Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is a southern extension of the Kananaskis Valley [1] and protects the upper watershed of the Kananaskis River. It is contained within a high mountain valley and dominated by two magnificent bodies of water—Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. The 500-square-kilometer (193-square-mile) wilderness is the second-largest provincial park in Alberta [2].

Highway 40 is the main route through the park. The most important intersection to make note of is five kilometers (3.1 miles) along Highway 40 from the park’s north boundary. At this point, Kananaskis Lakes Road branches off to the west, accessing Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. These two lakes are the center of boating and fishing in the park, and opportunities abound for hiking and camping nearby.

At the excellent Visitor Information Centre (four km/2.5 mi along Kananaskis Lakes Rd. from Hwy. 40, 403/591-6322, summer daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m., the rest of the year Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m.–5 p.m.), exhibits catalog the natural and cultural history of the park through photographs, videos, and hands-on displays. The knowledgeable staff hides hordes of literature under the desk—you have to ask for it. A large lounge area that overlooks the valley to the Opal Range is used mainly in winter by cross-country skiers but is always open for trip planning or relaxing.

Located along Kananaskis Lakes Road, 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) south of Highway 40, Boulton Creek Trading Post is the park’s only commercial center. It sells groceries, basic camping supplies, fishing tackle and licenses, propane, and firewood. Adjacent is an unremarkable family-style restaurant serving up pasta, burgers, and the like. A cooked breakfast is $10 (although it’s not open until 9 a.m.). It also has an ice-cream window and serves coffee.