“This is where the Rockies still whisper instead of shout.”
Kananaskis is one of the most quietly remarkable places in the Canadian Rockies—vast, protected, and still largely under the radar. Covering more than 4,000 square kilometres of alpine wilderness, the region offers a rare blend of accessibility and solitude. Wildlife sightings are common: elk move through wide valleys, mountain goats traverse ridgelines, and the skies stay dark enough for true stargazing. Well-maintained trails range from family-friendly walks to full-day alpine hikes, with far fewer visitors than nearby hotspots. Lodges and outfitters are embedded in the landscape, making it easy to paddle a glacier-fed lake in the morning and be in a sauna or stargazing by nightfall. In June 2025, the G7 Summit will shine an international spotlight on this little-known region, with world leaders staying in Kananaskis Village and major media covering events in nearby Banff. For journalists, this is a chance to explore a destination Albertans have quietly treasured for decades—an alternative Rockies story grounded in conservation, recreation, and a deeper connection to the land. This is where the Rockies still whisper instead of shout.