Canmore offers stunning mountain views, outdoor adventures, and vibrant local culture.
Canmore offers a variety of activities, from outdoor adventures to local attractions. Popular options include exploring the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, hiking to Grassi Lakes, or enjoying a scenic drive on the Kananaskis Wildlife Drive. You can also explore the town’s unique shops and the Grizzly Paw Brewing Company Taproom, or visit the Art Country Canada Canmore Gallery.
The Grassi Lakes Trail near Canmore, Alberta, is a scenic and accessible 4.3 km round-trip hike that rewards visitors with stunning turquoise lakes, towering limestone cliffs, and a peaceful forested setting. With an elevation gain of about 203 meters, the trail offers two routes: an easy upper path along a gentle gravel road suitable for families and strollers, and a more difficult interpretive trail that climbs steeply past a beautiful waterfall and offers panoramic views of Canmore and the Bow Valley. At the top, hikers find the serene Grassi Lakes, known for their crystal-clear waters and surrounding climbing cliffs, along with ancient Indigenous pictographs etched into the rocks. The hike takes around 1–2 hours to complete and is best enjoyed between late spring and early fall, as the steeper trail can be icy or closed in winter. The trailhead is located near the Canmore Nordic Centre and features parking and pit toilets, though early arrival is recommended on weekends due to limited space. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park. Whether you’re new to hiking or just seeking a relaxing outdoor adventure with great views, Grassi Lakes is one of Alberta’s most rewarding short hikes.
The East End of Rundle (EEOR) is a challenging scramble near Canmore, Alberta, offering stunning views of Ha Ling Peak and the surrounding Bow Valley. The trail is approximately 3.5 km one-way with an elevation gain of 875 meters, making it a strenuous ascent. The route involves steep scree slopes and rocky ledges, requiring careful navigation and scrambling skills. The summit at 2,545 meters provides panoramic vistas, including views of the Spray Valley and the town of Canmore.
Wake up and smell the coffee, heading for an interactive barista workshop at Alma. Understand how different variables affect the coffee you drink, including ‘pour over coffee’, French press, and espresso. You’ll leave with three different coffee techniques to make your perfect brew and a bag of premium coffee beans to enjoy at home.
A short drive from Banff, inside the Grotto Canyon, we actually walk on the frozen creek bed through a narrow canyon to a weeping ice waterfall. For many, the highlight of the Grotto Canyon Icewalk is the ancient native pictographs, that are easily missed by the general public. The symbols have many possible meanings and origins and you will learn more about First Nation history in the Bow Valley.
Exploring Canmore on an electric bike is the perfect mix of adventure and ease. Rent from local shops like Pedego or Sports Garage and cruise the Legacy Trail or town paths. Enjoy stunning mountain views, fresh air, and freedom without the uphill struggle—an unforgettable, eco-friendly way to see the Rockies.
Canmore, Alberta, is home to one of Canada’s largest undeveloped cave systems, the Rat’s Nest Cave, located beneath Grotto Mountain. Operated by Canmore Cave Tours, this thrilling underground adventure offers two types of tours: the Adventure Tour and the Explorer Tour. The Adventure Tour, suitable for those with a moderate fitness level and a sense of adventure, lasts about 6 hours, with 4 hours spent underground exploring challenging sections like the “Laundry Chute” and the Grand Gallery. It includes an 18-meter rappel and costs $199 for adults. The Explorer Tour, ideal for families and beginners, is a 4.5-hour tour with 2.5 hours underground, offering a less intense experience with views of ancient bones and unique formations. This tour costs $149 for adults. Both tours provide all necessary caving gear, including helmets, headlamps, coveralls, gloves, kneepads, harnesses, and backpacks. Participants are advised to bring a water bottle, an energy bar, and wear light hiking shoes and warm clothing. The cave is accessed via a 30–40 minute hike, and the tours are available year-round. Meeting points for the tours are at 129 Bow Meadows Crescent, and reservations are required in advance. This underground adventure is a must for those seeking to explore the Canadian Rockies in a truly unique.
