CALGARY — For the upcoming week, Derek Ryder will be temporarily separated from his cherished mountain range and trails in Kananaskis, Alberta, due to the G7 leaders summit taking place in the region. As a spokesman for Friends of Kananaskis Country, an environmental stewardship group, Ryder has explored K-Country extensively since 1976, making countless treks through the scenic landscape.
As global leaders prepare for the annual summit in Kananaskis, which first hosted the event in 2002, all eyes will be on the region's breathtaking forests and rugged alpine terrain. The Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, chosen as the residence for the leaders, is set against the backdrop of over 4,000 square kilometres of Rocky Mountain wilderness adjacent to Banff National Park. Unlike previous summits held in urban areas, this year’s G7 leaders will be cordoned off from the outside world, as Kananaskis maintains a very small local population of just 156 residents, according to the latest census.
Kananaskis, which was established in 1978 by former Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed, comprises various provincial parks, stemming from Lougheed's inspiration after an exhilarating helicopter ride over the towering mountains. Ryder notes that closing off a single road at both ends effectively creates an isolated environment within K-Country.
This year, Prime Minister Mark Carney will chair the summit, joined by U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Additionally, non-G7 leaders including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have also been invited. Following last year’s summit, where Pope Francis became the first pontiff to address the forum, there is no indication of whether Pope Leo XIV will attend this year's gathering.
Kananaskis Village is located approximately 75 kilometres southwest of Calgary and has two access points: one from the Trans-Canada Highway leading toward Canmore and Banff, and another through a rural road. However, other sections of the park, primarily those south of the village, will remain open during the summit.
Although Kananaskis shares a mountain range with Banff National Park, Ryder emphasizes the unique feel of the wilderness in K-Country that differentiates it from its more renowned neighbor. He believes it is less commercialized and feels more like an untamed area rather than a museum-like attraction. The rise in popularity of Kananaskis over the past decade has been noted, yet many hikers appreciate its quieter trails. In contrast, Banff attracts over four million visitors annually, while Kananaskis offers hidden spots for day-long or extended excursions without encountering crowds.
A significant consideration during the summit is the presence of bears endemic to the region. Ryder explains that bears freely roam Kananaskis Village, and despite the installation of two layers of fencing, these barriers are unlikely to deter them. He notes that bears are generally more interested in foraging for food rather than disrupting high-profile discussions among world leaders. A previous G7 summit in 2002 witnessed a bear incident where, while conservation officers sought to manage a bear that climbed a tree, the animal sadly fell and was injured fatally.
Adding to the region's history is the catastrophic flooding in 2013 that devastated hundreds of kilometres of trails and forced the evacuation of 110,000 people in Calgary. Kananaskis Country Golf Club's picturesque 36-hole course sustained extensive damage, and it took five years to rebuild. Ryder, who authored a book about the flood, describes it as a traumatic event that altered the landscape of Kananaskis significantly. He recollects the various ways the community united to restore trails, bridges, and boardwalks, despite the permanence of some trails being lost to the floodwaters.
In conclusion, Kananaskis is a pivotal location for the G7 summit, blending the grandeur of nature with the gravity of political dialogue among some of the world’s most influential leaders. As the global community focuses on this enchanting area, both its natural beauty and the challenges it has faced will be scrutinized.
