be explored along the way. One favourite is the Kananaskis Lookout, which offers spectacular, panoramic summit views following a leisurely 30-minute walk. Or Wedge Pond, which is often used as a picturesque picnic pitstop on one of its many public-use tables.

Upon reaching Kananaskis Village, you can stretch your legs and enjoy unique outdoor experiences, premium accommodations, and delectable dining experiences.

 

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Highwood Pass

Highwood Pass offers a hard-to-beat adventure from the comfort of your vehicle. As the highest paved road in Canada, the pass takes vehicles up to a breathtaking– literally– 2,206 m of elevation without so much as putting on a hiking boot. As you wind your way up the pass, the landscape changes dramatically from fairly tight valleys to more open forests, with mountain peaks that all of a sudden seem closer, having climbed so high!

Highwood Pass is closed from December through June each year, as its high elevation point renders it even more vulnerable to winter extremes than the rest of Kananaskis, making it inaccessible during colder months. However, it’s a must-drive in the summer and fall months when the sun is shining and the roads are dry.

Part of the AB-40, the Highwood Pass heading south connects to Highway 541 near Holy Cross Mountain and continues east to Longview, marking a spellbinding transition from alpine excitement to serene prairie and ranchlands. 

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a leisurely adventurer, Highwood Pass has something for everyone, with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area on foot. Hiking trails are numerous– including the always popular Ptarmigan Cirque and Pocaterra Ridge trails, offering visitors a chance to stretch their legs and explore the rugged terrain. 

The nearby Highwood Meadows Trail is a barrier-free 0.6 km boardwalk through the blossoming fields, making it an adventure pitstop accessible to all. It begins at the highway summit and becomes home to blankets of soft-coloured wildflowers come summertime.

Even if you prefer to stay in your vehicle, the beauty of Highwood Pass is hard to beat. The elevated road takes visitors on a winding journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. 

Smith Dorrien Trail

The Smith Dorrien Trail is also one of the highest roads in Canada – albeit not paved like Highwood Pass. The drive offers a journey into Canada’s untamed wilderness, as you veer off of a main highway onto lesser-travelled mountain terrain. At approximately 1,909 m of elevation, the trail runs for about 70 km, passing breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes and lush forests.

One of the highlights of the Smith Dorrien Trail drive is the beautiful Spray Lakes Reservoir, which runs adjacent to the northern part of the road as it approaches Canmore. This stunning lake is surrounded by more of the mountain ranges local to Kananaskis, including vistas of Mount Lougheed and Mount Nestor. 

Several pitstops offer ample opportunity to grab some new photos for your Instagram and enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and hiking – all while enjoying the reflections the towering peaks cast upon the lake’s turquoise waters. 

As you continue along the Smith Dorrien Trail, you’ll pass by several other picturesque lakes, including Chester Lake and Sawmill Lake – both popular choices for a picnic pit stop. 

All in all, Smith Dorrien Trail is a must-visit drive when exploring Kananaskis Country, with its seemingly uncharted, wild terrain accessible by vehicle and the gravel road forcing you to slow down so you can enjoy the views even more!

Sometimes people just want to go on a drive for the sake of the drive. In Kananaskis, Albertans are blessed with some of the world’s premier alpine roads and scenery, creating an awe-inspiring experience that leaves you wanting to turn around and drive back the other way. Visit our website for more tips and tricks on enjoying Kananaskis’s barrier-free landscapes before you’re on the road again. Grab your keys and we’ll wave to you on the road!