Why go
Kananaskis offers a large mountain landscape south of Banff and seems quieter in many places. Lakes, valleys and hiking trails make the region an excellent base outside the most famous parks.
The stop is intended as a quiet stage. The Fifth Wheel remains on a suitable basis if possible, while narrow local, coastal and park roads are only explored with the pickup truck.
At a glance
Category | Information
Ideal stay | 3–4 days
Best time to visit | June–September
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Boondocking | very good outside the national parks
Upper Kananaskis Lake
The lake lies between high mountains and offers shore paths and picnic spots.
Smith-Dorrien Trail
The gravel route is scenically strong, but suitable for large teams only after a detailed examination.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
The park bundles campgrounds, hiking trails and mountain lakes.
Things to do
Lakeside hiking
Watching Wild Animals
Day trip with pickup truck
Rest day in the Bergtal
Shopping
Use Canmore or Calgary for supplies.
Food & drink
Canmore offers the largest selection; in Kananaskis Village, the offer is limited.
Campgrounds
Boulton Creek Campground
Elkwood Campground
Bow Valley Campground
Boondocking & Supply
Boondocking-Eigenung in Alberta: very good outside the national parks. Suitable areas are not guaranteed pitches; land status, signposting, access and current bans must be confirmed on site and on official maps.
Ghost Public Land Use Zone
Livingstone Public Land Use Zone
Public areas in the David Thompson Country according to current map
Freshwater, dump station, gas, food and laundry supply points:
Calgary
Canmore
Rocky Mountain House
Red Deer
Edmonton
Practical tips
Current check required Kananaskis usage passes.
Don't drive gravel roads unchecked with Fifth Wheel.
Plan bears and sudden weather changes.
Save offline maps. In rural regions, national parks and in the north, mobile communications can be missing over long distances.
Never take water untested from lakes or rivers into the fresh water tank. Replenish drinking water only at released sources or prepare it professionally.
Our recommendation
Set up a fixed base and explore side valleys only with the pickup truck.