Categories: Travel

This provincial park in Kananaskis Country is open to campers year-long

Photo via Alberta Parks

Kananaskis Country borders Banff National Park and is home to many provincial parks, including Spray Valley. Thanks to the versatility and beauty of nearby Spray Lake, this park is the perfect place for all sorts of outdoor activities year-round.

Hit the trails

Spray Valley Provincial Park has eleven listed trails for skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, and even dog-sledding! The High Rockies is the longest, running for 80 kilometres in the summer from Goat Greek to Elk Pass and 63 kilometres in the winter from Goat Creek to Peninsula Day Use.

Watridge Lake and the Wedge Connector offer shorter routes in summer and winter, respectively, and the Ursa Major challenges hikers with the steepest hills and thinnest base.

Of course, each trail has its own season, permitted activities, and safety status. Be sure to scout your route online before heading out!

Lake life

Photo via Travel Alberta

As much as we Albertans love winter (that’s what we tell ourselves, right?), there’s no denying the summer fun that can be had on a lake.

Spray Lake is great for sailing, windsurfing, power boating, and fishing. The Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide is a handy document that offers safety tips and requirements for taking to the water — from there, it’s smooth sailing!

Since Spray Valley has six different campgrounds, the fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Enjoy front-country camping at Spray Lakes West or Eau Claire or hunker down for backcountry camping at Lillian Lake, Ribbon Falls, or Ribbon Lake (Rummel Lake Winter Backcountry is the only site open throughout winter). Just make sure you book ahead!

It’s never too early to start planning your summer excursions and never too late to enjoy what’s left of winter — especially at a park that’s open year-round. Have fun, and be safe!