Pine trees reflected in the Forgetmenot Pond in Kananaskis Country, Alberta

Staying grounded. Forgetmenot Pond, Kananaskis Country, Alberta

Set in the foothills and front ranges of the Canadian Rockies, Kananaskis Country stretches across a vast network of protected valleys, dense forests and alpine peaks. Located in Alberta, the region was formally established in 1978, uniting several provincial parks and protected areas under a shared vision of conservation. Clear rivers cut through limestone cliffs, while spruce and pine forests rise toward high mountain passes.

Seasonal change defines the experience here. Summers open hiking trails and wildlife corridors; winters transform the landscape into a quiet expanse for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Just off Highway 40, Forgetmenot Pond offers a familiar stop. In warmer months, its glassy surface reflects the surrounding peaks; in winter, it freezes into a natural skating loop.

Here, visitors may spot black bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer and other species moving through their natural habitat. Covering around 4,000 square kilometres, K-Country represents decades of deliberate conservation. It is not untouched wilderness, but a carefully stewarded landscape, one that rewards attention, patience and return visits.