The best Kananaskis hotels and hostels to stay at

Comprised of over 4,000 sq km of foothills and mountains, Kananaskis Country is Alberta’s best kept secret. From skiing to hiking and biking, it’s your one stop shop for all things outdoorsy and adventurous. When you want to linger in the mountains, we’ve rounded up the top Kananaskis hotels and hostels to rest your head at.

Stepping inside this Kananaskis Hotel (Crosswaters Resort) is more like a spa getaway!

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Kananaskis Hotels

Thought K-country can easily be visited as a day trip, to soak up as much mountainy goodness as possible, you’ll want to stay overnight. Each of these Kananaskis hotels are a perfect mountain getaway in their own right.

Most of these properties are situated within evergreen forests and all afford stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, plus free parking (not always the case in Banff). The best part about overnighting in a Kananaskis hotel is that you’ll likely be paying less than what you would at a Banff or Canmore hotel.

You’ll enjoy your hike so much more when you know you don’t have to say good-bye to the mountains immediately afterwards.

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

What was formerly known as the Delta at Kananaskis is now Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. It’s part of the Marriot Autograph Collection of hotels, which are all stylishly curated to fit their surroundings.

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is the heart of this collection in the Kananaskis. This swish hotel has all the amazing amenities you crave on a vacation, while being nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

I love the design scheme at the Pomeroy. Too many mountain resorts go for heavy wood, but here the vibe is light and airy.

Upscale guest rooms include free Wi-Fi, stunning views, and pet-friendly options. There are five on-site resorts in the lodge and top notch fitness amenities, including an indoor waterpark, fitness room and indoor/outdoor hot tub.

This Pomeroy is also the home of the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, which mixes Nordic spa elements with the Canadian outdoors. Spa access is an additional cost. Both this spa and the hotel receive rave reviews.

Soaking in the pools at K-Nord is the perfect ending to any Kananaskis adventure.

Crosswaters Resort Kananaskis

The second hotel in the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Autograph Collection, Crosswaters Resort has access to all the amenities offered at the Pomeroy. It’s also just steps away from the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.

Crosswaters offers a few different room options, including the wellness adult floor. Wellness floor rooms have special amenities, including weighted blankets, aromatherapy pillow mists, oil diffusers and light therapy clocks. Fret not, the rest of the hotel has beautiful rooms with amazing views of all that Rocky Mountain wilderness.

It feels like a total spa getaway when you stay on the adults-only floor at Crosswaters.

Mount Kidd Manor

The third hotel offered in the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Autograph Collection is Mount Kidd Manor. Just like at Crosswaters Resort, guests have access to all the amenities offered at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain lodge.

Every room at Mount Kidd Manor includes a beautiful view, free Wi-Fi and TV. There are room options with private patios and fireplaces. Mount Kidd is home to Woody’s Pub (super fun), but is only steps away from the other restaurants and lounges at the Pomeroy.

Mt Kidd is a great option for families as you still get access to all the amenities in Kananaskis Village.

The big difference is that not all guest rooms at this hotel have been renovated like the other two. Because of that, guest rooms are cheaper than what you’ll find at Crosswaters and the Pomeroy.

The hotel also offers sports rentals and is close to many walking and hiking trails. To find the perfect adventure for you and your family, connect with the Kananaskis Concierge as soon as you arrive.

When the weather’s bad, families love using the indoor waterpark inside the Pomeroy.

Kananaskis Hostel

There’s currently only one Kananaskis hostel for those looking for budget accommodation. It’s the HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel, a member of the world’s largest hostel groups. While many travellers associate hostels with university backpackers, HI Hostels consistently receive good reviews and ratings.

HI Kananaskis offers both private and public (read: dorm-style) rooms. Private rooms have one double bed with a single bed above it – bunkbed-style.

Many hostels like this Kananaskis one are family friendly.

All guests have access to free parking, laundry services, the kitchen, patio and backyard area. The hostel also has a games room and lounge.

If you’re looking to travel on a budget and get amazing access to the mountains, this is one accommodation option not to be ignored. Rooms start at approximately $50 a night.

Stoney Nakoda Resort

You’ll spot Stoney Nakoda Resort right along the TransCanada Highway between Calgary and Canmore. Not only is it super convenient to get to, it offers some big city perks that you don’t often find at mountain lodges.

First off, there’s a casino at Stoney Nakoda Resort. Still, it’s a family-friendly property. It’s also sports a really good buffet with all you can eat prime rib on some nights, steak and seafood on others. 

All rooms afford mountain views, include complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast. Guests have access to an indoor pool, hot tub, and waterslide.

While there’s plenty of options for adventure in the Kananaskis, the resort itself offers two amazing options. It’s the home of Alpine Helicopters, a full-service Heli-tour company offering many different sightseeing packages.

This is one of the best ways to see the Rocky Mountains like you’ve never seen them before. Jody did a heli-yoga tour through them.

I can’t begin to tell you how many relatives of mine have overnighted at Stoney Nakoda Resort.

For those who prefer water to air, check out the Canadian Rockies Rafting company, also located at Stoney Nakoda Resort. They offer river tours for all ages and experience levels.

Mount Engadine Lodge

Located at the head of Spray Lakes Provincial Park, Mount Engadine Lodge is an ideal outpost for anyone hankering for a tech-free getaway. What makes this property unique is that it’s a front country lodge.

This means you drive up to it, but it feels almost as remote as a backcountry lodge. The bonus is it doesn’t take a full day of hiking to get to it!

Guests at Mount Engadine Lodge have the choice of four different room options: cabins, lodge rooms, glamping tents or yurts.

The best part about staying at Mt Engadine is watching the moose stroll by. (Photo credit: Sebastian Buzzalino)

Cabins

The cabins are separate from the main lodge building and are fully furnished. There are options for family-sized cabins, but children are extra. Pets are welcome in the cabins.

Lodge

Lodge rooms are located in the main building and are also fully furnished. It’s a true mountain lodge – all rustic with wood beams and such. The Chickadee lodge room is set up specifically for solo travellers with a single bed and reduced rate.

Glamping tents

For a more rustic yet sophisticated option, the glamping tents are fully furnished, with a bedroom, pull-out couch, full bathroom and an inclusive dining experience. It’s like camping, but in style. The bonus is that they’re winterized!!

Yurts

To really take in the wilderness in a full-on camping style vacation, the yurts are tent-style accommodation with linen provided (no sleeping bags provided), inclusive dining experience and lodge access.

All rooms have no plug-ins, wireless internet or phone access. There is Wi-Fi in the main public spaces (and some lodge rooms). The lodge prides itself on sustainable tourism and is Ecostay certified. Price depends on lodging type but it’s upwards of $275 a night.

Copperstone Resort

Copperstone Resort is situated in Dead Man’s Flats, just outside the town of Canmore. Technically it’s not in the Kananaskis, but we think it’s close enough to be considered.

This beautiful property is good choice if you want to pop into Canmore for shopping and restaurants, but still have easy access to the mountains. Guests have the choice of one and two-bedroom suites, each complete with a kitchen, TV and DVD player, free Wi-Fi and a pull-out couch.

In-suite laundry is included and each room comes with a private balcony and outdoor furniture. All rooms at Copperstone Resort are pet friendly. There’s an outdoor hot-tub and BBQ area available to all guests. The rates here are really attractive and this may be one of the best value accommodation options between Calgary and Banff (currently sub $130/night).

You get the best of both world’s by staying in Dead Man’s Flats.

Dead Man’s Flats Hotels

Another of the Dead Man’s Flats hotels to consider is Rocky Mountain Getaway on a Budget. (We don’t know why it’s called that either.) This apartment hotel has free Wi-Fi and parking.

It’s pet-friendly and has a small kitchen for guests to cook their own food. There’s also a private terrace, allowing you to take in the Rockies from your porch.

Since it’s located in the hamlet of Dead Man’s Flats (just 10km outside of Canmore and 34km from Banff), this is one of those hotels that’s ideal for anyone who loves the mountains, but wants the convenience of easy access to services if need be.

Have you ever stayed in the Kananaskis? What are your favourite mountain resorts?

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Post by Maya Smith