Camping in Kananaskis
CAMPING IN KANANASKIS
Camping in Kananaskis is not nearly as talked about as it should be. I don’t believe in gatekeeping when it comes to great spots. It’s a gorgeous place to go if you want to avoid tourists and National Park fees. Here are a few tips and suggestions for your next trip in addition to a short vlog.
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WHERE TO CAMP
The Interlakes Campground is a great spot to camp in Kananaskis for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s outside the boundaries of park so you can avoid the additional access fees. Secondly, the location cannot be beat. The campground is along the Lower Kananaskis Lake. Every view is exceptional and all spots are very close to the water. Overall, the grounds and the facilities (washrooms etc) are well maintained. Your stay can be booked online up to 90 days in advance but the spots are first come, first serve. It’s $31/night.
UPDATE:
Thanks to the UCP, this area also requires a park pass now. It’s $15/day or $90/year. Which can make this prohibitive for some people. Rather than it be $62 for a weekend for just the spot, it is now that in addition to $45. Total of $107 for a weekend.
HIKING
We hiked the Upper Kananaskis Lake loop for the better part of the day. I only packed a water bottle, a granola bar, and an orange. This was not nearly enough sustenance in case you were wondering. I recommend bringing more than that if you’d like to walk the entire loop. In terms of difficulty level, it was novice. The trails are well worn and very obviously marked. It’s one large loop along the edges of the lake so you can’t get lost if you stick to it.
(Below photo is the most challenging part of the hike. It was quite rocky but not steep.)
WHAT TO BRING
First off is GOOD FOOTWEAR! A pair of shoes that have arch and ankle support are a must if you plan on hiking. Sunscreen, a big hat, activewear, and your favourite sweatpants – the necessities obviously. While you can bring your own firewood, they do sell it on premise. I would save yourself the cleanup of wood chips in your trunk and just buy it there unless you have a truck etc. There is a water pump at the campground as well as secure food storage.
OTHER OUTDOORSY POSTS
CAMPING IN KANANASKIS
Click play to check out my camping in Kananaskis vlog! If you like what you’re seeing, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube Channel and peep my 24 Hours in Calgary vlog.
Big thanks to Ford Canada for loaning us a Ford Explorer
photographs - sandy joe karpetz
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