Spring is a great time to visit Canmore, with the snow beginning to melt and the days growing longer, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. This 4-day itinerary is perfect for those wanting to try out a few different experiences while still making time to relax.
Day 1: Bike the Legacy Trail and spend the day in Banff
Start your first day by taking advantage of our exclusive Stay® | Well amenities! Guests of the Grande Rockies Resort have free access to amenities like stand-up paddleboards and adult mountain bikes that will be perfect for riding the Legacy Trail. A 22-kilometre paved path that runs from Canmore to Banff. The trail follows the Trans-Canada Highway and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Bow River. Along the way, you'll pass by scenic lookout points, picnic areas, and interpretive signs that highlight the history and ecology of the area. Once you reach Banff, spend the day exploring the town and its attractions, such as the Banff Upper Hot Springs, Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
After biking back to the resort, make sure to relax in our spacious indoor-outdoor hot tub.
Day 2: Golf In Kananaskis Country
For your second day, head into Kananaskis Country, a mountainous region located just south of Canmore. Here you can play a round of golf at one of the area’s world-class golf courses, Kananaskis Country Golf Course. This 36-hole course is set into two layouts - Mt Kidd and Mt Lorette which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. Perfect for all skill levels, they also offer weeknight events during the spring and summer including couples’ and ladies’ nights! Book a tee time.
Alternatively, if you're looking for something more low-key, try out disc golf. This popular sport involves throwing a frisbee-like disc into a metal basket, with each basket serving as a "hole" on the course. There are two nearby courses to choose from, one at The Canmore Nordic Center and another located just off the Three Sisters Parkway. While both courses are great for a family or group activity, consider the Three Sisters for a more beginner-friendly course.
After spending the day on the course, head back to Grande Rockies Resort for dinner and drinks at the onsite restaurant, The Grande Kitchen + Bar. Serving up a blend of Eastern influences with French and Italian cuisine, you’re sure to find a dish to suit everyone’s tastes.
Day 3: Go underground with a Cave tour
Kick it up a notch and dive deep into Rat’s Nest Cave with Canmore Cave Tours on day three. Guides will introduce adventurers to the world of caves in their two tour types.
The Explorer tour is 4.5 hours, with roughly 2 hours spent in the cave, involves crawling, climbing, and rappelling through narrow passages and chambers, and provides insights into the geology and history of the cave.
The Adventurer tour is 6 hours, with roughly 4 hours spent in the cave, includes challenging activities such as crawling, climbing, and rappelling, and offers a more physically demanding and immersive experience than the Explorer Tour.
Day 4: Take in the views on local pathways and shop in downtown Canmore
Take it easy on your final day in Canmore by touring the local pathways as the snow melts and flowers bloom. Favourites include:
Three Sisters Pathway: This 13.5-km out-and-back trail near Canmore is a popular trail for walking, biking, and birdwatching. Following the Bow River, the pathway is mostly easy with gorgeous mountain views, some slight inclines, and lots of switchbacks.
Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk: Connecting to the downtown area, this 3.9 km elevated path runs alongside Policeman’s Creek providing wildlife viewing opportunities year-round.
Canmore Engine Bridge: While this isn’t an official pathway, fans of The Last of Us will definitely want to visit the historic railroad bridge featured in the show. Begin your walk on main street and try to spot some of the buildings that were used in the show as well. Continuing on the short walk out of town and down near the river which will take you to the Engine Bridge. Here you can take pictures and walk across just like Joel and Ellie did! Find information for the entire walk here.
With two of these walks conveniently located next to downtown Canmore, make sure to check out the local shops, galleries, and restaurants for a final memento of your trip.
If this itinerary is getting you excited, don’t wait! Book your spring trip to the mountains now at Grande Rockies Resort.
