Kananaskis Country is home to endless opportunities to explore the Alberta wilderness. Whether it’s a picnic, hike, golf, horseback riding or much more, there are plenty of opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air with loved ones. There are free to use plus more extravagant options and those you can do in a few hours to some taking an entire weekend. Here are some of the best summer activities in Kananaskis for your entire family!

Canoeing at Barrier Lake

Barrier Lake is the perfect place to enjoy water activities like canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You can also take advantage of the beautiful surroundings for some breathtaking photography. Barrier Lake is very accessible, with a large parking lot, trail, and access to the water. This lake is stocked with fish, so you can also enjoy some fishing while you are there. Fishing is permitted from the shoreline, or by boat with a valid Alberta fishing license.

Kananaskis Outfitters offers rentals for canoes or kayaks as well as safety gear that you need. 

Horseback Riding at Boundary Ranch

For something adventurous, try horseback riding at Boundary Ranch. This family-run operation offers riding lessons for all ages and skill levels, trail rides and team-building adventures. You can also enjoy the onsite stables, tack shop, and dining. For the youngest riders, there are pony rides available.

Embark on a Laid Back Scenic Hike

Hikes in Kananaskis are known for their insane scrambles and views, but there are plenty that are easier options for families! See our blog for some options on Top 5 Kananaskis Family Hikes!

Have a Picnic in Kananaskis Village, Takeout available from Forte

If you and your family like to travel light and eat on the go, you can enjoy a picnic in Kananaskis Village. You can stop by a grocery store to pick up some sandwiches, salads, and snacks for a simple, yet delicious meal. There are several areas to enjoy a picnic, including the decorative walkways, the gazebo, and the picnic tables set up at Barrier Lake. If you prefer something prepared for you, you can stop by Forte, a modern Italian restaurant located in the Village. Delicious options include sandwiches, salads, pastas and desserts.

Go for a Scenic Lunch at Summit Restaurant

If the whole family is ready for a more refined lunch, try the Summit Restaurant at the Kananaskis Country Golf Course, offering guests a stunning view of much of the Valley. The restaurant serves casual to fully composed dishes, complemented by a well-curated wine, beer and cocktail list. You can sit inside or outside on their spacious patio for a truly memorable meal with a stunning panorama.

Go Wildlife Spotting for Pikas, Chipmunks, Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep

Kananaskis is well known as being a haven for wildlife. The valley is home to many different animals, including pikas, chipmunks, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. You may also hear some bird calls around the lake, as there are many species that call our pristine nature home. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as you will be able to take some great photos of the wildlife. Reminder: never approach or feed any of the wildlife (you’ll be forgiven with chipmunks!) as it can be both dangerous to yourself and the animal and habituate them to human contact and food sources.

Try Mountain Biking with workshops available from Kananaskis Outfitters

If you are a little more adventurous, you can try mountain biking at Kananaskis. You can rent mountain bikes from Kananaskis Outfitters and explore the trails around Kananaskis Village. These trails are a great way to try out mountain biking if you are new to the sport, or if you aren’t ready to ride the challenging trails outside the village. There are a variety of trails for beginners, as well as more challenging ones for more experienced riders. You can ride through scenic areas and along the Bow River. 

If you are new to mountain biking, you can take advantage of the weekly mountain biking workshops offered at Kananaskis Outfitters. These workshops are led by an experienced guide who can help you learn more about mountain biking, as well as offer tips to improve your skills. You can choose to take the one-day beginner’s workshop or a multi-day advanced workshop.

Experience K-country from a Helicopter Tour with Alpine Helicopter

If you are visiting Kananaskis with older children, or are just looking for a unique family outing, you can experience K-country from the air with a helicopter tour from Alpine Helicopter. Located in the Kananaskis Industrial Park, you can choose to take a 30-minute tour over the Kananaskis Valley, or upgrade to a 45-minute tour that includes a fly-by of the Banff townsite. Alpine Helicopter also offers tours to see glaciers, wildlife tours, and tours to other areas in Alberta.

A helicopter tour is a great way to see the beauty of K-country from a different perspective. If you are visiting Kananaskis with younger children who might be a little nervous about the helicopter ride, Alpine Helicopter offers tours for smaller helicopters that are a little less noisy.

Experience Nature Under the Stars with Sundance Lodges

Whether you call it camping or glamping, the canvas tipis and comfortable trapper’s tents at Sundance Lodges give you a connection to the untamed Kananaskis wilderness that’s hard to beat! With just enough amenities that you don’t feel you travelled back in time but surrounded by a profound sense of being ‘off the grid’ Sundance Lodges is the nature getaway you’ve been longing for. And don’t fret: you can rent camping supplies from them as well if you’re new to it!

Staycation at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

To get the absolute most out of a Kananaskis getaway, there is of course the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, a little slice of backcountry luxury in the Alberta wilderness. With an indoor waterpark, KananaKIDS and a selection of family-sized rooms, family comfort and activities abound, and that’s just inside the hotel! As a base for further adventure in K-Country, the Lodge is a perfect choice for the family staycation.

Kananaskis is known for its untamed beauty, but it is so much more than that. With a happily surprising amount of conveniences, lodging and dining options, one need only ‘rough it’ as much as you want. All the comfort a family could desire is available, along with the well-known unmatched natural setting. Whether a day trip or a staycation, a trip to Wild, Open, Free Kananaskis creates bonding memories a family will long cherish.