Dreaming of a mountain escape in the Canadian Rockies, away from the crowds? Then I have a suggestion for you – Kananaskis Country, with a stay at Skyridge Glamping.
While Kananaskis has long been a favourite getaway for Calgarians, many visitors from further afield are still unfamiliar with the area. Though it may not be a national park, the mountains are just as big, the lakes still turquoise, the waterfalls just as impressive and the hiking trails rewarding.
Skyridge Glamping is the ideal base from which to explore – only 100km from Calgary (closer than Banff!) and yet in the midst of the peaks.
This new adults-only retreat is ideal for nature lovers looking to disconnect and become fully immersed into spectacular alpine scenery, with hiking trails just a few minutes away. It’s a place where modern comfort blends seamlessly with the raw beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
If you ask me, the term “glamping” doesn’t do it justice. With a high level of comfort, design, and amenities, Skyridge feels closer to a boutique hotel experience, just with a front row seat to nature.
JR and I have extensively explored all five of the Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton Lakes), yet Kananaskis continues to surprise us with its range of trails, abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery.
This post shares a three day Kananaskis getaway itinerary, featuring rewarding hikes, waterfalls, alpine views and a relaxing stay at Skyridge Glamping.
We were guests of Skyridge Glamping. Please note that some of the mentioned trails (such as Troll Falls) are closed at the time of writing due to flooding that occured less than a week after our mid June visit. Check the Trail Reports page on the Alberta Parks website for updates.
Introducing Kananaskis Country, Alberta
Kananaskis Country (or ‘K-Country’) is a vast wilderness area in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, located southwest of Calgary. The region spans six provincial parks and three wildland provincial parks, offering almost endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The outdoor experiences on offer in Kananaskis are every bit as memorable as those in nearby Banff National Park, especially if you love to hike.
We love Kananaskis for all these reasons:
- Spectacular mountains, waterfalls, turquoise lakes and more
- Scenic views right from the highway
- Quieter and less touristy than Banff and Jasper, especially on weekdays
- Incredible network of hiking trails, from short walks to challenging alpine adventures
- Options for early season hiking while many trails in the Rockies are still snowy (July, early July)
- High potential for wildlife sightings, especially grizzly bears
- Easy and quick access from Calgary – around an hour’s drive, depending on destination
Please note, a Conservation Pass is required to stop/park in Kananaskis Country. Day passes are $15 and yearly passes $90. Purchase online before visiting (vehicle licence plate required).
Why Skyridge Glamping is the Perfect Kananaskis Base
Skyridge Glamping is an adults-only (21+) year round retreat in the heart of Kananaskis Country, close to Kananaskis Village.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the location – just off Highway 40, only minutes away from incredible hiking trails and scenic viewpoints (all of the places mentioned in this post are within 15 minutes or less of Skyridge).
But the location is more than just convenience.
This is accommodation that feels thoughtfully integrated into its surroundings, designed to complement the landscape rather than compete with it. Think floor to ceiling windows and a deck perfectly placed to view the surrounding mountains.
The result is a stay that feels connected to nature while still providing the comforts of a high-end getaway. That balance of wilderness and comfort is exactly what so many travellers are looking for when planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies. Yet in busy destinations like Banff, it can be difficult to find.
The fact that Skyridge Glamping is actually closer to Calgary than Banff (by 30km!) is somewhat ironic.
As mentioned, the Kananaskis is mostly unknown to a lot of international visitors, which is which is exactly part of its appeal. Although Kananaskis does have campgrounds and a few other accommodation options, many visitors only come for the day from Calgary.
Staying overnight means experiencing an even more peaceful side of the region (and I haven’t even mentioned the stargazing opportunities yet…)
Skyridge Glamping amenities
There are two types of cabins at Skyridge – the SkyBox and the SkyGlass. The SkyGlass units are the newest additions and feature the largest amount of floor-to-ceiling (mirrored) glass, creating a greater sense of privacy and connection with the surrounding landscape.
We stayed in SkyGlass Cabin 11, which we found to be secluded.
Both the SkyBox and SkyGlass have king size beds, bathrooms with heated floors and a walk-in shower, a well equipped kitchen and spacious deck area featuring Adirondack chairs.
It all feels thoughtfully designed, brand new and exceptionally well maintained.
There are so many clever touches that make a stay here feel both effortless and luxurious, from the hidden charging sockets in the bedside tables and fluffy white robes to the Nespresso coffee machine and Rocky Mountain soaps. Everything you need and more!
Skyridge has its own on-site spa, offering two different sauna rooms (each with gorgeous mountain views), cold bucket shower and a peaceful deck for relaxing between sessions. The perfect place to soothe sore muscles after a long day of hiking (or tiring work week!)
How to make the most of your Skyridge stay
- For the best value rates, go off season and midweek
- Bring groceries with you – there are very limited places to buy supplies locally
- Book a spa slot early to secure your preferred time
- Dogs are allowed in specific pet-friendly units, which offer a pet bed, toys and bowls
- Plan to stargaze – the lack of light creates impressive nighttime displays
- The rental propane fire pit is a nice touch for cooler evenings
- A Conservation Pass is required for stopping anywhere else in Kananaskis
- Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – we saw a grizzly bear on the Skyridge driveway!
3 Day Kananaskis itinerary
This three day getaway guide demonstrates how easy it is to experience Kananaskis Country from Skyridge Glamping. It showcases the area closest to Skyridge, which is around Kananaskis Village. All of the mentioned places are 15 minutes drive away or less.
Personally, I’d recommend three nights/four days as the sweet spot for a Kananaskis trip but I recognise that schedules don’t always allow for that.
This is a summer itinerary, designed for people who love to hike. I’ve suggested a variety of trails from easy to challenging. These trails were all snow free during our mid June visit in 2026 (a big snow year). Of course, if you prefer to relax more than hike, adjust the itinerary to suit!
Day 1: Arrival day
Welcome to Kananaskis Country! If, like us, you arrive in the afternoon, plan to check out Troll Falls near the Nakiska Ski Area. This is a family friendly trail through the forest to a pretty waterfall in a rock bowl (3km return, 50m elevation).
But you don’t need to stop there. Troll Falls isn’t the only cascade to see on Marmot Creek – just one of them! Ascend a short but steep uphill section to follow the creek further into the forest and discover the incredible Marmot Falls.
At lower water levels (and with plenty of caution), it’s possible to go behind this impressive waterfall. The trail then continues along Marmot Creek again, following what seems like an endless series of cascades, culminating at the Upper Falls (5.3km loop with 160m elevation gain).
Check-in at Skyridge Glamping is from 4pm. Settle in for a relaxing evening watching the clouds drift across the mountain peaks from the deck or through the floor to ceiling windows from your bed.
Day 2: Adventure day
Today is all about hiking your way through some of the most scenic landscapes in the Kananaskis.
One of the best hiking trails (and earliest to become snow-free) close to Skyridge Glamping is Wasootsch Ridge. This strenuous hike starts with a steep climb before mellowing out around the 2km mark, revealing spectacular panoramas of the surrounding mountains and creeks.
Continue along the rolling ridgeline as far as you like. Many hikers stop around 2.5/3km (5/6km return) – we continued to 4.2km for a 8.4km return hike with 600m elevation gain.
Other challenging hikes we’ve enjoyed in the Kananaskis area include Tent Ridge and Burstall Pass – more info in our Spray Lakes hiking guide.
For a moderate level adventure, consider the Prairie View Trail (11km return with 500m elevation gain). The hike itself is mostly uphill through the forest but the wide trail makes it a more social experience.
We hiked it with a friend, Dave from Travel Tales of Life, and it was great to be able to chat easily all the way up! There are two viewpoints, both with stunning views of Barrier Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Don’t feel like hiking? No problem – check out the beautiful Mount Lorette Ponds (fishing lakes with easy walking path) and Wedge Pond (stunning mountain views, easy walking path) nearby.
If you can, plan to head out early (before 9:30am) to make the most of your day and avoid the busiest times on the trails. Personally, I love having plenty of time to relax in the afternoon. Consider booking a 4pm or 6pm spa session at Skyridge Glamping. Even the saunas have amazing views!
Day 3: Departure day
Time to leave paradise! Well, almost. Don’t rush away just yet. There’s still time to squeeze in one more adventure before heading home.
If you didn’t check out the Prairie View Trail yesterday (11km return with 500m elevation gain), I’d recommend doing so on your way out. Not only is it a fantastic final Kananaskis hike, but it’s also conveniently located right along the route towards Calgary and Canmore.
For a longer hike, continue up to Yates Mountain summit from the main Prairie View lookout. It’s a steep, unmaintained trail, gaining another 150m elevation in just 600m. There’s also the option to return to the parking area via Jewell Pass (extra 3km).
Essential planning info
- Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. Phone signal is variable in this area – don’t rely on it.
- As demonstrated by the grizzly we spotted on Skyridge Glamping’s driveway, Kananaskis Country has a healthy bear population. Make plenty of noise on trails and carry bear spray to use as a last resort.
- Never, ever feed or approach wild animals. Doing so effectively kills the animal as they will lose their fear of humans. If you do see wildlife, provide plenty of space for them to escape.
- Make sure you Leave No Trace when exploring. Stay on designated trails to reduce damage, pack out everything you bring in (including things like apple cores and orange peels), do not pick up or take away any natural objects.
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Avoid cotton (we always wear merino wool) and bring extra layers. Weather conditions can change quickly in the Kananaskis. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer months.
- Pack the 10 Essentials on every hike. They could save your life, or the life of someone else. Unforeseen delays can and do happen and you should be prepared for it.
Related posts you may find helpful
Canadian Rockies Road Trip Loop: Detailed 9 to 12 Day Itineraries + Map
The Best Things to Do in Yoho National Park, BC
Waterton Lakes National Park 3 Day Itinerary
Baker Lake and the Skoki Loop Hiking Guide, Banff National Park
Climbing Mt Norquay’s Via Ferrata, Banff, Alberta
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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!