Nestled at the foothills and front ranges of the Canadian Rockies, the 36-hole Kananaskis golf complex is a prime offering for golf vacations in Canada. Made up of two resident and visitor-favorite courses, The Mount Lorette Course and The Mount Kidd Course, amateurs and professionals alike can test their skills in a variety of playing styles.
Each course is named after two neighboring mountains that tower over 10,000 feet, while the courses sit at an elevation of 5,000 for optimal challenge.
First opened in 1983 by the government, The Mount Kidd Course was Alberta’s affordable place for all to play and enjoy, with The Mount Lorette Course following in 1984. Both courses are designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, offering scenic design and holes routed through the pine forests and along the Kananaskis River, complete with 150 bunkers.
Located just a short drive from the city with awe-inspiring views and the chance to see majestic wildlife en route, Kananaskis is a destination worth playing on your golf vacation in Canada.
Kananaskis combines world-class golf in an unparalleled natural setting. Legendary Designer Robert Trent Jones Sr stated that it was “the best natural setting I’ve ever been given to work with.” Many famous golf clubs maintain their reputation through exclusivity and reliance on a championship course; Kananaskis is open to the public and yet remains one of the best courses in Canada.
The club sits within Kananaskis Country in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, west of Calgary in Alberta. Mountains surround the property in every direction, which makes the golf course feel more like a national park than a traditional layout.
Kananaskis boasts two incredible 18-hole courses, Mount Kidd and Mount Lorette.
Mount Lorette is all about water and tree-lined holes. The front nine moves through forests and lakes, with the closing stretch following the Kananaskis River. The course places greater emphasis on strategy and precision due to a higher frequency of water hazards and a very strong finishing section.
Standout holes include the par-3 6th, which has water hazards protecting the front and right side of the green, and the par-3 hole 17, which is considered to be the hole’s signature course; players hit across a river bend towards a green framed by mountains and trees.
Mount Kidd is often considered the more forgiving of the two Kananaskis courses, featuring wide fairways that provide plenty of room off the tee. The course follows the Kananaskis River before transitioning into more wooded terrain, where strategically placed bunkers add challenge.
The signature moment is the par-3 4th hole, which requires a shot over the river to a bunker-guarded green set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Renowned for scenic beauty and varied design, Mount Kidd is also known for frequent wildlife sightings.
In 1996 Golf Digest named Kananaskis County the best 36-hole facility in North America. Brian McCallen, the Travel Editor for Golf Magazine stated in 1998 after his visit, “Until the Dalai Lama builds a golf resort in the Himalayas, Kananaskis reigns as the world’s preeminent 36-hole mountain complex.”
The resort even hosted the 2002 G20 Summit when it required over 5,000 military to protect the perimeter of the 600-acre property.
Then in June 2013 disaster stuck when flooding severely damaged 32 holes of the 36-hole complex that had to be completely rebuilt from scratch. Local golf course architect, Gary Browning was enlisted to oversee the reconstruction of the classic designs to a tune of over $23 million.
Much to the province’s residents and visitors’ relief the complex reopened in 2018, a full 5 years after closing to its original design (minus 30 bunkers) and luster.
A golf itinerary in the heart of the Canadian Rockies takes you up close and personal to some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Enjoy a 6-night adventure, including 5 rounds of golf on our recommended Rockies itinerary.
Few hotels in the world can rival the majesty, hospitality, and scenery of The Fairmont Banff Springs. Its unique blend of opulence and seclusion has been a symbol of Rocky Mountain magnificence for over a century. Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, championship golf, classic cuisine, and a world-class European spa. The decor and furnishings all reflect the classical, historic ambiance of this famous destination property.
It’s very common to pair together nearby Canadian Rockies golf courses into a joint itinerary due to the sheer amount of excellent golfing layouts in the region. Here are three nearby courses we recommend.
Located in Canmore and around 40 minutes from Kananaskis, Stewart Creek weaves through forests, valleys, and mountain terrain. It’s reputed to be one of the most scenic courses in Alberta (which is known for scenic courses).
Roughly 50 minutes away from Kananaskis. Banff Springs is one of Canada’s most famous golfing destinations. Designed by the great Stanley Thompson, the course has several famous and challenging holes and makes for a thoroughly enjoyable and bucket-list experience for many golfers.
Also near Canmore and a similar distance away from Kananaskis. It’s famous for elevated tee shots and a challenging mountain layout that will test even the most skilled golfers. The course sits above the Bow Valley and treats players to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Kananaskis Golf Club is located in Kananaskis Country, a mountainous region in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. The nearest main towns are Canmore (a 50 minute drive away) and Calgary (about 90 minutes via car). The closest major airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC) which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive depending on traffic.
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Kananaskis Country Golf Course; Mt Kidd; Mt Lorette
Kananaskis Country Golf Course, Highway 40, Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada
Complex opened 1983; extensively rebuilt after 2013 floods and reopened 2018
Operates during the Canadian Rockies golf season (roughly May–September/October) with daily tee times.
Mount Kidd – 18 holes, par 72, approx. 7,136 yards; originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., later restored and updated by Gary Browning following flood damage; mountain/parkland course with river and mountain views.
Mount Lorette – 18 holes, par 72, approx. 7,232 yards; sister course to Mt Kidd, similar style with holes running along the Kananaskis River and framed by dramatic peaks.
Clubhouse with restaurant and bar, practice range and putting greens; close to hiking, biking and other outdoor pursuits in Kananaskis Country.
Frequently ranked among Canada’s top public/mountain courses and praised for its environmentally sensitive post-flood restoration.
Within an hour or so of Banff Springs and the Canmore courses (Stewart Creek, Silvertip) and reachable from Calgary.
Kananaskis Golf Complex is located in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, about an hour from Calgary.
The complex has two 18-hole courses, Mount Lorette and Mount Kidd, known for their scenic beauty and challenging play.
Yes, golf carts are available at Kananaskis Country Golf Course.
There are two 18-hole courses: Mount Lorette and Mount Kidd.
Mount Lorette is generally considered more forgiving than Mount Kidd.
The best months are June to September, offering the most favorable weather for golf.
Yes, outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing are available in the area.
