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Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Review (updated 2025)
- andrewsco3
- Feb 11
- 12 min read
Updated: Sep 24
If you're seeking a luxury stay in Kananaskis, look no further than the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, part of the Autograph Collection properties.
We have stayed here four times, including twice over Christmas, and it has become our go-to hotel for a quick getaway from Calgary to the Canadian Rockies. Below is our review of our experience at the hotel.
The property is nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, making it the perfect base for both summer and winter mountain activities. It is also conveniently located just moments from the Nakiska Ski Hill, the Kananaskis Golf Course, and many scenic hiking trails, such as Troll Falls and Yates Mountain.
If you're already set on staying at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, you can check availability and prices on Booking.com.
Still deciding? Read guest reviews on TripAdvisor to see what others had to say about their experience.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend hotels we genuinely love and use ourselves.
How to Get to the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge?
The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is located in Kananaskis Village, about 60 to 90 minutes from Calgary. Take Highway 1 toward Banff, then exit onto Highway 40 just before reaching the mountains. Kananaskis Village is around a 20-minute drive from the highway exit, and the scenery is stunning, so be sure to take your time and stop to take photos and stretch your legs along the way.
If you're visiting from out of town and have time to explore Calgary before heading to Kananaskis, be sure to check out our list of the 40 Best Things to Do in Calgary for top attractions, restaurants, and activities in the city!"
The hotel is somewhat isolated, but in our opinion, that only adds to its charm. As you exit Highway 1 onto Highway 40, you'll pass the Stoney Nakoda Casino, which offers a gas station, a small convenience store, and a Tim Hortons.
If you're arriving by car, it's worth noting that there is free outdoor parking available. Alternatively, you can opt for valet parking at $32 per day or self-park underground for $22 per day. We've always parked outside and have never had trouble finding a spot.
A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to drive into the park, so you'll need one during your stay. You can purchase a single-day pass ($15), a multi-day pass ($15 per day), or an annual pass ($90).
You can check out which option is best for you and purchase your pass here.
How Much Does a Stay at the Hotel Cost?
The Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is undoubtedly one of the top hotels on the eastern side of the Canadian Rockies. As you might expect, this comes with a premium price tag, especially during peak seasons.
Room rates typically exceed $500 per night for a standard king room and rarely drop below $350.
We’ve found that prices fluctuate quite a bit on third-party booking sites — and they’re often lower than booking directly through the hotel’s website, so it’s worth checking current rates and availability to see if you can grab a deal.
Utilizing Hotel Points
There are a limited number of hotels offering Marriott redemption options in the Canadian Rockies, particularly near Banff and Canmore. There is a Moxy hotel in Banff, but that’s the only other option, and it’s nowhere near as nice as the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
In terms of points, the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is a Category 6 property within Marriott Bonvoy, with free night redemptions ranging from around 40,000 points during off-peak dates to 65,000 points (and higher) during peak periods.
As Marriott Bonvoy American Express cardholders, we each receive an annual free night certificate, which we try to use for high-value stays whenever possible. The certificate covers stays up to 35,000 points in value, but it can be applied to stays up to 50,000 points, as long as you top up the remaining balance with your own points.
It can be tough to find weekend nights for redemptions under 50,000 points, but over the past few years, we’ve had success booking Sunday nights during long weekends. Back in November 2024 we booked a Sunday night over Remembrance Day Weekend for 44,000 points.
Before that, we treated ourselves to a stay on Christmas Eve 2023, where we managed to stay for just 50,000 points per night. I think prices have increased since then, but it was an incredible value, as cash rates for that period were upwards of $600 per night.
I highly recommend looking into how you can use credit cards to subsidize travel. Thanks to this strategy, we’ve been able to stay in luxurious 5-star properties and even fly business class - experiences that would have been out of reach if we were paying cash.
Check in Experience
Each time we've checked in at the hotel, the staff has been incredibly helpful in getting us checked in quickly.
During our most recent stay, I reached out ahead of time to inquire about the possibility of a free upgrade (it's always worth asking, right?). Although there wasn't one available this time due to the hotel being sold out for Christmas, we were given breakfast vouchers.
These vouchers are typically reserved for Platinum members (we’re Gold, a level lower), so it was a nice touch.
The hotel lobby is beautifully decorated, especially during Christmas! While I handle the check-in, Susie and the girls usually find a cozy sofa (ideally in front of the stunning log fire, if it's available) and play board games while they wait.
There’s also a hotel concierge available to assist with luggage or any questions you might have about the property. During our last stay, they hosted a treasure hunt for the kids, with full-sized chocolate bars as prizes for completing the challenge. I think they regularly change up the activities, so it’s worth checking what's on offer when you visit.
Finally, if you're looking for a pet-friendly hotel in Kananaskis, the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is a fantastic choice. The hotel welcomes up to two pets per room for a $40 CAD per stay fee.
While pets are allowed in designated guest rooms and outdoor areas, they are not permitted in restaurants, the spa, or other public indoor spaces. We’ve always seen plenty of dogs during our stays, so you certainly won’t be alone!
The Double Queen Room
We've stayed a couple of times in a double queen room, and both times, it has been beautifully decorated and very spacious, with great views of the mountains and/or the firepit area.
During our Christmas 2023 stay, we could even see the reindeer the hotel had from our window, which the kids absolutely loved.
The 2 queen rooms are great for families with young kids, as there is plenty of space to all fit in one room (assuming the kids are ok with sharing a bed).
The bathroom is also nicely decorated, clean, and fairly new - exactly what you’d expect from a high end hotel.
In the room, there was a small area with a Nespresso machine, which I think is the best coffee you can get in a hotel room. We were also provided with two cans of water (a first for me!), along with some crisps and pretzels that the kids finished off in about two minutes - presumably thanks to our Gold status with Marriott.
The TVs had Chromecast built in so it was possible for the kids to log into Netflix for a bit of down time in the evening which they always appreciate.
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Restaurants
The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge offers a variety of great dining options, and over the years, we’ve sampled almost all of them.
The Cedar Room
The Cedar Room is the most upscale dining option and can be best described as a high-end steakhouse. We last dined there in the winter of 2022 when we had family visiting, giving us a chance to enjoy a few nights away. The rib-eye steak, in particular, was exceptional. It’s on the pricier side, but perfect for a special occasion.
You can view the Cedar Room menu here:
Forte Italian Restaurant
We have eaten at Forte a few times for dinner, as well as having both the buffet and al a carte breakfast options. For dinner, the restaurant mostly serves an Italian inspired menu and the pasta and pizza have always been very good. Last time eating there, I had a duck ragu pizza and it was amazing.
Since our most recent stay was over Christmas, the restaurant offered a buffet instead of the usual à la carte menu. I’m usually a bit skeptical about buffet food, but I can honestly say it was some of the best I’ve had, well worth the $60 per adult / $30 for kids price tag.
The breakfast here is also fantastic, and one of the best spreads that I've had at any hotel. Even at $32 per person, it’s good value for what you get. On occasions where we have received complimentary breakfasts tickets (Platinum status benefit), this allow you to choose between the buffet or an item from the à la carte menu.
The buffet offers all the classic options like bacon, eggs, omelets, and pancakes, along with cold items such as croissants, pastries, cold cuts, cheese, yogurt, granola, and cereals.
You can view all the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus for the Forte Restaurant here.
Blacktail Bar
Blacktail Bar is the lobby bar and a great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail. The cocktails aren’t cheap, but they’re expertly crafted by talented bar staff! Susie’s favorite cocktail of all time was made here - a gin cocktail with egg whites and rosemary!
We’ve dined here twice and always enjoyed the food, which leans toward upscale pub fare. If you're craving just a simple but very good burger, this is the place to go.
You can view the full beverage and lunch/dinner menus here.
Woody's Pub & Patio
Woody's Pub & Patio is located outside of the main hotel building, and is definitely the most laid back of the dining options at the hotel. It serves classic pub food, and even has pool tables, so is very much a different vide to inside the main hotel.
We've never eaten here but it looks like a good place to go with kids, or if you fancy shooting some pool. Woody's also has a rooftop patio, so might be a nice option to take in the mountain views in the summer. TripAdvisor reviews are mixed, so we recommend proceeding with caution or stopping by just for a drink.
Market Café:
Market Café is a high end coffee shop located in the main hotel - perfect for grabbing a coffee or pastries to go.
Pool & Fitness Area
The Nordic Spa:
A highlight for many people when staying at the Marriott Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is a visit to the famous Nordic Spa. It's definitely not cheap, but is a great option for an anniversary or special occasion. The Nordic Spa is famous for its hydrotherapy circuit, inspired by Scandinavian traditions, where you move through hot → cold → rest cycles.
For the hot cycle, there is a variety of options, from hot pools to barrel and banya saunas, plus steam rooms. After plunging into the cold pool, there are plenty of hammocks and other relaxation spaces.
It's important to note that access to the Nordic Spa is not included with a stay at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. It is also an adult only facility.
Unfortunately, the prices have almost doubled over the last 5 years. Full day access for the hydrotherapy runs between $135 - $175 per adult, with slightly cheaper rates of $115-$145 for access after 5pm until close (9pm). A 60 minute massage costs between $265 - $305, although it does include full day access to the hydrotherapy. If you live in Canada you may be able to recover back the cost of the massage through your insurance, which can make it more reasonable.
The Swimming Pool / Hot Tub:
IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM APRIL 2025. The hotel is in the middle of making some big changes to their pool, hot tub and fitness area. We continually check in with the hotel, and they have confirmed that the indoor waterpark is closed for renovations until 'fall' 2025.
If you are travelling with children, then you'll likely be spending a decent amount of time in the hotel pool area during your stay! Our kids absolutely love the heated outdoor pool, indoor waterpark and hot tub, but admittedly it might not be everyone's cup of tea, as it is quite kid orientated.
The indoor waterpark features a fantastic shallow area that’s perfect for toddlers, complete with a mini splash park and a small slide. For older kids, there are three fun waterslides to choose from! As shown in the picture below, the slide on the left is short and wide, allowing kids to slide down in all sorts of ways. The other two slides are more traditional: one leads directly into the pool, while the other drops into a separate, enclosed area, ideal for younger kids who can’t swim yet.
April 2025 Update: There is now a new outdoor (heated) swimming pool which opened in early 2025. We used the pool on our most recent stay and it is a fantastic addition to the hotel. Even in -5C it's plenty warm enough and is shallow enough that both our kids could stand up (4 ft) which was nice.
The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge hot tub is still one of our favorite features. It offers both indoor and outdoor sections, creating a perfect relaxation experience after a day of mountain activities.
One of our favorite family memories at the hotel was relaxing in the outdoor hot tub while it was snowing - it was absolutely magical! Plus, it’s a HUGE plus that you can easily move between the indoor and outdoor areas without having to rush outside in your robe, trying to beat the cold!
April 2025 Update: the indoor section of the hot tub is closed so you cannot 'swim through' at the moment, however this will re-open in fall 2025.
A quick note about the other facilities around the pool area: there’s a well-equipped gym with all the usual amenities like weights, treadmills, and more. The treadmills overlook the pool, so you can get a workout in while still keeping an eye on older kids.
For the younger ones, there’s also a games room featuring board games, a ping pong table, and game consoles (I believe it was an Xbox).
April 2025 Update: The games room is currently closed. I asked the staff whether it would be re-opening and they said they were not sure, so I will keep people posted when I find out.
On Site Activities
One of the best things about the hotel is that there’s so much to do, both on the property and in the surrounding area. There truly is something for everyone.
The hotel hosts complimentary “fireside nights” daily from 6pm to 9pm, where you can make your own s’mores and gather around the huge campfire. It’s a great way to relax while taking in the beautifully lit hotel grounds with stunning mountain views.
In the winter, they have a small lake that is used as an ice rink that’s also free to use. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent them from the equipment shop.
You can even go for a night skate as it's beautifully lit up at night.
A little further along the paths, you’ll find a larger hockey rink, as well as tennis courts that are open in the summer.
There’s also a fun playground for younger kids along the path, located next to the tennis courts.
If you visit during the winter, they often offer extra activities, such as reindeer visits, a small kids’ train that circles the property, and a PJ & popcorn Christmas movie.
Activities Close by
One of our favorite activities during our stays at the hotel has been fat biking. You can rent the bikes from the outdoor center at the hotel (right by the small ice rink), and they’ll recommend the best local paths to explore.
If you’ve never tried it, you definitely should! The grip you get on the bike was surprisingly good, in fact probably better than on my summer mountain bike.
There are also LOADS of hikes in the nearby area. One popular, kid-friendly hike is called Troll Falls, just a 5-minute drive away. It has great parking and is about 4.7 km long, making it a perfect hike that should take around a couple of hours.
We've hiked it in the summer and even snowshoed it in the winter. If you’re looking for something different, there are plenty of options in the Kananaskis Valley, ranging from short hikes to full-day or even multi-day adventures.
If you are interested in exploring some other hikes in the area, check out the following, which are all possible to hike in the winter time:
Aside from hiking, you'll find so many other nearby activities like:
downhill skiing
cross country skiing
mountain biking trails
dog sledding
golf courses
kayaking
horse riding
scenic helicopter rides
The list really does go on. If you are interested in any of these activities I'd recommend speaking with the hotel concierge who can recommend the best companies to use.
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Review
Final Thoughts
In summary, we hoped that you enjoyed reading our Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Review. We've always really enjoyed our stays at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, and I'm sure that we'll continue to stay here for a short 'staycation' close to Calgary.
Ready to book your stay? Check availability and pricing on Booking.com or read more reviews on TripAdvisor to plan your trip.