Spring is right around the corner, with more sunshine and far more reasons to get outside. If you're anything like us and find yourself daydreaming about your next getaway, let us introduce you to a fantastic shoulder season destination: Canmore, Alberta.
Nestled in the stunning Canadian Rockies near Banff, Canmore is a four-season paradise just waiting to be explored. In particular, the spring season offers one-of-a-kind adventures, unforgettable scenery, and all sorts of other compelling reasons to visit.
1. Longer Days
As winter fades and spring moves in, the sun rises earlier and sets later, giving you more time to explore and enjoy the best Canmore activities. With one extra hour of daylight each day, you can easily squeeze in a sunrise hike or leisurely post-dinner stroll, plus still have plenty of time to check everything else off your itinerary.
2. A Variety of Weather
Sure, spring weather in Canmore can be unpredictable, but that's part of the adventure—not to mention the magic of this season! Embrace the ever-changing conditions and take advantage of the opportunity to experience a diverse range of activities across several seasons. This is the only time of year when you can simultaneously enjoy activities like skiing and paddleboarding, dog sledding and waterfall chasing, or snowshoeing and mountain biking. Spring in Canmore means getting the best of both worlds.
3. Postcard-worthy Scenery
Piggybacking on the 'magic' we just mentioned, rapidly changing spring weather means breathtakingly beautiful scenery. As snow steadily melts, a lively, more colorful Canmore is revealed. Snow-capped mountains serve as the backdrop to outdoor adventures, but beneath them, you can also witness waterfalls thundering at peak flow, vibrant wildflowers pushing up through the ground, and greenery getting more lush by the day.
4. Fewer Crowds
The majority of travellers visiting Canmore come during the summer or winter, taking advantage of major holidays and school breaks (and ski season, of course). Besides those times, larch season in the fall is also a popular time to visit. That means spring is the "low season," combining serene beauty with far fewer visitors and lower pricing on just about everything. Not only can you escape the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season by visiting in the springtime, but you can also take advantage of more wallet-friendly prices on accommodation, rental cars, and Canmore attractions such as tours.
5. Outdoor Activities Galore
Whether you're an all-around nature lover or more of an adrenaline junkie, Canmore has something for everyone—especially in the spring. You can quite literally build your entire itinerary around outdoor pursuits. In fact, many people do! Here are just some of the many outdoor activities you can enjoy in Canmore during the springtime.
Skiing (Grande Rockies Resort is within a one-hour drive of five ski resorts!)
Mountain biking
Hiking
Snowshoeing
Golf
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Cross-country skiing
Ice skating
Caving
6. The Beginning of Hiking Season
Speaking of hiking, spring means the season has sort of officially started. While many locals explore trails all winter long on snowshoes or Nordic skis, the traditional hiking season starts up again as the snow gradually recedes. Canmore's extensive network of hiking trails begins to open up more and more, offering everything from leisurely nature walks to challenging summit ascents. Specifically for spring, we recommend checking out the family-friendly Prairie View Trail, Grassi Lakes, summiting Mount Baldy, and Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country. If you head into Banff to hike, check with park rangers for current trail conditions.
7. Waterfall Wonderland
Spring brings the opportunity to see Canmore's waterfalls in all their glory. Even in years with lower snowfall levels, spring is peak season for waterfalls. Ask around, and you'll consistently hear that one of the best Canmore activities during this time of year is chasing waterfalls. We already mentioned Troll Falls (which freezes solid in winter!), but other great ones include Cat Creek Waterfall and Three Sisters Creek Waterfall.
8. Spring Skiing
Thanks to Canmore's unique geography and climate, the area has one of the longest ski seasons anywhere in the world. People come from all over the world specifically to ski in Canmore during the late season. While many resorts and ski areas button up their season by mid-March, the resorts near Canmore typically don't close until at least mid-April. During the late season, you can enjoy uncrowded slopes and longer daylight hours. The region's "Big 3" include Sunshine Resort and Mount Norquay, both 30 minutes from Grande Rockies, plus Lake Louise, just under one hour away.
9. Prime Wildlife Watching
With the arrival of spring comes the end of winter hibernation. Canmore's resident wildlife comes alive (literally!) with a flurry of activity, and many animals reappear with newborn babies. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of bears, elk, mountain goats, and moose as they feast in verdant valleys and lounge near lakes and rivers.
10. Plenty of Indoor Things to Do
Those occasional days when the weather is less than ideal give you the perfect opportunity to check out some indoor Canmore attractions. Browse all the charming shops and art galleries downtown, indulge in the local food and brewery scenes, explore the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre, or try your hand at indoor rock climbing at Elevation Place.
Plan Your Spring Stay at Grande Rockies Resort
Ready to experience the magic of spring in Canmore? Whether you're planning a family spring break trip, travelling with a group of friends, coming to Canmore as a couple, or venturing out solo, Grande Rockies Resort is the perfect shoulder season getaway.
Let the kids burn off energy in our waterpark, soothe your muscles in our indoor/outdoor hot tub, sit down to a delicious meal at our onsite restaurant, or hit the fitness centre, all while being within 20 minutes from Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country.
Choose from traditional guest rooms or spacious suites, complete with full kitchens and private balconies. Plus, with our Stay® | Well amenities, you'll enjoy perks including complimentary rentals of fat tire bicycles, snowshoes, paddleboards, trekking poles, yoga mats, and more. Book your spring escape today!
