1. Do you get a lot of bears in the campground?

No, we don't, although it is "Bear Country" and there are definitely bears in the area. We rarely see one in the campground and when we have, it has usually been going through to somewhere else, not staying to cause problems. Kananaskis Country is mainly wilderness- bears are not fed by people or open garbage dumps, so they have not become "garbage bears"; they move up and down the valley feeding on the berries and roots and prefer NOT to run into people. We know that many animals, including bears, move through the valley (and probably our campground) at night - so, if there is nothing to tempt them, they keep going and avoid the people. Therefore, there are very strict food and garbage rules here at Sundance and all over the Kananaskis Valley. We provide our campers with the rules at check-in:

• Absolutely no food/garbage in the tipis or trapper's tents (this includes coolers). No cooking inside either.
• All food must be kept in a locked vehicle at night or when not in use. This includes coolers. Garbage must go into the bear proof bins. Don't leave it sitting around. If you don't keep a clean camp, you are also inviting the mice and the squirrels!

2. Can we cook in the tipis/trapper's tents?

No. You don't want any food smells on the canvas or inside to attract any animals. Common sense says, don't have food smells where you sleep. Cooking may include: cooking over the open fire, using a BBQ or bringing a camp stove. We carry basic grocery items in the Trading Post, snack foods, and ice. Please remember that your coolers must also go back into the vehicles at night.

3. Where do we wash our dishes?

Wash your dishes ONLY at your campsite, NOT at the water wells. Please bring a water jug to carry water from the well to your campsite, a pot or kettle in which to heat water and a tub for washing the dishes. Detailed instructions are given at check-in.

4. How far is the tipi/trapper's tent from where I park?

Not far. With some units, you can park right at your site in the designated parking spot along the road. Some people prefer their units to be farther back in the trees away from the road. They park in the designated parking area and then walk down the path, possibly past one or two other units tucked away in the trees, to their own "walk-in" unit - a walk of between 10 and 30 seconds. We will try to accommodate your preferences but we can't promise what's going to be available when you book.

5. How close to the Kananaskis River are you?

The Kananaskis River is our western boundary. Some of the "walk-in" sites described above are only a few minutes walk through the trees to the riverbank where you will have an incredible view of the river and mountains, including Mt. Allan ('88 Olympics) and Mt. Lorette (bald & golden eagle migration route). Due to environmental setback rules, none of the units are located right on the bank.

6. How private are your campsites?

We are regularly complemented on the spacing and trees between the sites. All sites are good for individual families/couples, but some are in clusters, well suited for two or three families coming together.

7. Are the tipis in one area, trapper's tents in another and tent/RV sites in another?

The first 2 loops are mainly tipis and trapper's tents intermixed. A few tent/RV sites are also located in these loops for those family groups where one family stays in a tipi/trapper's tent and the other wants to stay in their own tent/trailer on a campsite nearby. The third loop has tent/RV sites only.

8. Are your tent/RV sites serviced? Do you have a dump station?

No, they are not serviced. However there are washrooms and showers in the Trading Post. Water pumps, outdoor toilets and bear proof garbage bins are found in each of the loops. We are too close to the river to have a dump station but stations are available about 10 minutes drive north on HWY 40 at Barrier Information Center and 10 minutes drive south at Mt. Kidd RV Park.

9. What should we do if we are going to be late for check-in?

Please call the office to make alternate arrangements (see "Rates & Reservations" page, Section e., for times)

10. We have a group of teenagers looking for a campsite. Can we book them here? What about Family Reunions?

Sundance Lodges is a family-oriented campground with quiet time from 10:30 p.m. at night to 8 p.m. in the morning. Many families return year after year because they like the peace and quiet. Therefore, we would not be suitable for a group of teenagers, or anyone else for that matter, who plan to "party" and want the freedom to make some noise. Teenagers with supervisors, such as church groups, schools or Scouts are welcome. All other teenagers under 18 must have a parent supervising at all times.

We have had many successful Family Reunions over the years; however, if a group is too large or wishes to "party", we usually recommend they check into one of the Group Camps in the Kananaskis area. Many organizers have found that Sundance solves several problems because we can accommodate those families wanting a tipi/trapper's tent as well as those families wanting a tent/RV site. We are also close to many outdoor activities enjoyed by people of all ages. The Family Reunions that suit our campground are aware of and agree to the Quiet Hours. Guests are still welcome to visit quietly around their campfires in the evening.

11. Are the tipis and trapper's tents waterproof?

Tipis were developed by North American native people over hundreds of years. They were a shelter that was easily transportable, stable in the wind, and comfortable in both good and poor weather. They aren't completely waterproof but much better than regular tents. Our tipis have a rain catcher at the top, headroom to move around in, and the wooden floor, all of which make a big difference in poor weather. Tipis naturally shed moisture down the inside of their poles, so if it rains very hard or for a long time, moisture not caught by the rain catcher starts to move down the poles. If it hits a knot in the wood and isn't moving fast enough to get over it, it may start to drip. To retrack the drip over the knot: lick your finger, rub the knot up and down and pull your finger down the pole 8 to 10 inches (old native trick).

Trapper's tents have an extra fly over the sleeping area so they are usually very dry. As well, the deck has an awning over it that provides shelter when it's raining and shade when it's hot - a great place for your picnic table!

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Sundance Lodges Box 190, Kananaskis Village Alberta, Canada T0L 2H0 Phone: 403.591.7122 Fax: 403.591.7440 Email: info@sundancelodges.com

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