Hotel Snapshot
Just over an hour from Calgary and a quieter alternative to Banff, Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge redefines what it means to escape into the Canadian Rockies. Originally opened for the 1988 Winter Olympics, the lodge has evolved from a classic mountain retreat into a polished alpine haven with rustic-modern rooms, a 50,000-square-foot Nordic spa, and access to some of the region’s best hiking and cross-country trails.
Design & Character
At the 71-key Black Diamond Club—the boutique, adults-only wing of the lodge—interiors by Navigate and Monacher pair natural wood tones and soft textures with contemporary furnishings. The lobby lounge channels an elevated mountain home atmosphere, complete with crystal chandeliers, recessed bookshelves filled with bespoke ceramics and design hardbacks, a vintage Scrabble board, brown leather booths, olive-green chairs, and an intimate fireplace that sets the tone for luxe comfort. When 5 o’clock rolls around, après hour begins with charcuterie, wine, and whatever you’re in the mood to sip.
The Rooms
Inside the guestrooms here, expect oversized beds dressed in crisp linens and plenty of space to spread your luggage contents across the room—put your hiking boots in the closet and hang your coats on the antler wall hooks for an extra sense of home. The seclusion here is especially appealing to couples looking to disconnect (and parents who’ve left the kids at home). The Black Diamond Club has hosted its share of world leaders with the G7 Summit convening in Kananaskis Country this past summer.
Food & Drink
Five restaurants dot the property, each celebrating the bounty of Alberta and British Columbia with global flair. At Cedar Room and Blacktail Bar, expect locally sourced plates—think premium cuts of Canadian beef—while Forte delights with Italian-inspired dishes like tomato and ricotta lasagna served bubbling hot in a skillet. The wine list, curated by sommelier Carlos, leans proudly local, while Head Bartender Graham Hart (and his signature handlebar mustache) brings infectious energy to the cocktail program. His “Build Your Own Old Fashioned” class is a guest favorite—a spirited, hands-on introduction to Canadian whiskey culture. As Graham puts it with a grin, “Banff is Canada’s Disneyland—but Kananaskis is the real wild.”
Spa & Wellness Scoop
Across 50,000 square feet of Nordic-inspired relaxation, the Nordic Spa is the property’s crown jewel. The circuit of hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and steam rooms sits cradled by towering pines and snow-capped peaks. Whether you’re plunging into a cold pool, breathing in the eucalyptus steam, or embracing the no-screen-time policy, you leave grounded—and, dare I say, a little healthier?
Amenities
Beyond the spa, the property offers experiences that fully immerse guests in its outdoor setting. Join Jordan Ede for a guided Medicine Hike along the Mahikan Trail, where you’ll learn about the healing properties of Indigenous plants and the valley’s cultural significance. Each evening, “Fireside Moments” invite guests to gather around the flames for s’mores and storytelling. In winter, reindeer visits and festive cocktail experiences add a touch of holiday magic.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Part of what makes Kananaskis so special is its quiet power. While Banff draws the spotlight, this alpine valley thrives on its under-the-radar reputation. The area’s trails offer cross-country skiing in winter and wildflower-strewn hikes come summer, with Nakiska Ski Resort and Marmot Falls just minutes away. At Kananaskis Country Golf Course, you can tee off at one of the most picturesque clubs I’ve ever seen, or simply soak in the Rocky Mountain views over a club sandwich on the Summit Restaurant deck. And for a true taste of cowboy culture, head to Boundary Ranch, where horseback rides, including the Ridge Ride, wind through the woods and take you to panoramic mountain vistas. (My horse, Walker, and I had a few bonding moments along the way!)
For those who love the Rockies but crave a deeper connection to nature, this is the escape worth bookmarking. “Kananaskis is for solitude and really going into the wild,” says Diane, the property’s Area Director of Marketing. “Banff might have the crowds, but here, it’s just you and the mountains.”
Fast Facts
Location: Alberta, Canada
Rating: 4-Star
Pricing: Rates start at $425 USD per night.
Room count: 71 suites in the Black Diamond Club
Vibe: A modern mountain lodge that celebrates the wild beauty of Canada’s great outdoors.
Dining: Five restaurants highlight Alberta’s bounty with global flair—think Canadian classics at Cedar Room, Italian-inspired pizzas at Forte, refined cocktails at Blacktail Bar, casual bites at Woody’s Pub, and grab-and-go coffee and sandwiches at Market Café.
Amenities: 50,000-square-foot Nordic Spa, fitness center, guided hikes, golf, ski access
Our favorite thing about the hotel: Endless trails and sweeping Rocky Mountain views at every corner.
What’s nearby? Nakiska Ski Resort, Marmot Falls, Boundary Ranch, Kananaskis Golf Course, Banff National Park (~40-minute drive)
Airport: Calgary International Airport (1 hour, 10 minutes by car)
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