Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore is a spectacularly beautiful year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Each season in this picturesque mountain town offers its own unique charms, as well as seemingly endless activities and places to explore.
From snowy winters to colourful autumns and sun-drenched springtime and summers, here are the top five activities to enjoy in Canmore for every season.
winter activities in canmore
Canmore transforms into a true winter wonderland when the snow blankets the landscape, opening up a whole new world of things to do and see.
1) Hit the ski hills
Canmore (and Grande Rockies Resort) is centrally located between six resorts where you can go skiing or snowboarding. In order of distance from Canmore, check out:
Mount Norquay (30 minutes)
Sunshine Resort (30 minutes)
Nakiska Ski Resort (35 minutes)
Lake Louise (55 minutes)
Canada Olympic Park (1 hour)
Kicking Horse Mountain (2 hours)
2) experience dog sledding
Check off the bucket list experience of dog sledding in the heart of Canmore. With Snowy Owl Dog Sled Tours, you can choose from four tour options that range from two hours to overnight. At the end of each adventure, you'll warm up by a campfire with snacks and hot beverages.
3) Try Out Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
Glide through hundreds of kilometres of pristine groomed trails in and around Canmore, catering to all experience and skill levels. Canmore Nordic Centre offers some of the best cross-country skiing in the Rockies overall, while Sheep Valley Provincial Park is particularly excellent for beginners and to try snowshoeing.
4) Take the Grotto Canyon Ice Walk
It sounds a bit contradictory, but walking on ice in Grotto Canyon is one of the best and easiest winter activities in Canmore (really!). The family-friendly walk takes you to impressive frozen waterfalls, and you can do it yourself or book a guided tour. You can also go ice climbing in Grotto Canyon for a more extreme adventure!
5) Skate Away
From December through March, there are endless options to skate in and around Canmore. If you have your own skates, these are some great options:
Canmore Town Pond, a natural pond located close to the downtown area
Spray Lakes Reservoir, located in Kananaskis the natural valley reflects gorgeous mountain views.
Goat Pond, an exceptional place to wild ice skate near Canmore.
Lake Louise, take an ultra-scenic drive to iconic Lake Louise for a magical winter ice skating experience on the frozen lake. Skate rentals are available at the Fairmont.
Make sure to pay attention to the weather conditions before hitting the ice, natural rinks are extremely dangerous when not fully frozen.
canmore activities in the spring
As the snow gradually melts and nature comes back to life with greenery and bright colours, Canmore offers diverse springtime activities for every interest.
1) Mountain biking at Canmore Nordic Centre
Hop on a mountain bike and explore over 100 kilometres of thrilling, well-maintained trails. Choose from a mix of downhill and cross-country and a range of experience and skill levels. Note that conditions are typically wet and muddy throughout much of the spring season, as trails continuously dry.
2) Look for wildlife on the Bow Valley Parkway
This spectacular 48-kilometre scenic drive is incredible any time of year. But in the spring, you can spot local animal residents such as elk, bighorn sheep, deer, and bears. Insider tip: time your drive for sunrise or sunset when animals are the most active.
3) Take a wild cave tour
Image courtesy of Canmore Cave Tours
Rat's Nest Cave offers year-round underground tours, and temperatures remain steady no matter what’s happening outside. That makes it the perfect activity for spring when the weather tends to be unpredictable and quite wet. Join a guided tour to explore the fascinating cave, with options from 2 hours to overnight.
4) Play at Elevation Place
It's a good idea to have an indoor activity or two in mind for those cold, wet spring days. Elevation Place is a recreation powerhouse with activities to keep people of all ages entertained all day. Climb the rock wall (there are even lessons for beginners!), float the lazy river or rush down the waterslide, or take a relaxing soak in the hot tub or sauna.
5) explore downtown Canmore
In the heart of the town is the vibrant downtown core, you will discover shops, art galleries and restaurants with the backdrop of the Three Sisters mountains. Stroll along the trails next to Policeman’s Creek and keep an eye out for wildlife sightings as you go.
canmore summer activities
Summer in Canmore brings warm weather and long days, translating to endless opportunities to explore The Great Outdoors.
1) Take A Hike
In Canmore, you’re surrounded by hiking trails! The East End of Rundle (EEOR), this hike right in Canmore is one of the most popular in the area. Don't let the easy accessibility fool you, though – the steep, challenging hike is 5.8 kilometres round-trip and gains over 800 meters in elevation. A much less busy alternative to Banff and Jasper, Spray Lakes in Kananaskis Country is somewhat of a hidden gem. There are endless hiking trails to choose from, but Grassi Lakes or the Windtower Trail would both make an excellent start for hikers of all abilities. View the area on AllTrails to find the perfect hike for you and prepare beforehand.
2) Go rafting on the Bow River
Whether you opt for the thrill of white-water rafting or choose a more relaxed, family-friendly scenic float, it’s hard to top the incredible scenery along the Bow, with the Rockies towering overhead. Guests at the Grande Rockies can take advantage of a 10% discount on tours with Canmore River Adventures.
3) Take in the Scottish Highland Games
Image courtesy of Canmore Highland Games
This fun, long-running tradition takes over Canmore at the very end of summer. Participants dressed in kilts compete in a variety of traditional Highlands games and play bagpipes, and spectators can also enjoy Scottish food and music.
4) Tee off for a round of golf
Even if you're not an avid or advanced golfer, you can't beat the scenery of the courses in Canmore. Head to Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club, which is highly regarded as one of the best courses in the entire country
5) Take Flight With a helicopter tour
Only a short drive away from Grande Rockies Resort, Alpine Helicopters Inc. offers sightseeing tours around Canmore and Banff. Ranging from 25-55 minute tours, take flight over the Canadian Rockies viewing pristine lakes, deep forests, and epic glaciers.
fall things to do in canmore
As the leaves change colour and the air gets that distinct crispness, Canmore has a unique, irresistible charm in the fall.
1) Enjoy a seasonal hike among larches
In mid- to late September, one of the best hikes in Canmore is Larch Valley. The 8.6-km out-and-back trail is in Banff National Park and features one of the largest stands of larches in the region. Witnessing their stunning autumn transformation is by far one of the best activities in Canmore!
2) Trail Riding
Take in the fall colours and experience the beauty of Kananaskis Valley on horseback. Embark on backcountry trails with Boundary Ranch for a variety of tours catering to different skill levels.
3) Go fly fishing
Fall is prime time for fishing Canmore's various rivers and streams. The water is calm, and your chances of catching large trout are at their highest. You can hire a guide who will know all the best fishing holes and offer up some tips and tricks, or go it alone. Some of the most popular areas include the Bow River, Quarry Lake, and Spray Lake.
4) Have afternoon tea at Mount Engadine Lodge
Just an hour from Grande Rockies Resort, Mount Engadine Lodge offers year-round daily tea service in the afternoon. The cost includes an elaborate charcuterie and dessert setup, and it's family-friendly, as well as open to the public.
5) Bike the Legacy Trail
This scenic 22-kilometre paved trail connects Canmore and Banff, and locals will tell you it really shines in the fall. The trail stays open until mid-October, which is the perfect time to show off the gorgeous foliage. Borrow a fat tire bike from the concierge at Solara, rent an e-bike in town, or bring your own two wheels to experience the trail.
Experience All Four Seasons at Grande Rockies Resort
No matter the time of year, Canmore promises abundant natural beauty and adventure for every interest. Grande Rockies makes the ideal jumping-off point, regardless of what's on your itinerary.
With traditional guest rooms and condo-style suites, you'll enjoy a convenient location alongside amenities such as full kitchens, fireplaces, and balconies. Plus, there's our water park, complete with a waterslide, splash pool, and indoor-outdoor hot tub.
Book your stay today, and be sure to check our current offers. Also, check out our Stay | Well Amenities, including hiking gear, stand-up paddleboards, and more.
