If you’re headed to Kananaskis in the Canadian Rocky Mountains then you’ll need to know about these local gems. There’s three main stores to buy supplies in Kananaskis. When we stay at William Watson Lodge we pop out to these stores and grab a few needed items, get vehicle gas and find some different treats. My kids love browsing for random stuff and convincing me to buy junk food definitely on the “non-essential” list.

By no means are they large stores with huge selection but they have items when you’re in a pinch. If you’re staying in Kananaskis and need more variety or quantity then your best bet is going into Cochrane. Canmore is about the same distance away, however, Cochrane has more options and is better priced. It’s options include 2 large grocery stores, Walmart Superstore, Canadian tire, Sport Check, Dollarama, Bulk Barn, many restaurants and fast food, etc.

I’m so glad Kananaskis has these options because I’m not keen on driving an hour to grab more ketchup - you autism moms know what I mean.

Go Market and Centex Gas Station

Located on highway 40 across from the Fortress entrance. It includes basic food options (like freezer pizza and cans of soup), snacks, basic toiletries, etc. Theres a small adjoining ice cream shop which is open seasonally. Centex is also the only gas station in the area with the Bearspaw Kananaskis Gas Station over 40km away.

Bolton Creek Trading Post

Located beside Bolton Creek Campground on highway 40 partway between William Watson Lodge and Upper Kananaskis Lake.  Basic food options, snacks, toys & activities, toiletries, dog essentials, souvenirs, local interest books and a large assortment of camping equipment.  It also has an ice cream shop and a sports rental center. This trading post is also accessible from Elkwood Campground through paved biking paths.

Kananaskis Village

Located a little ways off highway 40 at the base of Nakiska Ski Hill. It includes restaurants, bistros and bars, a playground, 3 separate lodging options, 2 gift shops, a post office, different sport activity areas, conference rooms and a spa. It’s also a connection point with many hiking and biking trails branching off from the village. We really enjoyed Forte Restaurant and ate there twice during our week stay at William Watson Lodge.  Forte had a good kids menu and a variety of gluten free options. My kids favourite part of Kananaskis Village was the central waterfall and pond as well as the complementary s’mores (yum!).    

Have you visited any of these places? Did you enjoy your time in Kananaskis? Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear your experiences.

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