The name of the area comes from the Kananaskis River, which John Palliser named after an acquaintance in the mid-19th century. It is accessible via four main highways. Kananaskis hosted the G-8 Summit in 2002 and houses an environmental and ecological research station at Barrier Lake, which is run by the University of Calgary. It is a popular place to visit among those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors and experiencing adventures.
When should I visit Kananaskis, AB?
The climate in Kananaskis is subarctic, with moderate summers and cold, snowy winters. The hotel prices tend to drop during the winter months when the average low temperatures are below freezing. Between January and March, the average lows are in the negative single digits and teens, so it's quite chilly. Kananaskis receives about 638 mm of precipitation each year on average, and it is spread throughout the months of the year.
Kananaskis doesn't host any major events that impact hotel rates too drastically, although the extensive outdoor attractions available in the area cause prices to increase in the late spring and summer months. When more people visit to take part in the activities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting, the demand increases and the prices go up. Winter activities can also cause price spikes, although the cold temperatures do keep some travelers away.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Kananaskis, AB:
Kananaskis by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Kananaskis, AB. You can use these charts to determine the cheapest months to book a room in Kananaskis during the year.
Where can I enjoy a luxurious stay in Kananaskis, AB?
For an upscale stay in the area, book a room at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Autograph Collection. This four-star hotel is close to Nakiska Ski Resort and Fortress Mountain Ski Resort. During your stay, you can enjoy a massage at the full-service spa, relaxation in the spa tub or sauna, and assistance with local attractions through the concierge services. The complimentary ski shuttle offers service to the nearby resorts. Dining options include five restaurants, room service during limited hours, two lounges, and a coffee shop. Your room will feature a pillowtop bed with premium bedding, free wired and wireless internet access, a minibar, a flat-screen TV with satellite programming, and complimentary designer toiletries.
Stoneridge Mountain Resort by Clique also provides high-end accommodations. During a stay here, you'll be within a short walk of Yamnuska Mountain Adventures as well as a short drive of several other top attractions. Each spacious suite has a kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator and oven, a private patio or balcony, a pillowtop bed with premium bedding, an LCD TV with digital programming, an iPod docking station, free Wi-Fi, and a bathroom with a separate soaking tub and shower, along with designer toiletries. The property boasts a seasonal outdoor pool, a spa tub, a business center, ski storage, and a 24-hour front desk.
Solara Resort & Spa is a five-star hotel located in the mountains, so you'll love the impressive views from the property. Amenities include two indoor heated pools, a children's play area, a wellness center offering spa services, coaching, nutritional guidance, and fitness services, a steam room, a fitness center, and a sauna. The suites have one, two, or three bedrooms and come equipped with gourmet kitchens, cozy fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, spa-inspired bathrooms with robes and complimentary toiletries, laundry facilities, and phones with free local calls. The property also has a private movie theater for guests, showing complimentary movies each night.
What are some budget-friendly hotels in Kananaskis, AB?
Enjoy an affordable stay at Lodges at Canmore, which is about 23 miles from Kananaskis. This property is close to Yamnuska Mountain Adventures and the Canmore Museum. Amenities for guests include a seasonal outdoor pool, a spa tub, concierge services, complimentary daily newspapers in the lobby, laundry facilities, free on-site self-parking, and a picnic area. You can also stay connected with the free wireless internet access available in the guest rooms and common areas. Each spacious room is individually decorated and features a fireplace, a private furnished patio or balcony, a kitchen with a stove and refrigerator, and a TV with a DVD player and cable programming.
Relax and enjoy budget-friendly pricing at Falcon Crest Lodge by Clique. This property features complimentary wireless internet access, two spa tubs, ski storage, free daily newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, free parking, and concierge services. The rooms come equipped with pillowtop beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, LCD TVs with DVD players and digital programming, fireplaces, private patios or balconies, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is within 21 miles of one of the local ski resorts and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Grande Rockies Resort Bellstar Hotels & Resorts provides appealing accommodations for competitive prices. Settle in your room, which has a pillowtop bed with a down comforter, an iPod docking station, an LCD TV with premium cable channels, free wired and wireless internet access, complimentary toiletries, and a private bathroom with a rainfall showerhead. The art deco-inspired hotel has an indoor pool with a waterslide, a ski storage area, a welcoming fireplace in the lobby, a business center, and a restaurant that serves delicious meals and cocktails.