Imagine crisp autumn air, vibrant foliage, and the rugged beauty of the Rockies all wrapped up into one epic long weekend. Whether you're looking to unwind in nature, chase thrills, or simply soak in the stunning scenery, this 3-day itinerary for Canmore and Kananaskis has you covered. Get ready to explore hidden gems, savour local flavors, and make the most of fall's magic in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Let's dive into a journey filled with fun, adventure, and a whole lot of autumn charm! This three-day itinerary helps you make the most of it.
Day 1: Exploring Canmore
Morning: Quarry Lake & Grassi Lakes
Start with a visit to Quarry Lake, one of the most beloved Canmore attractions and a 10-minute drive or 20-minute bike ride from Grande Rockies Resort. On the way, grab a coffee from Eclipse Coffee Roasters' downtown location. Quarry Lake is a local gem with several picnic areas and easy trails perfect for a leisurely morning walk. In the fall, the surrounding larches and aspens put on a brilliant, colourful show.
Next, head to Grassi Lakes, one of the most popular hikes in Canmore year-round. There are two options, an easy trail and a more challenging climbers' trail, although both are around four kilometers out-and-back (about 2.5 miles). The lakes are incredibly beautiful, perhaps even more so in the fall, when splashes of gold frame the turquoise water.
Afternoon: Lunch & Wander Downtown
After working up an appetite by hiking, stroll through downtown Canmore. Boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and cozy cafes line the charming streets. There isn't a single bad view in town, especially in the fall, so stop for lunch anywhere that strikes your fancy. A few of our recommendations for quick, casual spots are:
Crazyweed Kitchen
Grizzly Paw Brewing
The Wood
Ramen Arashi
Evening: Dinner and Drinks
Cap off day one of your itinerary with cocktails and a relaxing dinner. Grande Rockies' onsite restaurant, The Grande Kitchen + Bar, offers an Eastern-influenced menu seven days a week. Afterward, drive the short five minutes to Wild Life Distillery to sample small-batch local artisan spirits.
Day 2: Kananaskis Adventure
Morning: Troll Falls & Blackshale Suspension Bridge
Day two takes you into the heart of Kananaskis Country. Start with an easy, family-friendly hike to Troll Falls, a 4.5-kilometer (3.9-mile) trail that winds through towering trees and alongside a creek. It's an excellent hike in any season, but especially in the fall because you walk through a dense stand of aspens. For those who want a longer trek, you can easily add side trips to Upper Troll Falls or Marmot Falls.
From Troll Falls, continue your adventure with a visit to Blackshale Suspension Bridge. A fantastic alternative to the perpetually busy Golden SkyBridge, Blackshale is a hidden gem—and it's free to visit! There's a short and sweet 'hike' to the 73-meter-long bridge, and even a bypass for those who don't necessarily want to actually walk across it.
Afternoon: Lunch at Kananaskis Village & Canoeing
After your morning hike, head to Kananaskis Village for lunch. Dining options are limited, but the wood-fired pizzas from Forte Restaurant hit the spot. What is it about pizza in the mountains just tasting better?!
Once you refuel, drive to Barrier Lake for a peaceful afternoon on the water. Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from Kananaskis Outfitters at the lake's day-use area. The minimum rental is just one hour, and boats are available until mid-October.
Evening: Catch the Sunset
Head back toward the hotel and end your day by watching the sunset from one of Canmore's most famous spots. Fall sunsets are extra scenic, casting a deep golden alpenglow across everything. The Three Sisters Viewpoint and Canmore Engine Bridge are our two favourites, both easily accessible from downtown.
Day 3: Scenic Drives & Hidden Gems
Morning: Drive the Smith Dorrien Trail – Highway 40
On the final day of your itinerary, take a scenic drive from Canmore all the way through Kananaskis Country. This route, which takes both Highway 40 and the Smith Dorrein Trail (AKA Spray Lakes Road), offers some of the area's best views, especially in autumn when the trees are a blaze of colour. Stop along the way to take in the views and snap photos...and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!
Afternoon: Lunch & Grotto Canyon
Once you get back to Canmore, stop somewhere downtown for lunch or happy hour. Afterward, explore Grotto Canyon, popular for its winter ice walk but otherwise often overlooked by visitors. The easy five-kilometer trail takes you through a narrow slot canyon with ancient art donning the walls. There's no real 'summit' like traditional hikes, so turn back whenever you're ready.
Evening: Farewell Dinner
For your last evening in town, treat yourself to a great meal—and great views. If you're up for it, stop by the bar at The Grande Kitchen for a nightcap before calling it a night. Some of the best restaurants in town, specifically for their combination of food and views, include:
Iron Goat
Sauvage
Murrieta's
The Sensory
Alternatives & Add-ons
Have more time on your getaway? Here are some other options for what to do in Canmore and Kananaskis.
Bike the Banff Legacy Trail: This 27-kilometer, family-friendly route is one of the best FREE Canmore activities.
Canmore Cave Tours: Explore Rat’s Nest Cave on a guided wild caving tour.
Golf: Canmore’s golf courses are renowned for their incredible mountain views, and fall is a great time to hit the links with pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
Johnston Canyon: A stunning, unique hike through a canyon over a series of boardwalks to thundering waterfalls.
Your Perfect Fall Getaway Awaits in Canmore
It's hard to imagine a better place to experience the beauty of fall than Canmore and Kananaskis. With stunning panoramas, endless outdoor activities, and cozy patios, it’s the ideal destination for a three-day escape.
With a convenient location, Stay® | Well amenities, an onsite restaurant, and a three-storey waterside (the only one in town!), Grande Rockies Resort is the perfect home base for whatever your itinerary holds, whether it's non-stop adventure or mostly relaxation. Book your stay today and immerse yourself in the magic of the Rockies!
