Why stay in a standard hotel room when you could sleep beneath the stars in an equally-cushy spot?
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Kananaskis Country, these unique accommodations boast swish touches like spa-like bathrooms, relaxing saunas or tranquil, riverfront locales.
One thing about me is I love a good glamping site, so I’m thrilled about these fabulous set-ups in beautiful K-Country, a stone’s throw away from my home in Calgary just outside Banff National Park.
Skyridge Glamping
I’ve stayed at dozens of glamping spots around the world. So trust me when I say the micro-cabins at Skyridge Glamping which are literally perched on a mountainside and have a fourth wall made entirely of glass are one of the most wow-worthy setups I’ve ever seen.
Conveniently located just a few minutes drive from Kananaskis Village across from the golf course, this adults-only property has two different types of accommodations: Skybox Cabins and Skyglass Cabins.
The former are nestled up against the forest and feature king-size beds, a cozy living room area, spa-inspired bathroom, kitchenette and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The real draw here are the Skyglass Cabins situated on the slope, with their standout feature being a reflective glass wall that makes it feel like you can reach out and touch the mountains.
Each one also has a kitchen, bathroom and private patio. Some units are also pet-friendly. Click here to book
Both room types have heating and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable stay year-round, yoga mats in the closet for a morning stretch, a Nespresso machine and the option to rent propane fire pits.
Fully-equipped kitchens mean guests can make all their own food and never have to leave the property—but if you’d rather not cook, dining options are found at the golf course across the highway and at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in the village.
Skyridge Glamping also offers a gourmet meal kit for two, which is placed in the room prior to arrival.
Other amenities at this alpine retreat include a Gear Closet to borrow things like trekking poles, headlamps and backpacks, and there’s also a spa area with relaxing saunas and a cold plunge shower (complimentary, but reservations required).
Great hiking trails are easily accessible from there, and I recommend scenic spots like the Village Rim Trail, Wedge Pond, Mount Lorette Ponds and Ribbon Creek which are all less than a 10 minute drive away.
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Sundance by Basecamp
The Sundance campsite is one of the OG players when it comes to glamping in Kananaskis thanks to its family tipis, and now that the riverfront property has been acquired by the Basecamp brand there have been some exciting updates including the addition of luxury glamping tents.
We stayed with our two little ones in a Deluxe Glamping Tent (which is nearly identical to a Family Tent other than the seating area configuration), which does a phenomenal job of feeling like a luxury room which still maintaining a camping vibe with a proper canvas tent, outdoor picnic area and fire pit with Adirondack chairs.
The room has two incredibly comfortable queen-size beds with luxe linens (seriously it was like sleeping on a cloud), a seating area complete with antler chandelier, a wood-burning stove and huge dining table. Even with the mountain of items we had to bring along for our kiddos, there was still tons of room to organize it all.
Two heating sources mean the tents are cozy no matter how cold it is outside, and while there’s no ensuite bathroom it does have a private outhouse. For showering, you’ll need to walk to the shared campsite bathroom. Click here to book
Sundance by Basecamp also has traditional campsites, the aforementioned Family Tipis, minimalist Trapper’s Tents which are a canvas-covered structure with mattresses and a heater, and their Glamping Bell Canvas Tents. These are ideal for a couples getaway since they also include premium linens, and all you need to do is show up.
If you don’t mind bringing your own gear (ie sleeping bags), reserve the Canvas Bell Tents which have flooring, mattresses and solar-power lighting and are a great setup for a group of friends.
Mount Engadine Lodge
This quintessentially-Canadian lodge has one of the most jaw-dropping views, best enjoyed from its wraparound outdoor patio or the deck of one of its glamping tents.
I’ve stayed here in spring and fall, and all seasons are spectacular making this a great option year round for glamping in Kananaskis.
Each cozy glamping unit at Mount Engadine Lodge has a king-size bed, seating area, ensuite bathroom and gas fireplace, and large outdoor deck with Adirondack chairs where you can watch moose wandering through the surrounding marsh and sometimes even bears.
Room rates include elevated all-inclusive dining, which is a hearty breakfast with a served option plus a continental spread (the flaky, buttery croissants are as good as you’d find on the streets of Paris), a packed lunch which is perfect for taking out with you during a day of adventures, and a three-course dinner served around big wooden tables so you can trade stories with other guests.
Stays also include ‘afternoon tea’ served from 2-5pm daily, which is a Rocky Mountain-inspired charcuterie board paired with a fresh-baked apple strudel.
There are some great hikes on its doorstep, and Buller Pond just down the road which is a scenic, flat pulloff. Note that there is no reception in this area (accessed on a bumpy gravel road), but you can get WiFi back at the lodge. Click here to book
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