Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Sundance By Basecamp is a greta spot for a true adventure getaway! They offer unique stays in canvas tipis, cozy trapper’s tents, and rustic campsites that really let you disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature. You’ll be completely off the grid here, so bring along your camping essentials—or rent what you need on-site. Just remember, each site is unserviced, so come ready for a true camping experience!
Read on to get our take on Sundance By Basecamp Kananaskis as well as our hike on Wasootch Ridge Trail.
Getting There
We booked our stay at Sundance Basecamp on the first weekend in October, which is the second last weekend they are open for the year before they close down for the season. It was a quick 1 hr drive from the south of Calgary and the views along the driver were unreal! The time of year brought the most beautiful yellow and orange leaves on all of the trees and you can see them trailing up the mountains.
TIPS: You are required to have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, passes are $15 per day or $90 per year.
Our Campsite
We booked a trappers tent as there was 4 of us and this tent comfortably sleeps four, with one double bed and two twin beds. There is a small kerosene heater and lantern with fuel provided. It definitely kept our tent nice and warm throughout the nights. The wood frame beds were great, as they had a soft foam topper as seen in the picture below. Bedding is not included, we brought our sleeping bags and pillows and that was all we needed! They do provide bedding for rent if you don’t have your own. There are a few other options you can choose from for accommodations which include campsites, tipis, and glamping tents.
Trappers Tent In-Room Amenities Included:
Kerosene Heater (with fuel)
Lantern
Bedding available to rent
Fire Pit (outside tent)
Picnic Table (outside tent)
Fire Pit with Half-grill (outside tent)
What To Pack
You have to keep in mind that you have to pack quite a bit when camping, if you are a seasoned camper you probably already know the essentials, however if this is new to you, here is a free download of items to consider bringing on your camping trip.
Outside of the list there were a few items we were really happy we brought, which included extra flashlights and a warm light lantern that we used outside of out tent at night. It is VERY dark outside so it was nice to have some extra lighting. We also had these cute strings lights. (Lantern linked Here), it was one of our favourite things!) Without these the only light would be the fire, which wouldn’t be enough!
One other item that was helpful was bringing headlamps, as we were camping in October, the nights got darker faster, so when we headed over to the facilities to wash up for the night, they were super helpful to light the way. Linked Here!
TIP: They have firewood onsite for purchase which we used, we also found some dead tree’s laying around that we broke off and used in addition to that, the kindling was helpful, but we do recommend purchasing some fire starters for campfires. Linked Here!
Camping Gear We Love and Use
Stainless Steel Fire Poker
A must have when using a firepit. This is the one we brought along on our camping trip.
Coghlan’s Cast Iron Cooker & Broiler
Collapsible Silicone and Plastic Multi-Purpose Washing Basin
Solar Inflatable Waterproof Light
Our favourite little compact light. It gave the best warm light and it’s solar, so no batteries required!
Horizon Hound Down Camping Blanket
Camping Cooking Utensils Organizer Bag Travel
LED Rechargeable Headlight
Super useful, 1200 lumen bright LED rechargeable headlight with white and red light. Comes in a 2-Pack.
Solar Power Bank
Coleman Gas Camping Stove
A Great Spot to Get in a Hike in Kananaskis
Our Experience on Wasootch Ridge Trail
Wasootch Ridge Trail
Distance: 8.3 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 3,077 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Parking: There are roughly around 7 spots in the parking lot. Google Maps Location for Wasootch Ridge Trail
The Trailhead: A Steep Start with Big Rewards
The adventure begins at a mostly unmarked trailhead near Wasootch Creek. Look for a vertical path on the far left of the parking lot, just past a couple of picnic tables nestled among the trees. This first part of the trail is a serious climb – think of it as nature’s way of making sure you’re ready for the excitement ahead!
Once you reach the ridge, the trail becomes a rollercoaster of ups and downs. It’s a challenge, but it’s also an exhilarating reminder of what hiking in the Canadian Rockies is all about. You’ll spend much of the time surrounded by trees, but there are plenty of open spots with expansive views over Wasootch Creek and beyond.
From here, you’ll catch sight of Porcupine Ridge, and on a clear day, you can trace the valley all the way up to Nakiska Resort and north to Yamnuska. This hike offers a unique blend of forest serenity and wide-open vistas, making it a must-do for anyone who loves a good challenge with a big payoff in scenery.
What to Pack
Footwear: Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip for the rocky terrain, and don’t forget moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet comfortable. If the trail is a bit uneven, ankle support can be helpful.
Water: Depending on how long of a hike you choose you will be on the trail from 1-2 hours so water is necessary.
Weather: Check the forecast before you head out! Pack a light jacket or some layers for cooler mornings or windy stretches. During the hot summer months, wearing lightweight, breathable clothing will help keep your skin safe while staying cool. A small daypack is perfect for carrying any extra layers you might need.
Hiking Gear We Love and Use
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boot
Columbia Men’s Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoe
PYFK Hydration Waist Pack Belt
This adjustable belt came in handy for those shorter hikes, where all we needed was a place to store our keys, a phone and a water bottle. It’s a great alternative to lugging a backpack if not needed. Comes in a variety of different colours.
Darn Tough Women’s 1/4 Lightweight – Cushion
52% Nylon
4% Lycra Spandex
These 1/4 socks are great! They offer a thin layer of cushioning along the base of the foot. They sit just above the ankle which I find is the perfect height, even in my higher boots they fit great (see image of me wearing them in my boots above).
Darn Tough Women’s 1/4 Hiker Trek Sock – Cushion
39% Nylon
2% Lycra Spandex
Very similar to the other ones, both have cushion but just a different composition with fabric. So it’s just preference on what you like. I have both pairs and they are both great for hiking.
Smartwool Men’s Performance Hike -Light Cushion Low Ankle
11% Nylon
30% Recycled Nylon
2% Elastane
Features an over the ankle, low cut fit that prevents chafing, these versatile socks are the perfect pair for low to mid top hiking boots.
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