Kananaskis Hotels near Calgary, Alberta

Try the Delta Lodge, Sundance Lodge or Stoney Nakoda Casino & Resort

Jul 12, 2009

For the best Rocky Mountain experience in Alberta, head to Kananaskis country outside of Calgary, Canada, for aboriginal culture and hotels.

In search of a break from Calgary, Alberta? Hoping to get outside of the city? Less than an hour’s drive west of Calgary is Kananaskis country, an outdoor-lovers haven of wildlife, pristine nature and glorious views of the Rocky Mountains.

Kananaskis Hotels

There are some great Kananaskis hotels in the area. Some are geared towards camping, others to playing the slot machines at the in-house casino. What to expect from all of them, though, is the proximity to stunning scenery in every direction. Thought Alberta was just flat prairies? Think again.

Kananaskis country is home of the Stoney Nation, whose culture permeates the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino. This is the entrance to Kananaskis village.

The Stoney Nakoda Resort is a brand new hotel that features a mix of First Nations history with contemporary design. The gift shop is more like an aboriginal museum, with artefacts on display and art for sale; around the corner, warm stone walls and earthy colours greet travellers as they go up to their rooms.

The rooms and suites are fully equipped with generous beds, space to actually move around in and little extras like free wireless, an Xbox 360, satellite TV and an iPod player. Guests can all access the indoor pool with a waterslide. (How many new hotels have waterslides these days?) Oh, and there’s a full casino just outside the lobby with an entertainment theatre, three restaurants, 300 slot machines and poker tournaments.

Even for those who don’t spend much time gambling, the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino has very reasonable rates and is in a good location to explore the rest of Kananaskis country. The only downside (or maybe it’s an upside for some?) is that smoking is allowed in the casino and sports bar.

The Delta Lodge

Most Albertans know the Delta Lodge as the "it" place during the ski season (it’s located near the base of Nakiska ski mountain). It’s one of those hotel fixtures that have been around forever and, although it could use some more renos, it's comfortably worn in and feels like home.

The newly renovated rooms and suites are very nice, feeling a tad luxurious without losing the lodge feel (but what’s with the crazy wallpaper in the hallways?). In particular, the lofts have nice stone fireplaces and balconies.

Stepping back into aboriginal culture, this campground-that’s-so-much-more-than-a-campground is perfect for those wanting to get out into the wild without having to sleep on the ground.

There are tipis and trapper’s tents to choose from, both with wooden floors, cot beds, a lantern and small heater. It’s nothing glamorous, but it makes the camping experience so much more comfortable. There are also campsites throughout, set up for trailers and tents.

This family friendly accommodation (quiet hours are from 10:30 pm to 8:00 am) has fire pits for evening entertaining, clean washrooms with shower stalls and some of the friendliest staff in the area. All in all, a unique place to stay for a few days.

Kananaskis Canada

For help booking car rentals, accommodations and flights, contact Travel Alberta (1-800-ALBERTA).

The copyright of the article Kananaskis Hotels near Calgary, Alberta in Alberta Travel is owned by Lori Henry. Permission to republish Kananaskis Hotels near Calgary, Alberta in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.