Canmore, Alberta, is tucked away in the Canadian Rockies and offers a wide range of year-round and seasonal activities. You’ll love the range of summer and winter activities available in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, whether you’re here for pleasure or on business. You can find attractions and activities in Canmore whether you want to go hiking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, go on a dogsled tour, play hockey, or engage in another outdoor activity. So, let’s explore the 10 best things to do in Canmore for a wonderful trip.
1. Canmore: The second most famous beautiful town after Banff
Canmore, a little city on the edge of the gorgeous Canadian Rockies that neighboring Banff frequently overshadows, is growing more difficult to ignore. It started as a coal town but is now a significant tourism draw. It serves as a hub for several provincial parks, including Kananaskis and Spray Lakes, where a never-ending supply of outdoor activities can keep you occupied for days. Canmore’s attractions will keep you repeatedly returning because of the town’s excellent array of things to do.
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2. Is a trip to Canmore worthwhile?
On the weekends in the summer, Downtown Canmore is busy, although it is less crowded and easier to navigate than Downtown Banff. Canmore is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere.
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3. Best activities in Canmore, Alberta
Grassi Lakes hiking
Several great hike-related news items! During the summer of 2022, the trail underwent extensive renovations. The latest upgrades may enhance this already fantastic walk.
A must-see attraction in Canmore is the astonishingly clear and slightly green Grassi Lakes. Lawrence Grassi originally built the 3.8-kilometer trail, thus the name of the trek.
The hike is one of those exceptional hikes with both a simple and a more challenging route, and as a bonus, both routes cover about the same ground. Nearly 200 meters separate the trail’s divide from the trailhead.
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Grassi Lake Upper, the simpler approach to the right, is also recommended for families with young children and people with mobility concerns. This route, which follows a historic road, is wide and appropriate for everyone.
The Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail, which branches off to the left, is a little trickier but considerably more interesting for everyone else. Along the way, you’ll see informative signposts that tell you about Lawrence Grassi and the trail itself. With stunning views of the lakes and Canmore in the distance, this trail eventually emerges from the forest. The trail’s 125 meters of elevation rise are tolerable.
Walk along 8th Street
In Canmore, the shopping hub of the city, 8th Street, is the ideal starting point. You’ll discover a fantastic selection of eateries, art galleries, unique stores, and other must-see things here.
Start your trip down 8th Street at the Policeman’s Creek bridge, where one of Canmore’s more odd pieces of public art can be found: a huge skull partially buried in the sand, begging for a few selfies. The Northwest Mounted Police Barracks is a little way down the road.
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Camp close to Canmore
The mountains have a powerful allure. There’s something mysterious about the way those massive granite piles beckon you to examine them. Camping is among the best methods to answer the call.
Canmore features a number of in-town campgrounds that combine the greatest aspects of the city with the countryside. A little further out, you’ll discover gorgeous campgrounds surrounded by the Bow River and towering pine trees. The best of the town’s amenities are still available as you enjoy the outdoors.
Bow Valley Provincial Park is one of the most well-liked camping spots close to Canmore. Both Bow River Campground and Three Sisters Campground are located nearby and are in stunning settings.
Camping close to Canmore might be a suitable option for camping in Banff National Park, where the campgrounds are big and frequently full during the high season.
Visit Rat’s Nest Cave underneath
Canmore is an excellent place to start if you’ve ever wanted to try spelunking. The nearby Rat’s Nest Cave is unaltered and situated beneath Grotto Mountain. This is cave exploration at its most intimate level; there are no walkways or flashing lights here. Sure, you’ll get muddy, but when the day is over, this activity can captivate you.
Rare pictographs, making it through the “Challenge Squeeze,” and descending the “Laundry Chute” are some of the highlights of a visit.
Walk the Policeman’s Creek Trail
One of the top walking routes in Canmore is the Policeman’s Creek trail. The track, which is 3.9 kilometers long, spends much of its time going alongside the creek. The spring, where the creek bubbles up from the earth’s interior, is an intriguing feature.
Off the main path, there are smaller paths that lead to Spring Creek and the Bow River. On a clear day, the Three Sisters and Ha Long Peak dominate the skyline, providing views throughout the route that are rather breathtaking.
Families will love Policeman’s Creek. It is possible to push strollers on the wide, level trail. The Big Head sculpture is one of the most straightforward entry points.
At the Nordic Center, let’s ski or bicycle
The best cross-country and mountain riding facility in Canada is fortunately located in Canmore. This 4.5 square kilometer (1.7 square miles) facility is close to the center of Canmore and is located in the direction of Spray Lakes.
Over 100 kilometers of enjoyment, you can find flowing mountain biking tracks for all skill levels at the Nordic Center in the summer. Along with the trails, the mountain bike skills park will put your courage and skill to the test with its challenging elements.
There is an orienteering course, a disc golf course, and a roller skiing/biathlon course. Those without sporting equipment can choose between trail running and trekking.
The facility converts to a cross-country and biathlon ski facility in the winter, with over 65 kilometers of groomed routes, one of which is lit at night.
Float along the Bow River
Canmore is a fantastic starting point for river-based activities because the Bow River runs straight past the town. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing are some of the most well-liked activities (SUPing). Within walking distance of the city’s center are outfitters that rent out equipment, as well as a boat launch.
Only experienced paddlers should attempt this due to the river’s rapid velocity and the water’s extreme coldness.
Bicycle from Canmore to Banff
The Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail, which connects Canmore and Banff, is one of the most well-liked activities in Canmore. 26.8 kilometers separate the two points. The trail connects the tourist center at Canmore’s western edge with the Bow Valley Parkway. You can either bring your bike or hire one at one of the many bike stores in Canmore.
There is just a 30-meter height rise for the entire path, which is asphalt. Strong riders may complete the course in less than three hours roundtrip. As you travel west, Tunnel Mountain can loom in the distance. The surrounding landscape is pretty beautiful.
Bring a lunch, or even better, make a pit stop at a patio in Banff where you can refuel your body with food and drink.
Check out the North West Mounted Police Barracks
A trip to 8th Street and the Big Head sculpture can easily be coupled with a visit to the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) Barracks. With the help of this interesting attraction, you may travel back in time to 1917 and experience what it was like to work as a law enforcement officer at that time.
Canmore’s present-day tranquility belies its past as a ramshackle coal mining outpost. The NWMP were stationed here to control the troublemakers and restrict the smuggling of illegal alcoholic beverages.
The grounds behind the third-oldest building in Canmore were first established by the wife of the corporal stationed here. There are tours available, and the guides are helpful, amiable volunteers. From mid-May through the end of September, the structure is open.
Explore the Spring Creek neighborhood
Spring Creek is the newest part of Canmore. Walking paths, eateries, and other fascinating retail establishments may be found in this lively neighborhood. Currently, about half of the area is constructed, and it will be a genuinely magnificent neighborhood.
By strolling down the Policeman’s Creek Trail and crossing the first bridge on your right, you can easily get to this new development. Beautiful mountain homes, condos, retail establishments, art galleries, and more can be found in or will be found in the Spring Creek neighborhood. Simply take the 8th Street exit toward Spring Creek Drive if you’re driving.
Don’t miss many great Canmore festivals
This modest mountain village hosts several well-known festivals that provide great excitement. Not to be missed are the Canmore Folk Music Festival at the end of July and the Canmore Winter Carnival at the end of February, which feature ice carving contests, beaver tail eating contests, a cute dog parade, log sawing, and many other events.
4. Getting to Canmore, Alberta
Driving
Canmore is a city off Highway 1 that is only a few kilometers from the entrance to Banff National Park and 103 kilometers west of Calgary. Highway 1A is a more picturesque alternative that will add 15 minutes to your travel time from Calgary to Canmore.
From Canmore to Banff, it takes only a short distance. The 21 km may be traveled in a few minutes by car, or if you’re feeling active, you can cycle or walk up the popular Legacy Trail.
Bus or Shuttle
To take a shuttle or bus to Canmore, there are several possibilities. From the Calgary International Airport, the city center, or other Calgary places, options are available.
5. The best time to visit Canmore, Alberta
You should go during the Rockies’ low season (also known as shoulder season or off-season), which comes between September and October, and between May and June, if you want a tranquil getaway to Banff, Jasper, or Canmore without all the people. By doing so, you would miss the peak hiking season (June through August) as well as the international ski and snowboarding season (January through April).
Therefore, if you’re considering taking a quiet getaway, the low season in the spring and fall offers a ton of reasons to go, such as wildlife sightings, breathtaking views, and accommodation discounts!
