Hotels in Kananaskis

Kananaskis Hotels

Burrowed in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and the wilds of Alberta’s tumbling countryside is Kananaskis, a mountain paradise for year- round adventurers. Less than an hour west of Calgary, Kananaskis' main resort, Nakiska, gives skiers, snowboarders, and hikers a mountain-top escape that is groomed to perfection. It comes alive in the winter, when locals head to the slopes and sample some of the best food and hot chocolate in the Rockies. In the summer, tourists and Kananaskis natives alike get out and bike, hike, paddle, fish, and climb. The fresh air, sprawling mountains, and miles of slopes mean that the endorphin educing alpine scenery makes for trip like no other.

Things to see

For a once in a lifetime experience head to Nakiska Ski Resort, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, which offers world-class down-hill skiing facilities, and make a stop by the Gold Chair Ski Lift in Banff National Park, the views over the chocolate box resort is sublime on a cool winter’s day. Take the lift to the top and stop off for a mulled wine or hot chocolate as you make your way down. If you’re in Kananaskis in the summer the lifts offer an easier way to get around than hiking up every mountain. A photographer’s dream is found at every stage; Banff National Park offers hiking trips and is nearby to the Nakiska Ski Resort, where families can access the ski school. Night owls can experience authentic Canadian bars and quirky restaurants in Kananaskis village as well as a horde of luxury lodges and hotels. Kananaskis is a patchwork of national parks, reserves and lakes so, if you don’t mind roughing it, hit the trails and then sleep under the stars.

Hotels in Kananaskis

There are many hotels in Kananaskis, ranging from family-friendly ski chalets and lodges to top-range hotel complexes offering a real taste of luxury. The proximity to ski resorts and local mountain trails mean most accommodation is equipped with spas and pools, where you can soak your aching muscles and relax in front of a warm fire. The locally run lodges offer the most authentic stopovers, think rustic wood rooms, taxidermy, and luxurious 4-poster beds as standard. If you really want to get back to nature and camp for a couple of nights, there are a choice warden-attended campsites which offer basic amenities.

Where to stay

Kananaskis is 1600 square miles of unspoiled, protected wilderness bordering on the Banff National Park. Wherever you stay, jagged peaks tower over the evergreen valleys and pristinely calm lakes and hot springs greet you at every turn. If you want to stay in the Nakiska resort you’ll have access to the best slopes, and outdoor amenities, as well as top restaurants and an energetic arts and music scene for some night-time entertainment. The lodges and guesthouses in and around Banff are unbeatable if you want to get outdoors, and many offer shuttle services and tours to local parks and resorts.

How to get to Kananaskis

Calgary International Airport is the main entry point for travelers from overseas as well the USA. From here you can easily reach Kananaskis Country by shuttle bus and road. The airport is efficient in organizing trips quickly for new arrivals. Once in Kananaskis, the best way to get about in the summer is by renting a car, the largest community of Canmore is around 30 minutes from the main-line Trans-Canada Highway.