An Inside Look at the Gorgeous Cabins of William Watson Lodge, Kananaskis
William Watson Lodge is the perfect autism getaway. It’s meant to give special needs families a place to experience camping and the outdoors while catering to their individual needs. This article gives a great overview of booking, checking in, what to bring, etc.
This cabin retreat is meant for special needs, disabled, autistic and elderly individuals. There are multiple beautiful and modern cabins surrounded by large evergreen trees, grass and paved walkways. Located in the forrest by a lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Outside the New Cabins
Inside the New Cabins
These new cabins are seriously gorgeous! Just look at Jude’s reaction to the kitchen - he was over the top excited. In fact, all three of the older kids we’re beyond excited to be staying there. I was equally impressed and dreamed about adopting the home as my own since it feels so much larger than our home.
These three bedroom cabins sleep nine people comfortably: six twin beds, a pull-out couch that sleeps two and an extra mattress in the closet.
UPDATE!
Recent renovation were done at William Watson Lodge. The older cabins no longer exist. All cabins are now the new version and are super fancy. YAY! I left the information and pictures of the old cabins for nostalgia sake.
Outside the Older Cabins
These cabins were built decades ago, and although they’re older, they’re well maintained and clean. We loved the secluded feeling of cabin H22 (where we stayed last) as it faces the thick woods.
Inside the Older Cabins
Even though we prefer the new cabins we still would stay in these older ones if thats what available. The downsides of these cabins include the tighter kitchen - less wheelchair friendly, no fenced deck - not good for toddlers and wanderers, no dishwasher, older appliances and fixtures and the pull out couch felt like it was decades old! But for the price and location it cant be beat.
The waterproof mattresses on the 4 twin beds are actually pretty comfortable, and this is coming from a girl who has a luxurious pillow-top king bed at home.
No matter which cabin you stay in you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful autism friendly vacation at William Watson Lodge.
Below I’ve linked all the articles; make sure to check them out to learn the ins and outs of this special needs retreat.
William Watson Lodge Articles
Hello!
I’m Kate and I’m a mom of four. Since 2010 we’ve had one baby born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and three children diagnosed with autism. Parenting certainly hasn’t been what I was expecting - it’s been harder (like A LOT harder) and much more wonderful. My world has expanded and knowledge deepened as I’ve spent the last decade raising these four special kids. Supporting other moms of autistic and cleft children is my passion. Here you’ll find information, strategies and first hand experiences to help you navigate these special challenges on-the-go and in your own home.
William Watson Lodge is the perfect autism getaway. It’s meant to give special needs families a place to experience camping and the outdoors while catering to their individual needs. As a parent of 3 autistic kids I love bringing my family to Kananaskis in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Alberta travel and vacations are becoming some of our favourites.