Even if you're going on a short weekend getaway or staying relatively close to home, travelling can be pricey. However, if you're strategic in where you visit, you may end up well under budget. For example, while beautiful mountain towns have a certain reputation for being anything but budget-friendly, there are tons of fun, free things to do in Canmore. Really! And we promise, they don't all involve hitting a trail.
As you plan your Canmore trip, consider staying at Grande Rockies Resort, which can help you save even more money (again, really!). Our pet-friendly Canmore resort offers condo-style suites and full kitchens, free heated underground parking, frequently changing special offers, and even an onsite waterpark with a splash pool and one of the only water slides in town. It's no surprise Grande Rockies is considered one of the top family resorts in Canmore. Join us to explore some of the best free things to do in town.
1. Quarry Lake
If you're looking for kid-friendly free things to do in Canmore, look no further than Quarry Lake Park. This super accessible spot is ideal for everything from walking around the lake to paddling or swimming—although beware, the water is freezing even in peak summer! Quarry Lake is just a five-minute drive from downtown, but you can also easily bike or walk from anywhere in Canmore.
2. Bike to Banff
The 22-kilometer paved Legacy Trail offers a wonderful alternative to hiking around Canmore. Bike this stunningly beautiful trail from the Travel Alberta Visitor’s Center all the way into Banff, following alongside the Trans-Canada Highway (don't worry, the Legacy Trail is set well away from the road and doesn't allow vehicle traffic). The path has a gradual incline heading into Banff and is easy enough for even beginner cyclists. If you prefer a shorter route, turn around at the picnic area at the halfway point.
To keep this activity truly free, borrow one from Grande Rockies Resort, one of our complimentary Stay® | Well amenities.
3. Snap Photos From the Canmore Engine Bridge
Right in town, the historic Engine Bridge is one of the best free things to do in Canmore in any season. Originally built in the early 1900s as a rail bridge to transport coal, today, the bridge is for pedestrians only. Walk across it for unique viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and the Bow River, or find a spot along the river to capture photos of the bridge itself. This is an especially scenic spot at sunrise and sunset.
4. Hike to Grassi Lakes
This moderate 4-kilometer hike takes you to two beautiful, mirror-still green lakes. You can hike here year-round, although summer is far and away the most popular time. Choose from the easier Upper Grassi Lakes Trail, one of the most popular Canmore activities for families, or the slightly more challenging (but still very doable!) Interpretive Trail. They connect, so you can also take one to the lakes and the other path back.
5. Explore Kananaskis Country
Grassi Lakes is just one part of Kananaskis Country and this gorgeous area is definitely worthy of more time. After all, there are literally hundreds of trails and individual parks! Grotto Canyon is arguably among the most popular, with options to do the famed 'ice walk' even when the path is frozen solid in the winter months. Other highlights include Ribbon Falls and East End of Rundle, affectionately called EEOR.
Technically, you need a Conservation Pass to hike in Kananaskis Country. Because passes are priced per-vehicle, however, this small fee can be split between multiple people, making it one of the best near free things to do in Canmore.
6. Canmore Mountain Market
Every Thursday from late May through early October, one of the best free things to do in Canmore is browse the local farmers' market. The Canmore Mountain Market sets up at Elevation Place, offering a lovely selection of produce, baked goodies like bread and sweets, coffee, meat, dog treats, clothing, jewelry, home decor items, gifts, and more, in addition to live music. Best of all, everything is created by local or regional makers.
7. Browse Local Art Galleries
Canmore punches well above its small-town weight class when it comes to art and culture. Visiting some of its 10 art galleries is a wonderful way to experience it firsthand. It's also a perfect option for what to do in Canmore on those occasional rainy days! Many of the town's galleries line Main Street and while you can't go wrong with any of them, there are a few standouts we love to recommend.
The Avens Gallery: Works by over 40 local Canmore and Western Canada artists
All in the Wild Gallery: Dedicated to wildlife and otherwise 'wild' photography
Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue: Showcases paintings and soapstone sculptures by Indigenous artist Jason Carter and hosts live performances year-round
8. Picnic at the Three Sisters Viewpoint
Visible anywhere in town, the Three Sisters are easily one of the most famous Canmore attractions. One place, in particular, sticks out for incredible larger-than-life views of the distinctive three peaks, providing the perfect setting for a romantic picnic, quiet alone time, or of course, an Instagram-worthy photo op. The Three Sisters reflect perfectly in the pond below, and getting here requires just a short, easy 1.1-kilometer walk from the parking lot. It's also walkable from downtown in under 30 minutes.
9. Visit the Canmore NWMP Barracks
One of the more unique free things to do in Canmore is explore the Canmore NWMP Barracks. Honouring the Canadian tradition of Northwest Mounted Police, the barracks serve as a living museum. They were built in 1893 for the police to be able to maintain order in Canmore, which was a rowdy Wild West mining town at that time. Although the barracks are only open to the public in the summer, visiting is completely free (donations are gladly accepted). Don't miss the Indigenous Stories Tipi Program on Saturdays.
10. Take a Selfie With the Canmore Big Head Sculpture
On Main Street, you'll find one of the most iconic—if not slightly peculiar—Canmore attractions: the Canmore Big Head. The enormous sculpture is not only a work of art but also pays homage to the town's heritage, as the word Canmore is derived from Gaelic words that mean 'leader' or 'head' and 'big.' Throughout the year, the Canmore Big Head even dresses up for the seasons!
As a bonus, the sculpture is located next to Policeman's Creek Boardwalk, another of the top free things to do in Canmore.
