The Unforgettable, Forget-Me-Not Pond in Kananaskis
Nestled deep within Kananskis Country’s 4000 square kilometre expanse of lofty peaks, sparkling streams and boundless forests, lies the unassuming little Forget-Me-Not Pond.
Unassuming? Yes. Forgettable? Never.
The Forget-Me-Not pond is simply unforgettable
The pristine emerald waters of the Forget-Me-Not Pond are backed by an astonishingly picture-perfect panorama of the Rocky mountains. It’s truly one of the most spectacular scenes I’ve ever seen in Kananaskis, Alberta.
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Why you should visit the Forget-Me-Not Pond
Forget-Me-Not Pond is the ideal day trip for families wanting to take a break from city life. We headed out with my toddler, grandma, grandpa and auntie to bbq Korean bulgogi and revel in the serenity of nature.
Korean bulgogi next to Forget Me Not Pond? YES!
My 2 year old daughter absolutely loved throwing rocks into the pond to make a big splash, and meeting chipmunks for the first time. The water was so clear and beautiful that she couldn’t resist sticking her toes in, despite the icy cold temperature.
Meeting chipmunks for the first time
The pond is also the perfect size for little ones to explore. My daughter had no problem walking around the entire circumference of the Forget-Me-Not Pond… stopping to look at plants, and throwing rocks along the way of course.
People mostly head to Forget-Me-Not Pond to picnic and enjoy the views, but you can swim, if you don’t mind super cold 6°C water, or paddle out on a non-motorized boat.
You can paddle on Forget-Me-Not pond using non-motorized boats
Scuba divers even practice there, most looking for a commemorative plaque on the bottom of the pond that honours a Calgary police office killed on duty.
Facilities at Forget-Me-Not Pond
The Forget-Me-Not Pond is a recreational day use area. There’s plenty of parking available as well as outdoor toilets, which are also located near the parking lot.
You’ll have to unload your gear and take a short stroll to get to the pond, but it’s not too arduous. Once there, stake your claim to one of the sites with picnic tables and bbq pits.
This is a perfect family day trip from Calgary
If you really want to stay overnight, you can try booking one of the 94 serviced or walk-in tenting sites available at the Little Elbow Campground nearby. It’s open from mid- May to mid-September, and reservations can be made starting in the middle of February.
Getting there
Head west of Calgary on Trans-Canada Highway 1, until you reach Highway 22. Go south on Highway 22, and then drive west for 29 kilometres on Elbow Falls Trail (Highway 66). Look out for the Little Elbow Recreation Area, and make a left when you reach it.
From our house in south-east Calgary, we took Highway 22x through Priddis, and then onwards to Highway 22 and Elbow Falls Trail.
Be aware that because of snow and dangerous road conditions, Highway 66 is closed from December 1 to May 14.
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Sreejith Nair
Wow… the first picture is just… what should I say? blown me away …
Shelley @Travel-Stained
And would you believe I took it on my iPhone 4!! 😉 Sometimes the pictures that come off that old phone are so beautiful, it amazed me!
mjcolbert
This one is definitely making it onto my Canadian road trip list. Lakes and ponds like this can be some of the most beautiful places, and so often not touristy. The Cutler Coast Preserve in Downeast Maine is definitely one of those places.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
That’s one of the best things about western Canada – these kinds of lakes and ponds are all over the place, most undiscovered, and all you need is a car to explore. It’s funny, this pond is probably one of the busier places in Kananaskis, but it was still quiet and beautiful.
I’ll have to look up that Preserve. I have not done enough road tripping in North America by far…
thegrownupgapyear
Wow, so beautiful. Your photos make me feel as though I’m there!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
It was truly stunning, and so peaceful! I wish I was standing on the edge of that pond again right now. 🙂
Sha
I’ve decided that if I ever get to Canada, I would have gladly forgotten to return…I will tell my parents that I got lost amongst all these beautiful nature…well, except for the snow…ok, maybe the snow will chase me away…I need my sun! Haha…..really love the photos…:)
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Heh heh. For sure the snow and the freezing cold would chase you away. 😉 But Canada is perfect to get lost in for about 3 or 4 months…the nature is truly extraordinary.
Jen
My eyes are melting out of their sockets. Fantastic scenery.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Hahaha, thanks. 😀 It was indeed…
Alina (literaryvittles)
Absolutely GORGEOUS!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
It really was! 😀
Justine of The Travel Lush
Wow, it looks stunning. Those photos are amazing 🙂
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thanks Justine! That whole part of the world is beyond beautiful. Always a pleasure to take pics there. 🙂
funfamilyfeats
Oh what a beautiful pond name! We will visit it soon. We’re from SE Calgary, too, Shelley 🙂 -Kai
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Lol…the name is so ironic, in a way!! The drive down the 22x from SE Calgary is beautiful in it’s own right, so it will be a wonderful day trip for you. Enjoy! Wish I could join you. 🙂
funfamilyfeats
Haha! Thanks. A cougar was spotted and at the South Health Campus area today. Black bears were seen in the southwest areas (Bridlewood, woodbine, evergreen).
Happy weekend to you two 🙂
Indah Susanti
How peaceful..and stunning! Love the first picture with sunrays..certainly an unforgettable place!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
It was incredibly peaceful for sure! Lol…that pic was taken on my iPhone 4 and edited with Snapseed!!! Seriously, sometimes the pics that come off of there look way better than from my Sony NEX!!! :p