47 Fun Things to Do in Canmore (With Insider Tips)

Canmore, located in the Bow Valley of the Canadian Rockies, is Banff’s little-known neighbour and has everything you might be looking for – mountain views, lakes, hikes, and plenty of areas to relax after an adventure-filled day. There’s plenty to choose from from our extensive list of fun things to do in Canmore.

Living near Canmore, Alberta, I’ve visited this charming mountain town countless times every season for almost a decade.

In comparison to Banff (which is only 25 km away):

• Canmore doesn’t have substantial tourist crowds
• it’s just outside the national park, so you don’t have to pay the entrance fee
• accommodation is cheaper
• the main street is charming with local shops selling homemade products
• there are more hiking and biking options

What I love the most about Canmore is that mountain peaks constantly surround you. The views are staggering wherever you go.

There are different ways to enjoy the outdoors in Canmore, whether you like active sports or slow leisure activities. Our travel guide includes mostly free things to do in Canmore; luckily, nature is free for everyone!

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Read next: 15 best winter activities in Canmore (+insider tips)

Essential info for visiting Canmore

Calgary to Canmore

If you’re looking for options on how to get to Canmore from Calgary, read our comprehensive post with the cost breakdown, there are several bus options. We’ve done all the research to save you time.

Bus from Canmore to Banff

A regular public bus operates between Banff and Canmore (parking in Banff in summer is not easy). Even if you’d like to visit Banff, staying in Canmore might be a more budget-friendly option.

Visitor Centre

For more information about the Canmore area, current trail conditions, maps or campgrounds in the Canadian Rockies, visit Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Information Centre or call them at +1 800-252-3782. There are picnic tables, a restroom (open 7 am-10 pm daily), free WiFi and water for your campervan/RV.

Kananaskis Conservation Pass

All vehicles parking at the provincial park and on public land in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley must purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. You can buy it online or in-person at Kananaskis Visitor Centers & Canmore Nordic Centre. The day pass costs 15 CAD for one vehicle, and the yearly pass costs 90 CAD for two vehicles.

From our list of things to do in Canmore, you need Kananaskis Conservation Pass for hiking Grassi Lakes, Ha Ling Peak, visiting Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, and anything in Kananaskis.

It’s free if you visit on Wilderness Wednesdays, the first Wednesday of every month.

Trail Conditions

Before going hiking, check out current trail conditions and closures on this website. Some trails might be closed in spring due to avalanche danger or bears/construction in summer.

Webcam

To see current weather and conditions in Canmore, check out their webcams from different parts of town.

Where to stay in Canmore

Campgrounds are a popular option; see the list here. If you like adventurous trips, book a Smile Campervan from us. It gives you the most freedom while road-tripping the Canadian Rockies.

A budget-friendly option would be staying at Airbnb; we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best Airbnbs in Canmore with breathtaking views.

Another option is staying in a hotel or lodge; you can find great deals on Booking through this link.

What to pack

We cover a lot of essential gear for the Canadian Rockies for all four seasons in our packing list.

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One of the best things to do in Canmore is starting a road trip! Check out our Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary to visit 5 national parks in 2 weeks.

47 Fun things to do in Canmore

Our comprehensive list of fun things to do in Canmore includes hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, running, walking trails, camping, parks, wildlife, caves, historical sites, food, festivals, events, shopping and winter activities.

While outdoor activities in Canmore are the most popular, we’ve included some options for indoor fun when the weather is too harsh.

1. Hike to Grassi Lakes

The most popular hike in the area is suitable for all levels. It’s an easy uphill walk in the forest that rewards you with emerald green pools at the end and a bird’s eye view of Canmore and Bow Valley peaks.

The trail is located just off of Three Sisters Parkway, around 5km from Canmore downtown. There are two different trails to get to the lakes – easy and difficult.

The easy trail is a gravel road with a gentle ascend, and the difficult trail takes you through the forest trail passing Grassi Lakes Waterfall before you reach the lakes. Most hikers can do the 4km round trip hike easily in 1,5 hours.

You can walk around the lakes, enjoy a picnic with the view or watch rock climbers; it’s their favourite spot year-round. Grassi Lakes Hike is, in my opinion, one of the best family-friendly things to do in Canmore and an easy hike near Calgary.

Full blog post: Grassi Lakes Hike in Canmore

Similar scenic hikes in Banff National Park: Johnston Canyon Hike to Ink Pots or Sulphur Mountain Hike to view Banff and Bow Valley.

2. Stand up paddleboard, swim or kayak on Rundle Forebay Reservoir

Stand-up paddleboarding on Rundle Forebay is one of my favourite things to do in Canmore. You get close to the giant mountain peaks while paddling the clear water of the Rundle Forebay Reservoir.

The Rundle Forebay Reservoir is usually sheltered from the strong winds, making the surface smooth and excellent for favourite summer activities. You can rent kayaks or SUPs in Canmore and then drive up to Rundle Forebay. If you paddle along the shoreline to the power plant, it’s around 5km.

Rundle Forebay is also an excellent place for swimming in summer. I find the water a bit cooler than at Quarry Lake, but it’s also clearer with fewer people around.

Follow the signs to Canmore Nordic Centre, and you’ll see the reservoir on your left just before you reach the Nordic Centre.

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A fun, family-friendly bike ride starts at the Rundle Forebay Reservoir. There’s a flat pathway right across the parking lot, which follows the reservoir to the end. Then you can continue riding under the power lines (below the forest, an important wildlife corridor) towards Three Sisters or can loop back through Quarry Lake.

Read more: The best places for stand up paddleboarding in Banff & around

3. Mountain biking in Canmore Nordic Centre

The Canmore Nordic Centre has over 100km of trails. There are a few dirt roads but mostly single tracks in the forest with a nice flow. You get an occasional mountain view once you reach the dirt road outside the forest, which provides a nice opportunity to enjoy the view.

The shop on-site offers bike rentals and the information centre trail map, or you can download it here. The trails are free to use.

Be aware that you’re in a bear country (like anywhere else in the Canadian Rockies), so you should make noise while riding, especially before making sharp turns, and of course, carry a bear spray. We usually have a whistle and use it quite often while riding.

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Bike from Canmore Nordic Centre to Banff through the mountains (and back on Legacy Trail or catch a bus). Start on Banff Trail in Canmore Nordic Centre, and then continue on Rundle Riverside Trail to Banff. The trail has lots of roots, so I only recommend it for experienced mountain bikers.

Read more: Mountain biking & fat biking in Canmore

4. Walk, bike & dip in the Bow River

Canmore has an extensive trail system all around. The gravel path along the Bow River is a popular spot for bikers, runners, hikers and all-around visitors. Michal and I like to go biking along the river with the occasional dip in the Bow River for our tired legs.

You can start from the bridge crossing the Bow River (on Bridge Road) and head south on the river path towards Three Sisters mountains. The trail is a paved path and gravel mix and offers endless mountain views through an open valley and some old mining sites.

The small sulphur pond in the picture below is about 6km from Riverside Park (where we usually park and ride from). The black ground you see around the sulphur pond is evidence of Canmore’s coal mining history.

Read more: 14 awesome bike trails around Banff (for all levels)

5. Enjoy a picnic in Riverside Park

Riverside Park is my all-time favourite spot in Canmore. It’s a beautiful quiet park right by the Bow River, has picnic tables, a newly built outhouse, and easy access to the river with a small sandy beach.

We like to come here after hiking or mountain biking to relax on the grass or have a picnic. If you feel like stretching your legs, the river path can take you along the river, making a loop.

6. Hike the Ha Ling Peak or Mt Lawrence Grassi

An incredibly popular hike near Canmore is Ha Ling Peak (2,407m). Due to its rewarding panoramic views and quite a short 3km trail up the mountain, it’s heavily trafficked, and I would recommend starting early in the morning during summer weekends to avoid crowds.

Ha Ling Peak trail went through construction in 2019 due to erosion. The trail is more gradual and smooth, with lots of chains and wooden stairs. If you’re a beginner and don’t want to hike alone, you can book a guided hike here.

Its neighbour Mt Lawrence Grassi (2,685m), offers the same views and has no crowds. The trail is more complicated; a little scrambling is required on the loose rocks.

You see Canmore and Bow Valley, even to Calgary on a clear day. Behind you is the massive Spray Lakes Reservoir.

Full blog post: Ha Ling Peak vs. Mt Lawrence Grassi

7. Bike the paved Legacy Trail to Banff

A paved trail used by bikers of all ages connects Canmore and Banff. It’s 27km long with almost no elevation gain and offers panoramic views of the Bow Valley.

The bike path follows the Trans-Canada Highway, so you’re sometimes riding next to the highway, or you’re separated by trees – just so you’re aware there might be noise.

The Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail in Canmore starts just across the Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Information Centre, where you can park your car.

This trail holds a special place for me. When we lived in Banff, we used to bike on the Legacy Trail and visit Canmore (the bus didn’t exist). It’s also the place where we saw our first black bear, right in front of us walking on the bike path. It was only our 2nd day in Canada, so the shock was quite huge, as you can imagine!

You can either bike both ways on Legacy Trail, bike one-way and take the bus back, or bike one-way on Legacy Trail and connect to Goat Creek trail through the mountains, making a loop (see below).

Full blog post: Legacy trail, biking from Banff to Canmore with an adventurous twist

8. Go camping

Sleep under the stars and wake up with a mountain view. Wapiti Campground is located just next to the Visitor Centre and Legacy Trail. While it gives you the view, it’s slightly loud as it’s right next to the highway. Spring Creek RV Campground is also in Canmore, with mostly RVs camped right next to each other.

Bow River Campground is a 6km drive from Canmore; it’s a beautiful location for a campground by the river. Three Sisters Campground is at Dead Man’s Flats, about an 11km drive from Canmore. You can book a campsite here.

For camping in Banff National Park, read our comprehensive guide.

9. Drive the Kananaskis Trail for wildlife

Kananaskis Trail starts at Trans-Canada Highway, where Stoney Nakoda Casino is about 30km from Canmore. The paved mountainous road leads through stunning landscapes with lots of wildlife watching opportunities. After about 50km, you can take the Smith Dorrien Trail, a dirt road leading to Canmore.

Keep your eyes open for elk, bears, mountain sheep, and more. Check out our blog post about wildlife in Canada and what animals you can expect to see with tips on the best places to watch wildlife.

10. Hike in Kananaskis

Kananaskis Country – Spray Valley Provincial Park is the local’s favourite for outdoor adventures year-round. There are a lot of hiking trails to summit a mountain or see beautiful lakes.

My favourite is Little Lougheed Hike, only a 6.3km hike with 723m elevation to a mountain peak from which you have panoramic views of the mountains and Spray Lakes Reservoir.

Another great one is Galatea Lakes. It’s not steep to a mountain peak, but you see three gorgeous lakes along the way. It’s 6.2km to emerald-coloured Lilian Lake, where you can stay overnight at the campground. Then another 1.5km to Lower Galatea Lake and 1.6km more to Upper Galatea Lake. It’s an incredible hike on a hot summer day with the cool off in the lake.

11. Go caving to Rat’s Nest Cave

Visitors who’ve been caving in Canmore are raving about it. While many caves worldwide are strictly led through a man-made path, in Canmore, you can unleash your adventurous spirit: crawl through and climb in the cave with a guide. You can book the experience here.

12. Take a stroll on the boardwalk in Policeman’s Creek

Boardwalk at Policeman’s Creek offers walking through the forest with rippling creek and swimming ducks. It’s the best thing to do in Canmore early in the morning, walking through a quiet oasis downtown with panoramic mountain views (you can’t see the views on the photo because it was a very smokey day).

The trail can be found at the end of Main Street (8th Street) near Spring Creek Drive, right by the Big Head sculpture. There is a short and easy trail accessible for all, even wheelchairs and strollers. It connects to a wooden boardwalk and is almost 4km long in total. The main highlights are uninterrupted mountain views, ducks and occasional deer.

13. Explore the historic Engine Bridge

The Engine Bridge was built in the early 1900 and used to connect the railway with coal mines.

Take a stroll or bike on the 2km Bow River Loop. You can park by Riverside Park and head north; the bridge is about 10 minutes of walking away.

There are several benches along the river to relax and enjoy the view. The last time I was at the bridge, I watched a herd of elk across the river.

14. Walk around or swim in the serene Quarry Lake

Quarry Lake is a favourite place for hikers, swimmers, and picnickers. It’s about 3km from Canmore, and you can access it either by car (the sign is along Three Sisters Parkway) or walk from town.

It gets very crowded with families enjoying barbeque, swimming, or paddleboarding on the lake during summer. The big parking lot gets full very quickly. There is a small sandy beach, an outhouse by the lake, picnic tables, and a few hiking trails to explore.

If you visit early in the morning, you might see a herd of elk in the area; it’s their favourite spot.

15. Have breakfast at Beamer’s Coffee Bar

There are many places for breakfast in Canmore, but I like Beamer’s Coffee Bar the most. It’s located at the Shops of Canmore and has a lovely patio with mountain views.

Most importantly, they have an extensive selection of food: pudding cups, fruit oats, yogurt parfait, vegetarian & vegan wraps, sausage buns, sandwiches, brownies, croissants, muffins, and much more.

16. Challenge yourself with a hike up the Mt Lady MacDonald

Mount Lady MacDonald is a moderate and steep 3.2km hike straight up the mountain. There is some scrambling required near the summit, but the panoramic views of the Bow Valley are outstanding.

If you’re not comfortable hiking on the loose rocks, you can finish at the helipad below the summit. If you hiked Mt Lawrence Grassi, which I described earlier, this would be a piece of cake for you.

The trailhead is located on the other side of the valley from most activities described here. The parking lot is between Benchlands Trail and Elk Run Boulevard.

17. Stay at Coast Canmore Hotel with mountain views

We had the pleasure of staying at Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre for two nights in the summer. Their location is hard to beat; it’s walking distance to downtown, Policeman’s Boardwalk, Elevation Place, Beamer’s Coffee Bar, and even bike rental shop.

We enjoyed the Stay & Play package, including a $50 dining credit and a $50 credit for Chateau Mountain Sports, where I rented an e-bike. The mountain view room was spacious, and we all loved the swimming pool and hot tub. You can see the hotel’s availability and price here.

18. Enjoy dinner at Table Food + Drink

Table Food + Drink Restaurant is located at the Coast Canmore Hotel. They are open daily for late lunch and dinner with weekly specials for a discounted rate.

I loved their Salmon with black lentil ragout, hazelnut asparagus sauce, blistered gem tomato and lava chocolate cake with ice cream. I was pleasantly surprised they also offer kids menu. See their full menu here.

Next time we’ll visit on Tuesday for the half chicken special our whole family can enjoy.

19. Photograph the iconic peaks of Three Sisters

While you can see the iconic peaks from just about anywhere in Canmore, take the best photos from Policeman’s Creek or Bow Flats Natural Area.

To get the best picture of Faith, Hope, and Charity, better known as Three Sisters, save this spot to your GPS and park right there or across the road on the gravel.

Head towards the bridge and once you walk under it, follow the creek bed for about 5 minutes. The trail is usually well-trodden, so you should be able to find the photography spot easily. It’s the absolute best thing to do in Canmore year-round.

20. Attend Canmore’s festivals

For a little town, Canmore packs quite a lot of festivals year-round. Some of the biggest and most popular events include National Indigenous Peoples Day (in June), Canada Day (in July), Canmore Highland Games (in September), Folk Music Festival (in September), Ski Cross World Cup at Nakiska (in January), Winter Carnival (in February), World Cup of Cross Country Skiing (in March).

See the full schedule of events and festivals here and community events here.

21. Do yoga at WildHeart Canmore

WildHeart studio in downtown Canmore offers a wide range of yoga and barre classes. You can now enjoy them in-studio or online. Don’t forget to check out their WildHeart clothing and other local brands they support when you come for class.

22. Bike the mountainous Goat Creek Trail from Canmore to Banff

A more adventurous option of biking between Canmore and Banff is through the valley on the Goat Creek Trail. You will have Mount Rundle on your right and Sulphur Mountain (with Banff Gondola) on your left.

It’s a scenic trail mainly going downhill, around 17 km. If you want to bike a loop, I recommend going from Canmore through Goat Creek Trail to Banff, connecting to Legacy Trail back to Canmore, and biking up to the parking lot.

The parking lot for the Goat Creek Trail is the same as for the Ha Ling Peak hike, around 9km from Canmore on the Three Sisters Parkway.

23. Get the thrill whitewater rafting

No matter the level of your adventurous spirit, you can enjoy the mountains from the raft. A leisure float tour on Bow River takes 1-2 hours, and it’s a fantastic family activity, see the raving reviews here.

For thrill-seekers, a 4-hour rafting adventure on the Kananaskis River awaits. You’ll learn to navigate the rapids, read the river’s flow, and even enjoy a river swim. See the details for the Kananaskis River rafting adventure here.

24. Take a SUP course

Bow Valley SUP is a stand-up paddleboarding company offering gear and courses in Canmore. Michal and I got our advanced certificates with Ryan and couldn’t be happier with the service (trying a new turn Ryan taught me on the photo below).

They offer Intro to sup, a flatwater experience for beginners that lasts 1,5hours. Once you’re familiar with SUP, you can take their Lake tour, which is less focused on the skills and more just paddling around with a local guide.

They also created an epic event called Log Jam SUP race + fiesta, the first downriver SUP race in Bow Valley with an after-party.

25. Enjoy a walk at Larch Island

Larch Island is a little-known spot for travellers but a favourite local trail. The trail is located along Bow River, north of Engine Bridge, and takes about 30 minutes. It’s a quiet oasis with mountain and river views walking through the forest.

26. Visit sandy Hoodoos

When you travel from Calgary to Canmore, you can see the Hoodoos on your right. You can also see them up close and learn how they were formed on the information board. The trailhead starts along Benchlands Trail, close to the Bike Skills Park. You can park in the gravel parking area by the huge boulders.

When you travel on Trans-Canada Highway, you can see the Hoodoos on your right. You can also hike to them and learn how they were formed on the information board. The trailhead starts along Benchlands Trail close to the Bike Skills Park. Park at the gravel parking area by the huge boulders.

27. Ski at the nearby ski resorts

Canmore is very well known for cross country skiing (since the Olympic Winter Games in 1988), but there are several ski resorts within a short drive from Canmore: Mt Norquay in Banff National Park 33km, Sunshine Village in Banff National Park 41km, Nakiska in Kananaskis 55 km, and Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park 82km.

Our favourite is Lake Louise, named Canada’s best ski resort for several years in a row. Everything from chairs, gondola, hills, maintenance, day lodge and services is world-class (even compared to the Swiss Alps).

28. Learn about the Rockies at the Canadian Rockies Earth Science Resource Centre

If you’re visiting the Canadian Rockies, you might as well learn how they were formed. A museum dedicated to geology and geoscience has many collections of fossils and rocks on display.

It’s located on 10th Street, close to 8th Avenue, open Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and cost 5 CAD. If you’re interested n visiting another time, email them at [email protected], and they might be able to accommodate you. In the summer, the centre is open five days/week with geoscience presentations. Check out their events calendar for more info.

Fall, Winter 2021 & spring 2022 – open Saturdays only, appointments are required

This is an ideal activity when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

29. Visit Canmore’s historic sites

Canmore is an old mining town. The first settlement dates back to 1883 when the railway was passing through needed the coal for locomotives.

There are several mining sites you can visit around Canmore and historic buildings. You can see the old Mounted police barracks built in 1893 near the Big Head sculpture or Ralph Connor Memorial United Church built in 1891 close to the barracks (both located on the main 8th Street).

For easier navigation, Canmore Museum put together a complete map of historic sites in Canmore.

30. Elevation Place

Elevation place is a big sports centre with an aquatics centre, climbing wall, and fitness gym. The Aquatics centre has a lazy river, water slide, play area, lap pool, leisure pool, steam room, and a hot tub. It’s an all-around perfect place after outdoor activities. Parents will appreciate the childminding service as well.

Check out their schedule for all activities.

31. Play disc golf

Disc golf is gaining popularity by the day. While it looks like throwing a Frisbee at a pole, it’s more similar to golf. You’re just using a disc instead of balls and clubs. Canmore has two locations for disc golf – Three Sisters Disc Golf Course and Canmore Nordic Centre Disc Golf Course.

32. Run trails ending with a beer

Weekly trail run with an incredible group of people from the FB group Dirtbag Runners Bow Valley is great for finding new trails in Canmore, especially if you’re an out-of-towner. The energy of running with the group is mesmerizing. And, of course, after a nice workout, we all meet at the brewery. Always a great place to find other outdoor-loving people.

33. Indulge at Canmore Mountain Market

Canmore Mountain Market takes place in front of the Elevation Place every Thursday from the end of May to the beginning of October. Over 65 farmers and artisans sell their fresh produce, baked goods, cooked meals, and handmade art.

34. Learn history at Canmore Museum

Canmore Museum offers several exhibits and events throughout the year. You can learn about the hundred-year-old coal mining history or visit inside the mine through a virtual reality experience. My personal favourite is the Stoney Nakoda Tipi summer event, where you listen to Indigenous stories.

35. Play golf

Canmore has three golf courses: Silvertip Golf Course, Canmore Golf and Curling Club, and Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club, the top-rated and oldest, opened in 1926. Another close by and very popular is Banff Springs Golf Course. Golfers in the Canadian Rockies are often surprised by a herd of elk or bears roaming the course.

36. Visit Curbside Museum

Curbside Museum is so unique that I had to include it on the list. It’s a small outdoor museum built into a fence. Truly one of a kind! You can find it along a public sidewalk at Railway Avenue & Pinewood Crescent.

37.  Tackle the Triple Crown

The Triple Crown of Canmore is a hiking challenge to summit three mountains in three days! Mount Lady McDonald (8km, 800m), East End of Rundle (6km, 900m), and Ha Ling Peak (6km, 700m), all in all about 20 km of hiking and 2,400m elevation. While this challenge is very doable for many people, runners take it further and complete the Triple Crown in just one day!

38. Visit a candy shop for childhood memories

Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, located on the main 8th Street, is a favourite not only with kids. You can find there retro and one-of-a-kind candies imported from around the world. On our recent visit, my favourite was After Eight with orange flavour, PEZ candies and lollipops I had as a kid.

39. Shop local art & crafts

The main 8th Street in Canmore is lined with restaurants and plenty of galleries and local art shops. O’Canada Soapworks is a favourite local hand-made company making natural soap & bath products. They have a very extensive selection to choose from; I like the Canada Line for a unique gift.

Just take a walk on the main street, and you’ll surely find something unique for you, whether it is a local craft beer, jewelry, or clothing.

40. Boost your happiness at Scoopin Moose

The best ice cream in Canmore is hands down, at Scoopin Moose. It’s located on 8th Street; you’ll smell it before you see it! The crispy, light in-house-made waffle cone with so many flavours of regular ice cream and sorbet, you’ll be having a hard time narrowing it down. The 6 CAD scoop is very generous; my favourite is Belgian Chocolate.

41. See the Northern Lights

Northern Lights are a stunning natural phenomenon. They’re much more powerful than you see in photos, which show only a static image. Northern Lights are actually moving and dancing in waves while changing colours from green, yellow, and purple. We use the Aurora Watch website to check the probability of seeing northern lights.

They’re usually the strongest in winter and away from light pollution. But we saw the most beautiful show in May, so you never know. The best things to do in Canmore always involve nature, and it truly doesn’t get any better than this.

42. Cross country ski in Canmore Nordic Centre

The Nordic Centre was built for the Winter Olympics in 1988 for disciplines such as biathlon and cross-country skiing.

While you can bike or hike the trails in summer (for free), you can cross country ski in winter on more than 65km of groomed trails. The day pass costs 15 CAD/adult, and the season starts mid-October every year. A 6.5km trail is also illuminated for night skiing. You can rent skis on-site and also use their showers after the skiing if you need to.

The Canmore Nordic Centre holds many events throughout the year, and the Biathlon World Cup is the most popular during winter.

Check out our post cross country skiing in Banff National Park for more options.

43. Try fat biking

Fat biking is so much fun and a lot different than mountain biking. You’re still using a mountain bike but with fat/wide tires. The snow is softer, and your tires are a bit deflated, so you don’t sink. It’s harder to bike uphill on the snow, so flat trails are the best. And in case you bike downhill, the accidental fall into the snow is much more bearable than falling on the ground.

You can rent a fat bike at Trail Sports in Canmore Nordic Centre or in town.

44. Snowshoeing at Chester Lake

Chester Lake is enjoyed by many people year-round. You can hike to the lake in summer and snowshoe or cross country ski in winter. The 4,6km trail (one-way) has an elevation of about 300m, making it easy for all levels.

I prefer cross country skis for Chester Lake as they make the return less dreadful and more fun with a slow downhill ski. If you’d like to learn some hill techniques in the backcountry, you can book a tour with an instructor.

Read more: 8 awesome winter hikes in Canmore

45. Ice walk to Grotto Canyon

Grotto Mountain hike is popular in summer, while an ice walk to Grotto Canyon in winter. The trail is only 1km long, and spikes/ice cleats are highly recommended as you walk on the frozen creek.

Grotto Canyon ice walk with a guide is also an option. They know where the cave paintings are; sadly, we missed them.

Full blog post: Grotto Canyon ice walk

If you enjoy ice walks, check out the famous Johnston Canyon Ice Walk in Banff National Park. Our post has plenty of pictures of frozen waterfalls and tips for an enjoyable trip.

46. Ice skate at the Pond

Not surprisingly, one of the best things to do in Canmore in winter ice skating. While you can go to Canmore Recreation Centre, which has two indoor skating rinks, you can also skate at the Skating Pond located between 7th Avenue and 11th Street.

Even more ice skating options with mountain views are in nearby Banff; check out our post Ice skating in Banff for all options.

47. Go dog sledding

A great way to see the Canadian Rockies in winter is from the dogsled. Several companies located in Canmore will take you to the Spray Lakes Reservoir, where mountain peaks surround you.

Do you like small mountain towns? Check out our travel guides for:

• Banff in Banff National Park, the oldest in the Rockies
• Jasper in Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Rockies
• Fernie in British Columbia, a well-kept secret of locals
• Golden in British Columbia, close to six national parks
• Revelstoke in British Columbia, a year-round outdoor hub

Travel guides to plan your Canadian Rockies trip

• Epic travel guide to the Canadian Rockies
• Adventure travel guide to Banff National Park
• Adventure travel guide to Yoho National Park
• Western Canada road trip itinerary for 2 weeks
• Adventure travel guide to Jasper National Park

*In the spirit of full disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission at no extra costs to you. We appreciate your support!

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What are your favourite things to do in Canmore? Anything we missed?

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