10 Best Things to Do in Canmore
What is Canmore Most Famous For?
If you are heading to the Canadian Rockies for a holiday, you might be wondering what are the best things to do in Canmore? The charming town of Canmore is in Alberta, about a 25-minute drive from Banff National Park. A former coal mining town, it’s now a popular travel destination at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Often called the ‘gateway’ to the Rockies, Canmore is an ideal place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find year-round outdoor activities in Canmore, from cross-country skiing at a former Olympic spot to caving beneath a mountain. The town’s main street has abundant galleries, shops, restaurants and spas to round out your visit.
What are the best things to do in Canmore?
1. Policeman Creek Boardwalk
Scenic boardwalk surrounded by nature
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Foto
A popular spot for a hike, bike or stroll in Canmore is the Policeman Creek Boardwalk. The 3.9 km walkway runs through downtown Canmore and follows the scenic Policeman Creek. The trail is popular a popular spot for birding and snowshoeing, too.
It’s a short and easy walk with abundant opportunities to stop and take some stunning photos. You’ll pass by ponds and wetlands and may even spy a deer or elk on the trail. There are some forested areas as well as awe-inspiring mountain views. Access the boardwalk in downtown Canmore, near the Big Head sculpture, which is a well-known art landmark.
Localização: 610-M 8 St, Canmore, AB T1W 2B1, Canada
Abre: Daily from 7.30 am to 11 pm
Policeman Creek Boardwalk
2. 8th Street
Main street in Canmore bustling with activity
Ideal para: Alimentação, Compras, Foto
8th Street in downtown Canmore is the central artery through town, known as ‘Main Street’ to the locals. It’s full of shops, galleries, restaurants, boutiques and day spas, so be sure to plan your day accordingly if you want to see them all. Canmore also hosts several festivals throughout the year showcasing films, folk music, art and more, and most are centred along 8th Street.
Originally a residential street back when Canmore was a coal mining town, you’ll enjoy the old architecture of the former homes now converted into a commercial corridor. Make sure you stop by the All in the Wild Gallery for wildlife photography, or the Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe for some vintage sweet treats.
8th Street
3. Grassi Lakes
A short and easy trail to a turquoise lake
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto
Grassi Lakes is well-known to locals in Canmore as a favourite hiking and walking spot. If you are a lover of beautiful glacial lakes, this path is for you. The short, easy trail will take you to a glittering turquoise lake and is very popular with families as it only takes 1 to 2 hours to complete the 4 km hike.
The more challenging route adds a stop at a tranquil waterfall with spectacular valley views. However, you should note that it closes in the winter due to ice. Fishing and birdwatching are common activities in this area, and if you’re quiet, you might even spot deer or elk.
Grassi Lakes
4. Rat’s Nest Cave
Spelunking and exploring Canmore underground
Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas
If you are looking for adventure, add a cave tour through Rat’s Nest Cave to your itinerary. Canmore Cave Tours is the local guiding company and will help you explore this historic geological wonder. You can choose between 2 tours, both of which spend hours underground exploring the tunnels and passageways of the 4 km cave system.
You’ll crawl through narrow passageways and explore open, underground areas where you might come across ancient bones or relics. The cave is named after the bushy-tailed wood rats who call the cave home. But don’t worry, the rats tend to be shy and are rarely seen.
Localização: 129 Bow Meadows Crescent #101, Canmore, AB T1W 2W8, Canada
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 403-678-8819
Rat's Nest Cave
5. Ha Ling Peak
Steep hike with stunning mountain views
Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas
Travellers who love elevation gain and stunning views on their hikes should check out Ha Ling Peak. The mountain rises more than 1,000 meters above Canmore and gives you a bird’s-eye view of the valley below. The good news is that you can take a road part way up the mountain, but then you’ll need to scramble uphill about 810 more meters.
The trails are incredibly well-maintained and open year-round. Winter hiking requires crampons or ice spikes. Make sure you bring enough water for the out-and-back trek which will take you about 3-5 hours. You’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to explore Ha Ling Peak, available at the visitor’s centre or you can buy it online ahead of time.
Localização: Kananaskis, AB T0L 2C0, Canada
Ha Ling Peak
6. Canmore Nordic Centre
Former Olympic spot for cross-country skiing
Ideal para: Casais, Aventura
If you want to feel like an Olympian, you might want to head to the Canmore Nordic Centre. The park was built to host the cross-country skiing events at the 1988 Winter Olympics, and people travel from all over the world to undertake the popular slopes. You’ll get stunning views of the Canadian Rockies whichever course you take.
The pack is 65 kilometres of groomed, machine-made snow combined with the natural stuff. If you’ve got non-skiers in your group, there’s also tobogganing, fat bike riding and winter disc golf to try your hand at. There’s a warming hut when you need to rest and get the warmth back into your extremities on those really cold days.
Localização: 1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB, Canada
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Telefone: +1 403-678-2400
Canmore Nordic Centre
7. Canmore Museum
Explore Canmore’s history, science, and art
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História
The Canmore Museum is in downtown Canmore and tells visitors the story of life in the mountain town from its early days in the coal mining industry. The permanent exhibit, called From Coal to Community, features artefacts including fossils and mining equipment, as well as multimedia shows.
The museum also has rotating exhibitions that showcase local art, artefacts and objects, maps and photos that will help you better understand the sense of community in Canmore and the greater Bow Valley. During the peak season, you can also visit the NWMP Barracks to learn about policing the town in the late 1800’s, as well as the culture and history of the Îyârhe Nakoda people.
Localização: 902B 7 Ave, Canmore, AB T1W 2B6, Canada
Abre: Thursdays–Mondays from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Telefone: +1 403-678-2462
Canmore Museum
8. Riverside Park
Great spot for family picnics
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto
An ideal spot for a family outing is Riverside Park, located along the banks of the Bow River. It’s super close to downtown and its abundance of shops, so purchase everything you need for a tasty picnic and head to the 1.6-hectare park. The waterfront scenery is truly gorgeous, so don’t be surprised if you come across an outdoor wedding during your visit.
You’ll be surrounded by the Bow River, the Rundle Range, Ha Ling Peak and the Three Sisters mountain peaks, all of which provide outstanding photo opportunities. Between strolling through the fairytale forests and shore, you might stumble across a yoga class to join in. The park also has paths that connect to other nearby green spaces.
Localização: 600 River Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 2E4, Canada
Riverside Park
9. Kananaskis Trail
Scenic highway with views of Canadian Rockies
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto
The area surrounding Canmore and nearby Banff is known as the greater Kananaskis Country and is renowned for its craggy mountain peaks and gorgeous glacial waters. You can explore it via the Kananaskis Trail, also known as Route 40, by car or bike.
There are plenty of hiking trails throughout the relaxing drive. Journey to the top of Highwood Pass to marvel at the thrust vaults, which is where one section of land covers another, allowing you to see how natural wonders like the Canadian Rockies came to be. It’s also a rewarding area for viewing wildlife like mountain goats or even a moose. Just don’t get too close.
Kananaskis Trail
10. The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company Taproom
A local brew pub with an excellent menu
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Alimentação
After a busy day of exploring your gorgeous surroundings, you can grab a pint and bite to eat at the Grizzly Paw Brewing Company Taproom. It’s located in downtown Canmore and has an abundance of local craft brews on tap or to go in cans or growlers. The Grizzly Paw has several locations across the country, but this is where the brewing happens.
The Founders Series of brews includes a blonde ale, a honey wheat and a raspberry ale. They also have some IPAs for hop-lovers, as well as seasonal drinks and handcrafted sodas. The menu will make your mouth water thanks to delicious brisket to lentil burgers, making it the ideal place to round off your trip to Canmore.
Localização: 310 Old Canmore Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 0J7, Canada
Abre: Monday–Wednesday from noon to 7 pm, Thursday–Sunday from noon to 9 pm
Telefone: +1 403-678-2487
The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company Taproom
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