Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, charming Canmore offers a plethora of four-season activities, both outdoors and inside. Fortunately, many of the best, most popular Canmore attractions won't break the bank! In fact, some are even FREE! This mountain town truly has something for everyone.
1. Explore Canmore on Two Wheels
Canmore is exceptionally bicycle-friendly, with over 20 kilometers of paved and well-beaten gravel routes running right through the city centre. Others extend to the outskirts of town and well beyond. Many of these trails, particularly the ones in Canmore proper, are suitable even for new cyclists. A couple of our favourite bike trails for family-friendly fun include the Bow River Loop (2-5.1 kilometers, depending on your exact route) and Millennium Park to West Canmore Playground. This route is 1.5 kilometers each way, with a fun playground at either end!
The Banff Legacy Trail is another perennial favourite, allowing riders to pedal between Canmore and Banff on a family-friendly route. It's nearly 27 kilometers one way, but you can always turn back sooner.
Local tip: you can take a Roam Transit bus from Canmore to Banff, then ride the Legacy Trail back to Canmore. Most buses have bike racks, and there are several stops right near the Grande Rockies Resort! Guests even enjoy complimentary fat tire bike rentals, making this an especially budget friendly activity.
For those seeking more advanced trails, the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, just 10 minutes from town, offers over 100 kilometers of mountain biking trails and a summer mountain bike skills park.
2. Canmore Nordic Centre
Speaking of the Canmore Nordic Centre, this year-round outdoor recreation hub offers a dizzying number of outdoor activities that are both budget- and family-friendly. Originally built for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, today the centre (of course!) offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter and spring, hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, and one of our personal favourite Canmore activities for families: orienteering. The sport, or activity, of orienteering involves using a map and compass to navigate between points (called "controls").
Families can choose from four courses at the Canmore Nordic Centre, ranging from beginner to expert. Pro tip: buy maps ahead of time at Trail Sports in Canmore. It's also a great place to rent bear spray, a must-have for recreating in the Rockies.
Note that a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis Country, including the Nordic Centre. Passes are $15 per vehicle, per day, or $90 annually for up to three vehicles.
3. Quarry Lake
Just 10 minutes from Canmore's downtown core, this former open-pit mine is a popular destination, especially on warm, sunny days. There's a small sandy beach, and it's the perfect calm place to swim or paddle around. Plus, with views of Ha Ling Peak and iconic Little Sister, and five kilometers of trails, it's also ideal for a leisurely walk in any season. Quarry Lake is less than a five-minute drive from downtown, and under 30 even if you walk. The lake is deep and frigid cold year-round, so if you plan to swim, wear a wetsuit, bring a towel, and know that it will likely be a very quick dip!
Bonus for dog families: Quarry Lake is right next to an off-leash dog park, and Grande Rockies Resort proudly offers some dog-friendly rooms. Hey, we totally understand that Fido is family, too!
4. Take a Hike
The Rockies have a well-deserved reputation for huge, epic hikes with equally epic views. Luckily, though, there are lots of easy, family-friendly hikes to explore, too—some right in town! Add these hikes to your Canmore itinerary for family-friendly fun:
Policeman's Creek Boardwalk: As easy as they come, this pleasant stroll takes you right through the centre of town
Quarry Lake Loop: A scenic, easy trail around the park and lake accessible year-round
Grassi Lakes: Short and sweet trail with a waterfall and two lakes, just minutes from downtown
Grotto Canyon: Unlike most Canmore hikes, this one is actually most popular in winter, when you can do the Grotto Canyon Icewalk
Heart Creek Trail: 2.6 kilometers round-trip on a route just outside town that takes you alongside Heart Creek and into a canyon
5. Elevation Place
While MOST Canmore activities are outdoors, you'll find plenty indoors, as well. Several of them are at Elevation Place, a state-of-the-art recreation facility in the heart of town. Families can try indoor rock climbing, swim in the heated indoor pool, go ice skating, hone some skills in the outdoor skate park, explore the Canmore Art Guild gallery, or enjoy some quiet time in the Canmore Public Library.
6. Visit Local Parks
Sometimes, there’s just no substitute for good old-fashioned fun. And let's face it, kids need to be allowed to just be...well, KIDS! Grab a coffee from local spots like Communitea Café, Eclipse Coffee Roasters, or Beamers Coffee Bar, or pack a picnic and head to one of the local parks to enjoy fresh air and mountain views.
Riverside Park
West Canmore River Park
Three Sisters Train Park
7. Hang Out at Your Hotel!
Whether you're just looking for a low-key way to spend an afternoon or some rain rolls in, it's nice to simply enjoy a day in on occasion. When you stay at the Grande Rockies Resort, there's a ton for the whole family to do onsite. Enjoy the indoor waterpark, complete with a splash pool and three-story water slide for kids and for big kids at heart, as well as an indoor/outdoor hot tub. Additional amenities include the fitness centre and savouring a meal at Grande Kitchen & Bar.
Grande Rockies is the perfect basecamp for family-friendly fun and adventures, with a full suite of Stay | Well amenities, an indoor waterpark, and a beautiful restaurant. Check out our current packages and book your stay today for an unforgettable family getaway that will keep you within budget!
