Page 28 - DreamScapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2026

G R E A T E S C A P E S
Pack Light and Leave the Rest
to K-COUNTRY
BY KENDALL HUNTER
Adventure, comfort and discovery‚ made easy
AN HOUR FROM CALGARY, and far removed
from Banff’s congestion, Kananaskis Country
is emerging as a compelling Rockies escape
for travellers seeking the great outdoors
without sacrificing comfort—or peace of
mind. This vast network of provincial parks,
where sustainability meets raw alpine beauty,
is reached via a short, scenic drive west on the
Trans-Canada Highway and south on Highway
40, leaving the hum of the highway behind.
NEST IN NATURE
An adults-only eco-retreat where minimalist
design meets sweeping alpine views, Skyridge
sits on a ridge at the edge of a forest, about a
five-minute drive from Kananaskis Village.
The low-impact retreat offers two styles of
micro eco-cabins: SkyGlass units feature
floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the line
between indoors and out—you’re immersed
in nature from the comfort of a king-sized
bed. SkyBox cabins offer a more enclosed
design with thoughtfully framed views.
Both run entirely on solar power. Off-grid
doesn’t mean disconnected—you’ll still have
Wi-Fi, climate control, and a fully equipped
kitchen. Come nightfall, settle into your
private fire pit and watch the stars emerge
over the peaks.
> MUST TRY Make your stay even easier by
pairing it with Calgary-based Gilded Spoon,
a gourmet meal experience. Pre-order chef-
crafted meal kits with local ingredients,
minimal prep and low-waste packaging, so
you can relax, savour and feel good about it.
SOOTHE AND SOAK
Less than ten minutes away, Kananaskis
Nordic Spa delivers relaxation in the heart of
Kananaskis Village. Move at your own pace
through a hydrotherapy circuit—hot and
cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms—set
against views that shift from spruce forest to
mountain peaks. Hammocks, Adirondack
chairs, and quiet rest areas invite pause
between cycles. When hunger strikes, stay
wrapped in your robe and head to the on-
site Two Trees Bistro for Canadian-sourced
sharing plates, nourishing bowls, or well-
ness drinks.
> MUST TRY Twilight Soak (6-9 p.m.) when
alpine light softens and the peaks glow.
SADDLE UP
Discover the West on horseback at Boundary
Ranch, following guided rides through
forested backcountry to lookout points and
clear-running streams. Time it right and ride
through wildflowers or spot deer grazing.
> MUST TRY Forest Ridge Trail. Climb to
panoramic lookouts with Mount Kidd,
Fortress Mountain, and The Wedge as your
backdrop. Satisfy your cowboy appetite with a
BBQ lunch after sliding out of the saddle.
GEAR UP FOR ADVENTURE
For toys and outdoor adventure add-ons,
Kananaskis Outfitters equips you for whatever
the day calls for. Skim Barrier Lake on a SUP or
kayak, cruise paved trails on an electric bike,
or tackle the trails on a full-suspension
mountain bike. Rentals range from Pickleball
sets to trekking poles and more. Adventure
options include the Big Canoe Tour, survival
hikes, and mountain bike coaching—what-
ever gets your heart racing.
> MUST TRY Private guided sightseeing and
hiking tours with shuttle service, bespoke
routes, and lunch to fuel your adventure.
PHOTOS: KANANASKIS NORDIC SPA | KARL LEE/TRAVEL ALBERTA |DEVON ROGERS /TRAVEL ALBERTA
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DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2026