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A Loop Drive: Canmore to Canmore via Kananaskis Country
A few weeks ago we headed up to Mount Engadine Lodge high in the mountains above Canmore for the weekend. We drove from Calgary to Canmore (~ 1½ hours) and then took the Spray Lakes Road up into Kananaskis Country. We finished the drive on Sunday. From Canmore on, it was all new country and far more beautiful than anything I ever expected. In fact it would make a nice alternative to driving around Banff – and it’s a lot less crowded. Especially consider this drive in the summer or fall.
The total loop drive if you return to Canmore is 143.5 kilometers. If you’re heading back to Calgary – rather than to Canmore, you can save yourself the last 28.7 kilometers. Sixty five kilometers are on dirt or snow packed roads in a remote area. Take the necessary precautions – blankets, inflated spare tire, water…
Here’s what the drive looks like in pictures.
Spray Trail about 2o kms up from Canmore
Still on Spray Lakes Road
Spray Road becomes the Smith Dorrien Trail in the vicinity of the Spray Lakes Reservoir. I’m not sure why the name changes there.
Entrance to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park - along the Smith Dorrien Trail
Continuing towards Highway 40 - on the Smith Dorrien Road
Highway 40 heading north
Fantastic mountain scenery along Highway 40
The scenery keeps getting better and better on Highway 40
The mountains are getting smaller
You pass Nakiska Ski Resort
Scenery approaching the Trans Canada Highway
Once you reach the Trans Canada Highway you turn left to return to Canmore and right to return to Calgary. The scenery for the entire 143.5 kilometers is beautiful. Take the time to explore Kananaskis Country and drive this loop one day. You’ll be glad you did.
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About
I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
Feel free to email me at
leighmcadamtravels@gmail.com
Book Reviews
Book Review: Leading at the Edge
Tweet Though it’s been almost 100 years since Shackleton’s ill-fated voyage, his leadership style and lessons in the face of adversity still ring true. Those lessons are used as a backdrop for Dennis N.T. Perkin’s book, Leading at the Edge. Dennis brings his considerable talent as the CEO of The Syncretics Group, a company that specializes in [...]
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