With all the excitement of the G7 summit earlier this spring, Kananaskis Village got a lot of attention as the location for the historic meeting. The grounds were shut down, fenced off, peppered with security and cameras, and the police and military presence was astounding. Many locals appreciated the peace and quiet after the event was over and the fighter jets and military helicopters went home – it was a noisy week with these aircraft continuously circling the village and the towns.

But for those who didn’t live in what felt like a military state, the lure of the G7 in Kananaskis led to questions, and a desire to see where it all went down. So when I had guests visiting from Ontario, we planned to visit this now iconic location.

Here’s the cool thing about Kananaskis Village: you can just go there. Of course the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is lovely, but you don’t have to stay there to enjoy the area. There are great restaurants, cafes, shops, rentals, and nearby you can find golfing, horseback riding, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and all manner of outdoor mountain adventure. Of course, there's the Nordic Spa, which draws people from all over to experience the healing waters. It’s awesome, and it’s a great place to experience Kananaskis Country from the source.

We started at the hotel. Public parking is near the front entrance, so it was easy to access. The smell and cracks of the campfire met us as the mountains loomed overhead of the impressive hotel. It was a feast for all the senses. Of course, we paused for photos at the G7 sign, and then we went inside.

We were a bit grungy from our hike to Troll Falls, but the relaxed mountain vibe of the hotel was accommodating. We shopped at the gift shop, got some coffee and cinnamon buns, and went outside to sit on the grounds and enjoy our snack. What a treat. The manicured area extends into a natural trail that takes you all along the rim. The views are fantastic, and it’s a great way to blend nature with a curated experience.

There were bear warnings in place, so we brought our bear spray even though we were so close to the hotel. Having bear spray and knowing how to use it is paramount in Kananaskis. Check out this video on how (and when) to use bear spray. And check out this link for advisories in K-Country that might affect your plans.

After our walkabout, refreshed from the coffee and snacks and ready to hit up another adventure, it was time to go home. At the end of the day, Kananaskis Village is a beautiful place. It’s far enough away to feel secluded in the mountains, but easy to get to on a paved road. It’s a great place to take in the scenery, enjoy some great food, and maybe stay a while.

Kate Barker