The trail starts at a mountain lake, goes past a waterfall, and ends at the top of a mountain. (Bring a water bottle – this is the Rockies). At the top, you'll find a funny little building occupied by a friendly Albertan, who likely has binoculars attached to their face. This is the Barrier Lake Fire Lookout, and that Albertan is keeping an eye out for wildfires. But that job comes with a bonus. The fire scouter is privy to a breathtaking view of a valley that's been a local secret for years. Finally, this region is finally having its moment.
This is Kananaskis Country, home to some of the most amazing mountain parks in the Canadian Rockies. Stunning lakes, unforgettable hikes, the highest paved road in Canada, and a host of luxurious recreational opportunities are also on tap. But here's the thing: you've maybe never heard of K-Country (as locals call it), but you've probably seen it.
Hollywood mountain moments
Kananaskis (pronounced “Can-a-nass-kiss”) has traditionally been thought of as the little brother to Banff National Park, just up the highway. Millions of travellers visit Banff from all over the world. Yet, they pass right by the equally beautiful jewel that locals have tended to keep to themselves. After some major developments in recent years, in no small thanks to Hollywood, Kananaskis is finally having its day in the spotlight.
The valley has hosted some memorable Hollywood scenes over the years. That climactic scene in The Revenant, the one where Leo DiCaprio finally gets his (spoiler alert) revenge? That's Kananaskis. That weird snowy dream-within-a-dream mountain fortress at the end of Inception? Kananaskis (fittingly, it was shot on a peak called Fortress Mountain. I know, right?). That old ski resort scene in War for Planet of the Apes? Kananaskis.
