Looking for fun and unique things to do in Kananaskis Country with your family? I’ve got a long list of activities you don’t want to miss, from short hiking trails to beautiful picnic spots and outdoor activities.
Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s wilderness Rocky Mountains, Kananaskis Country is a stunning playground for families seeking outdoor adventure. With its majestic mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking trails, this place has something for everyone. Plus, it’s less crowded than nearby Banff National Park.
Let’s dive into our ultimate guide for the best things to do in Kananaskis Country with kids.
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Best Kananaskis Activities: Our Top-Pick
There are many fun activities to do for the family in Kananaksis, but a horseback riding tour is one of the most epic ones to test.
The 2-hour Horseback Trail Ride in Kananaskis is an exciting adventure where you’ll immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Led by experienced guides, you’ll embark on a guided trail ride through forests, meadows, and valleys, surrounded by breathtaking mountains.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, the tour suits all skill levels with well-trained and gentle horses. Note that children must be at least 6 years old to participle in this tour.
🐴 Book your 2-hour horseback riding tour here. 🐴
Things to Do in Kananaskis Country
1. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
A short drive from Canmore or from Cochrane, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary provides an opportunity to learn about wolfdogs and see them up close. Guided tours are available, making it an educational and fun outing for the whole family.
Children must be 6 years old or older to visit the sanctuary.
🐺 Book Your Tour at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary 🐺
2. Explore Bow Valley Provincial Park
With a variety of easy trails and beautiful scenery, this park is perfect for a family day out. It’s also a good place for a chance to spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
3. Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
Originally developed for the 1988 Winter Olympics, this park offers many activities that kids will love. Families can try cross-country skiing or go tobogganing in the winter, while summer allows for mountain biking or disc golf.
4. Go Fishing at Lower Kananaskis Lake
This is a great spot for families who love fishing. Rent a boat or fish from the shore – either way; you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Remember to get a fishing license beforehand.
5. Biking the High Rockies Trail
This trail is a family-friendly portion of the Trans Canada Trail network. It extends along the eastern edge of the Spray Lakes Reservoir and offers moderate biking for older kids and teens, with numerous scenic viewpoints along the way.
6. Mt. Engadine Lodge Afternoon Tea
Located off Highway 742, this lodge offers a charming afternoon tea experience. Enjoy a variety of teas and fresh, house-made pastries while taking in stunning views. It’s a unique and delightful experience that the whole family can enjoy.
Why not stay overnight at Mt. Engadine Lodge? Read our review for a glamping experience at Mount Engadine Lodge
7. Explore Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
This park is home to several easy-to-moderate trails that are suitable for children. One notable family-friendly trail is the Lower Lake Trail, which is a flat, easy trail with excellent views of the lake and mountains.
8. Experience Horseback Riding
At Boundary Ranch, just off Highway 40, families can embark on a guided horseback riding adventure. This activity offers a unique way to explore the stunning Kananaskis landscapes and is suitable for riders of all ages.
9. Mountain Biking in West Bragg Creek Trails
Off Highway 742, this network of trails offers family-friendly routes suitable for mountain biking. It’s a fun and exciting way for families to explore the natural beauty of Kananaskis Country.
10. Picnic at Wedge Pond
This small, beautiful pond off Highway 40 is great for a family picnic. The serene atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and surrounding mountain views make it an ideal spot for relaxation and family bonding.
11. Visit Spray Lakes Reservoir
Off Highway 742, this man-made reservoir is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, families can enjoy ice skating or ice fishing on the frozen reservoir, while summer offers canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
12. Visit Spray Valley Provincial Park
Just south of Canmore, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and boating, making it an ideal destination for a family day out.
13. Visit the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre
This museum offers a variety of exhibits showcasing the history and geology of the Canmore area, providing a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
14. Explore Elbow Falls
Just a short drive from Highway 66, these beautiful waterfalls are a sight to behold. There’s an easy walking trail leading to the falls, and several picnic tables are available for families to enjoy a picnic with a view.
15. Visit Quarry Lake Park
Just a short drive from Canmore, this beautiful lake offers a sandy beach, walking trails, and picnic areas. It’s a perfect spot for a family outing on a sunny day.
16. Explore Canmore Cave Tours
For the adventurous family, take a guided tour of Rat’s Nest Cave, a wild, undeveloped cave under Grotto Mountain. Kids must be over the age of 10 to participate.
Led by experienced guides, you’ll explore hidden caves, maneuver through narrow passages, and marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Learn about the region’s geological wonders, navigate challenging obstacles, and capture the unique beauty of the cave environment. With safety as a priority and expert guidance throughout, this tour offers a thrilling and memorable experience.
🧗♂️ Book Your Canmore Cave Tour Here! 🧗♂️
17. Take a Stroll on Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk
This easy walk located right in Canmore is perfect for families with small children. The boardwalk winds through a wetland area and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
18. Explore the Canmore Engine Bridge
This historic bridge is a fun place to explore with kids. The bridge offers scenic views of the Bow River and is near downtown Canmore.
19. Enjoy a Picnic at Centennial Park
Centennial Park in downtown Canmore offers beautiful views, picnic areas, a playground, and walking paths – perfect for a family outing.
20. Visit the Elevation Place
This recreation center in Canmore offers a variety of family-friendly activities. It includes an aquatics center with a children’s pool, a climbing wall, and various fitness classes.
It’s the perfect place in the wintertime.
21. Take a Dip in Upper Hot Springs
While not exactly in Kananaskis Country, the nearby Banff Upper Hot Springs in Banff are well worth the short drive. These hot springs are a perfect family-friendly activity where you can relax and unwind in the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
22. Picnic at Forgetmenot Pond
This stunning location offers picnic tables, restroom facilities, and a short, easy trail around the pond. The clear, still waters offer beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains, making it a peaceful spot for a family outing. It’s also a great place for paddleboarding.
Remember, always check local restrictions and guidelines before planning your outing to ensure a safe and fun experience for your family.
Things to do in Kananaskis Village
23. Nakiska Ski Resort
In winter, this resort offers excellent skiing opportunities for families. Various ski runs cater to different skill levels and a ski school for beginners.
What to do in Kananaskis by Seasons: Our top pick
The Best kananaskis winter activities
Here are a few things to do in Kananaskis in the winter:
24. Try Dog Sledding
In winter, several local companies offer dog sledding tours, providing a unique and unforgettable experience for the whole family.
25. Try Cross-Country Skiing at the Canmore Nordic Centre
In the winter, the Centre provides excellently groomed trails for cross-country skiing, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Attend Canmore Winter Carnival
If you visit in February, don’t miss the annual Canmore Winter Carnival. Activities include ice carving, dog sledding, and a variety of kids’ events.
26. Winter Tubing at Nakiska
A fun activity for families during the winter months. The resort has a dedicated tubing lane, perfect for an afternoon of laughter and fun.
27. Snowshoeing at Chester Lake
Located off Highway 742, Chester Lake offers a popular snowshoeing trail in winter. The trail is moderately challenging, but the stunning frozen lake and snowy mountain views make the effort worthwhile.
28. Grotto Canyon Ice Walk
In winter, this trail offers a unique hiking experience as families can walk directly on a frozen creek bed through a narrow canyon, viewing ancient Indigenous pictographs and fascinating geological formations along the way.
29. Try Fat Biking
In the winter, fat biking is a popular activity in Canmore. Several local shops rent fat bikes and the Canmore Nordic Centre has dedicated trails.
The Best kananaskis summer activities
Here are a few things to do in Kananaskis in the summer:
30. Biking the Legacy Trail
This paved trail stretches from Canmore to Banff, offering a fun, family-friendly bike ride with beautiful mountain views.
31. Rafting on the Kananaskis River
Several local companies offer family-friendly whitewater rafting experiences on the Kananaskis River. This is a great way to combine adventure and stunning scenery.
32. Visit Barrier Lake
A man-made reservoir in the heart of Kananaskis Country, Barrier Lake offers beautiful scenery and various outdoor activities. Families can enjoy a picnic on the lake shore, go on a paddleboarding adventure, or take a peaceful walk along the lakeside trails.
33. Canoe or Kayak on Upper Kananaskis Lake
This stunning alpine lake, located off Highway 40, is a great place for a family canoe or kayak outing. The calm, clear waters are ideal for paddling, and the scenery is breathtaking.
34. Visit Goat Creek Bike Trail
This trail, suitable for biking or hiking, offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
The Best Hikes in Kananaskis for Families
Looking for more short and easy hikes in the Canadian Rockies? Read our article here.
35. Troll Falls
This easy 3.4 km trail is located near Kananaskis Village, leading to a stunning waterfall. The path is well-maintained, making it suitable for strollers, and the relatively short distance is perfect for young hikers.
The stunning hiking trail is especially magical in winter when the falls freeze. Kids will love the fact that it’s named after the “trolls” that are often hidden in the trail by local residents.
36. Heart Creek Trail
This 4.4 km out-and-back trail follows a beautiful creek with several bridges along the way. It’s located near Lac Des Arcs and the flat terrain makes it a family-friendly hike.
37. Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail
The Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail is a longer hike, with more than 10 km, but only 1.1. km away from the day-use area is the Sarrail Falls. You can easily do this 2.2 km out-and-back hiking trail to the waterfall and return to the parking lot. The trail is flat, scenic, and suitable for all ages.
38. Grassi Lakes Trail
This easy-to-moderate trail suits families and leads to two stunning turquoise lakes. Along the way, you may spot some rock climbers and a waterfall, adding to the sense of adventure. There are picnic tables at the upper lake, perfect for a family picnic.
39. Blackshale Suspension Bridge Trail
This 2.5 km trail leads to a spectacular suspension bridge with stunning views of the Blackshale Creek below. The trail is mostly flat and easy, making it a great choice for families.
40. Grotto Canyon Trail
This 4.5 km trail located near Canmore features a canyon and a waterfall. The hike includes some pictographs and a chance to see rock climbers, which can be fun for children.
41. Ptarmigan Cirque
Located near Kananaskis Improvement, this 4.5 km loop trail offers scenic views and a high chance of spotting wildlife. The hike is steeper, so it’s better suited for older children or families with hiking experience.
42. Elbow Lake Trail
This 2.7 km out-and-back trail is located near Kananaskis Improvement and is great for beginners or families. The trail leads to Elbow Lake, which is a beautiful spot for a picnic.
43. Sarrail Falls via Rawson Lake Trail
This short 1.4 km trail is located near Kananaskis Improvement. The trail is good for all skill levels and leads to the beautiful Sarrail Falls.
44. Marl Lake Interpretive Trail
This 3 km loop trail is located near Kananaskis Improvement and features a lake. The trail has several interpretive signs explaining the local flora and fauna.
45. Boulton Creek Trail
This 5.6 km loop trail located near Kananaskis Improvement is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. The trail offers several activity options and is best used from June until October.
46. Mount Lorette Ponds
This easy 1.3 km loop trail is located near Kananaskis Improvement. The trail is primarily used for walking and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
47. Many Springs Interpretive Trail
Located near Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, this 2.4 km loop trail features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and bird watching.
Where to Stay in Kananaskis Country
Options for camping in Kananaskis
Mount Kidds RV Park
You must check out Mount Kidd RV Park when planning your Kananaskis adventure. This place is a gem, especially if you’re traveling with an RV or fancy camping with a bit of comfort. Right in the heart of the Alberta Rockies, it gives you front-row seats to the stunning outdoors.
The sites are spacious, well-kept, and perfect for families. And the best part? You’re surrounded by nature, so you can start exploring as soon as you step outside your RV or tent.
If you’re worried about amenities, don’t be. Mount Kidd RV Park has you covered with clean facilities, a playground for the kids, and even a convenience store for those little things you might’ve forgotten.
Plus, after a day of adventuring, you can gather round your campfire, toast some marshmallows and stargaze with the family.
So, if you’re all about that RV life or love the idea of comfy camping, Mount Kidd RV Park is a must-visit for your family trip to Kananaskis. Enjoy!
Gooseberry Campground
Looking for a fantastic place to camp near Bragg Creek? You’ve got to consider Gooseberry Campground. It’s a beautiful spot that really lets you get up close and personal with nature. Nestled in the lush woods, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own secret hideaway.
The campsites at Gooseberry are just what you need for a family-friendly camping trip. They’re spacious and well-maintained, perfect for pitching your tent or parking your RV. The vibe here is peaceful and relaxed – just what you need for some quality family time.
Plus, the amenities are great. Clean facilities, picnic tables, and fire pits for those must-have campfire moments. And for the little adventurers, there’s plenty of room to explore and play.
After a day of fun in Bragg Creek, you can return to Gooseberry, cook up a campfire meal, and share stories under the stars.
So, for a real back-to-nature experience with the family, Gooseberry Campground is a top pick. You’re going to make some amazing memories here!
Options for hotels in Kananaskis
Mount Engadine Lodge
If you’re planning your family trip to Kananaskis, don’t overlook the amazing Mount Engadine Lodge. It’s nestled right in the Alberta Rockies and has a real charm about it. The stunning views and the warm, welcoming atmosphere’ll blow you away.
Mount Engadine offers cozy, family-friendly rooms that feel like a home away from home. But it’s not just about a comfy bed – this lodge has some serious eco-credentials. They’re part of the Ecostay Reforestation program and have helped to reduce over 211 tonnes of carbon emissions since 2017. Talk about setting a good example for the kids!
Plus, after a day of outdoor adventures, you’ll love returning to their home-cooked meals. Fresh, local, and oh-so-yummy, it’s the perfect way to refuel before the next day’s fun.
In short, Mount Engadine Lodge combines comfort, sustainability, and fantastic food in an incredible natural setting. It’s a top pick for any family adventure in Kananaskis!
»» Look for availabilities and pricing at Mount Engadine Lodge
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
This lodge is nestled right in the heart of the great outdoors, with fantastic mountain views that’ll take your breath away.
The rooms are comfortable and family-friendly, offering plenty of space to unwind after a day’s adventure. But it’s not just about a good night’s sleep here. The lodge boasts an amazing indoor water park that the kids will love, giving you a moment of peace with a hot coffee from the onsite shop.
And when it comes to meal times? You’re covered. The lodge has various dining options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your crew.
In a nutshell, Kananaskis Mountain Lodge offers a cozy, comfortable base for your family’s adventures in the stunning Alberta Rockies. You’re going to love calling it ‘home’ during your stay!
»» Look for availabilities and pricing at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Is Canmore in Kananaskis?
Yes. Canmore is in Kananaskis.
A Few Things to Know Before Visiting Kananaskis Country with Kids
Before embarking on your family trip to Kananaskis Country, there are a few essential things to keep in mind to make your trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Kananaskis Conservation Pass
One of the most important things to note is the introduction of the Kananaskis Conservation Pass. This pass is required for all vehicles stopping in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Corridor. Fees collected from the past are used to maintain trails, facilities, and services within the park. Passes can be purchased online or at several visitor centers in the area.
Note that the Parks Canada pass is not valid in Kananaskis.
Wildlife
Wildlife encounters are common in Kananaskis Country, given its rich biodiversity. While it’s a unique experience to see wildlife in their natural habitat, keeping a safe distance to protect your family and the animals is important. It’s a good idea to read up on wildlife safety tips, and carry bear spray if you’ll be hiking, even on short little family hikes.
Dress in layers
As for what to pack, dress in layers, as the weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable, regardless of the season. You’ll want to have rain gear, warm clothing, and sturdy footwear. Sun protection, including hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses, is also essential due to the higher altitude.
Lastly, a reusable water bottle is a must to stay hydrated during your hikes. And, of course, you’ll want to pack up on snacks or a picnic lunch, especially when traveling with kids.
Cell Service
As you venture deeper into Kananaskis Country, be aware that cell service can be spotty or even non-existent in certain areas. This lack of connectivity can affect GPS directions and the ability to make calls. You might want to download maps or trail guides onto your device for offline use.
Dirt Roads
Driving in Kananaskis Country may also involve navigating dirt or gravel roads, particularly if you’re heading towards more remote trailheads or campsites. For example, most of the Smith Dorrien trail is a gravel road. These roads can be rough, but all vehicles can access them.
Leave No Trace Principle
As always, adhere to the Leave No Trace Principle:
- plan and prepare ahead
- travel and camp on durable surfaces
- dispose of waste properly by carrying out what you bring in.
- leave what you find, which means not picking plants or disturbing wildlife.
- minimize campfire impacts by using a camp stove instead of making a fire.
- respect wildlife and never feed them
- be considerate of other visitors so that everyone can enjoy their outdoor experience.
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Kananaskis Country
If you’ve been dreaming of sharing the wonders of nature with your little ones, Kananaskis might be the perfect destination for you. From exhilarating hikes and picturesque picnics to captivating wildlife spotting and thrilling water activities, you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly options that promise to make your family trip unforgettable.
So, pack up the kids, lace up your hiking boots, and explore the best that Kananaskis offers.
Remember, the goal is to leave no trace, preserving the beauty of Kananaskis Country for generations to come. Happy adventuring!
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.