How to Spend 1, 2, or 3 Days in Canmore – The Ultimate Itinerary! 

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Heading to Canmore, but only for a short time? 

With so much to do here, it can feel overwhelming just thinking about how you’re going to fit it all in – but never fear, we’ve got you covered. We lived in Canmore and still go back all the time, so we know exactly how to get the most out of a few days in and around the city.

As locals, we’ll let you in on what all the real must-do activities are, as well as all of the best places to eat and drink! So whether you’ve got one, two, or three days to spend in Canmore, we’ve written this guide to ensure you use them wisely. And who knows, maybe we’ll even see you there! 

Day 1 

Breakfast – Rocky Mountain Bagel Company 

I love a breakfast bagel and as far as I’m concerned, the Rocky Mountain Bagel Company has the best bagels in not only Canmore but the whole of Canada! Okay, I may be a little biased as a Canmore local, but once you try them for yourself I’m pretty confident you’ll agree with me. 

They’ve got two locations in Canmore and I frequent them both, usually in the morning when I get the Greek breakfast bagel – it’s so good! One of them is on Main Street (aka 8th Street), so I recommend heading to that location as it positions you perfectly for the next activity of the day.

Morning – Wander Main Street (8th Street)

It doesn’t matter how long I spend in Canmore, I never get tired of exploring 8th Street! It’s Canmore’s main street, and it’s home to tons of cute boutiques, independent stores, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries, so it’s a lovely place to wander around. And if you want to grab some souvenirs, this is the place!

I also love Main Street because it’s so scenic. As well as all of these awesome local businesses, you’ve got mountain views in the background. I particularly love the summer, when there are buskers everywhere, but Christmas time is nice too because all of the lights look so pretty.

I also recommend stopping by Scoopin Moose for a sweet treat. During summer, there will almost certainly be a long line outside but trust me, it’s worth the wait. They’ve got so many delicious flavors and the cones are all waffle cones, so this is a truly decadent ice cream. But why not treat yourself when you’re on vacation?

Morning – Walk Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk 

After you’ve had your fill of Main Street, it’s time for a short and sweet hike! After all, today is all about getting to know Canmore so you don’t want to spend all of your time out on the trail, but Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk is right in town! 

I love this hike because it offers fantastic views of Canmore’s famous Three Sisters mountains, as well as the creek itself. I think when you tackle this hike you’ll see why we chose to live in Canmore – it’s so wonderful to be able to do a hike like this in the middle of a city. Plus, it’s 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long and only takes about an hour at a leisurely pace, and the flat boardwalk means it’s very accessible.

Related Read: Thinking of visiting Banff from Canmore? Make sure you check out our list of the best things to do in Banff before you go!

Lunch – Visit a local brewery (or two!) 

As huge craft beer fans, we can’t get enough of Canmore’s buzzing craft beer scene. There are some fantastic spots to explore for both food and drink and if you ask me, a cold one (or two!) is the perfect way to unwind at lunchtime. And anyway, what better way to get to know Canmore than through its beer? There are tons of great breweries around, but we especially love these three:

The Grizzly Paw

I think that the Grizzly Paw is the best place to go if you’re looking for a nice, big lunch. They’ve got a great food menu with lots of delicious choices. The last time I was here, I ordered a burger that came with ginger carrot soup and fries, and it only set me back around $20 CAD, which is very reasonable. They’ve also got a huge selection of craft beer to wash it all down with, and you’re looking at about $8 CAD a pint. 

The Grizzly Paw has two locations in Canmore: the pub and the taproom. The Grizzly Paw Pub is just a 3-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk, so it’s the more convenient choice, although the taproom is only 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) further down the road.

Blake Brewhouse and Distillery

If you don’t feel like pub grub, I suggest heading to Blake Brewhouse and Distillery, a stylish spot where they make their beers and spirits on-site and have a fantastic outdoor patio. If there’s one thing we love, it’s sitting and enjoying a brewksi in the sunshine, so this is a regular spot for us. 

But back to the food – Blake has a pretty gourmet menu! There are burgers, but they’ve also got Asian food such as baos, dumplings, and even miso gnocchi. Personally, I love the tandoori chicken naan and the lemongrass mussels. And if there’s anyone in your group who doesn’t drink beer, they’ve got a fantastic cocktail menu too. How good does a Chipotle passion fruit margarita sound?

Canmore Brewing Company 

The Canmore Brewing Company is so popular that you can find their beers all over Canada these days, and the Ten Peaks Ale is definitely one of my go-to. But if you’ve never tried anything of theirs before, I highly recommend that you do a tasting. 

The tasting room here doesn’t have a kitchen, although they do have a few snacks on offer. However, you can always order something else from one of the many restaurants nearby and enjoy it in the brewery (they actually encourage this!). I love this because it means you can have whatever you like! 

Afternoon – Go for a bike ride

Cycling is one of our favorite ways to explore Canmore – and a nice way to work off some of the craft beer from lunch! There are trails that pretty much everyone can enjoy around the city, from beginner-friendly routes to more advanced treks. I recommend starting out at the Nordic Centre, where there are over 100 km (62 mi) of trails and you can grab a detailed map for $2 CAD, which I think is worth doing. 

Alternatively, when I want an easy ride I enjoy the Banff Legacy Trail, which is a paved path that takes you all the way to Banff! It’s 26.8 kilometers (16.7 miles) long in total, which would take about 2-3 hours to cycle out and back, but of course, you don’t need to do the entire thing. You can always turn back early or catch the Roam bus back from Banff if your legs are tired.

Of course, you’ll need a bike, which you can rent from places in town like Rebound Cycle starting from around $70 CAD per day or $100 CAD to upgrade to an e-bike if you want a break from pedaling.

And particularly if today is going to be your only day in Canmore, I think it’s worth booking this top-rated e-bike tour for 2 pm so that you can see as much as possible, although note that it does only run during summer. It’s a picturesque ride and I love the route, as it really showcases Canmore’s beauty, from the mountain backdrop to the Bow River and even the historic engine bridge. This 3-hour tour costs $122 CAD, which I think is reasonable since it includes an e-bike and a fantastic guide, and it does book up in the summer so I’d recommend reserving your spot in advance if you’re interested! 

Dinner – Ankor Restaurant

Ankor is a trendy, upscale restaurant that’s all about showcasing the very best of Canadian cuisine, so it’s a fantastic place to enjoy a nice dinner in Canmore. I also love the fact that the beer, wine, and cocktail lists are carefully curated to represent the best local flavors and brands! They also have a really great non-alcoholic section of beers and cocktails, so those who don’t drink don’t have to miss out. 

The menu here is small but expertly crafted, although if you’re going to splash out on a meal here, I recommend doing the 6-course tasting menu for $115 CAD.  It’s what we often do when we’re trying to get to know a new city and its food scene! That way, you get to try the best of everything. 

There’s quite a buzz around this place, so I suggest you make a booking beforehand. It’s open from 5-8 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and stays open for an extra hour until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Night – Stargazing

Since the Rocky Mountains surround Canmore, there’s very little light pollution outside of the town, and stargazing is one of our favorite things to do here. So make the most of these dark, dark skies and either check out some spots by yourself or book a stargazing tour. 

If you’re renting a car in Canmore, you can head to the Three Sisters Viewpoint, and park up at the nearby dog park. We also love driving along the Smith Dorrien Spray Trail towards Whitemans Pond, and or really just heading in any direction toward Banff National Park. 

Alternatively, this stargazing tour takes you hiking in Banff National Park at night. It’s an easy hike and you get hiking poles, headlamps, and ice cleats when necessary, as well as a professional (shoutout to Jacob!) to guide you and teach you more about astronomy. Start times change according to the time of year, but it usually begins around 9-10 pm in the summer and closer to 6 pm in the winter, so bear this in mind when making dinner reservations!

The stars are the “star of the show” on the tour, but shooting stars, galaxies, and even the Northern Lights are often visible too. All the 5-star reviews here really rave about this tour!

Book your stargazing tour near Canmore here!

Day 2

Breakfast – The Summit Cafe

We’re going to send you to one of our best-kept local secrets for breakfast this morning – the Summit Cafe! Not only do we love their huge breakfast menu and great coffee, but the mountain views from the outdoor patio are hard to beat. I really can’t think of a better way to start the morning than with a strong cup of coffee and these epic views! 

Another great perk of having breakfast at this place is that they offer a boxed lunch, so you can grab one before you head out on today’s hike. We like to grab some of their Magic Bars to take with us, too.

Morning – Go on a hike (Ha Ling Peak, Canmore Hoodoos)

Canmore is such a fantastic city for hiking – hence why we decided to move here! There are plenty of trails with varying levels of difficulty, so this morning I have a couple of suggestions for you that will help you work up an appetite for lunchtime. Or if you want to see our full list, we have 25 easy hikes in Canmore to choose from!

Ha Ling Peak

I think that Ha Ling Peak is the best hike in Canmore! It’s moderate in terms of difficulty and super easy to follow, with really amazing views when you reach the summit. We’ve done it a handful of times now and it usually takes 4-5 hours out and back. We once went when it was super windy and the final climb was pretty scary, so we’d recommend doing this one on a calm day, and bringing hiking poles with you. 

The trailhead for Ha Ling Peak is along the Smith Dorrien Trail, so you get to cover much of the elevation in the car. The trail is 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) long and gains 800 meters (2,600 ft) from the trailhead to the summit, so while it’s a good workout, it’s doable. 

Canmore Hoodoos 

If a 4+ hour hike doesn’t appeal to you this morning, the Benchlands Ridge Trail only takes about an hour. There’s only 200 meters (656 ft) of elevation on this hike so it’s much easier, and while Ha Ling Peak is my favorite hike, I do love going to check out the hoodoos every now and then. 

The 4 km (2.5 mi) trail technically starts from downtown Canmore with a bridge crossing over the highway. However, we park near the bike park to avoid that and it’s also really close to the Summit Cafe – this morning’s breakfast spot! You’ll follow the path along Benchlands Trail and when there is a sharp left, take it. There’s a bit of a hike up to a ridge overlooking Canmore and a couple of hoodoos.

If you’d rather save your energy for the afternoon hike I have planned, then Drive up to Benchlands Terrace and park at the end of the residential street there. From here you’ll see the trail and hoodoos with no hiking required!

Lunch – The Drake Pub

After a morning of hiking, we like to grab a wallet-friendly lunch at The Drake, which has some of the best pub food in town. Not that we ever need an excuse to grab drinks here! We love the atmosphere and the smoked meat sandwiches, although their salads always hit the spot when I’m in the mood for a lighter meal. And they’ve also got poutine, if you’re yet to try that Canadian classic – it’s a must! 

The Drake is in downtown Canmore and it’s got a big patio outside with great mountain views, so I recommend sitting outside if the weather’s good. And if you end up making it a long lunch, don’t forget that happy hour starts at 3 pm. 

Afternoon – Hike Grassi Lakes 

Grassi Lakes is definitely Canmore’s most famous hiking trail, and trust me, there’s a good reason for that! It’s only 5 minutes away from town, and then it’s a pretty easy walk to these vivid emerald lakes. They’re so beautiful, and definitely give some of the lakes in Banff National Park a run for their money. This was the hike that we would always do with friends and family who came to visit, and every single person we took loved it! 

We’ve got a full guide to the hike, but it’s pretty straightforward. The trailhead is pretty easy to find and once you’ve parked, it’s a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) out-and-back hike. It’s only got 125 meters (410 feet) of elevation gain, so it should take you 2-3 hours, including time to stop and marvel at the beauty of the lakes (although I should let you know that you can’t swim in them!).

Related Read: If you’re thinking of visiting Lake Louise after you’ve explored Canmore, make sure that you read up on all of the best road trip stops on the journey first!

Dinner – Iron Goat 

The Iron Goat is a gastropub with amazing views. We like the fact that you can gaze at the mountains while enjoying food out on the patio on a summer evening, or through the huge windows inside. 

And speaking of the food, the game burgers here are a real standout for me, although the Okanagan pizza is also really good if you’re craving some carbs after all of the hiking today. I find the prices here to be reasonable at around $24 CAD for a main meal, especially given the quality of the food. 

The staff are super accommodating and will do their best to seat you if you just turn up, but I always like to make a booking online anyway to ensure that I don’t miss out. It’s open until 9 pm every night, so I’d advise booking for around 7 pm so that you don’t feel too rushed.

Night – Relax 

It’s been a busy day of hiking, so take tonight to relax! Whether that means grabbing a drink at a brewery after dinner, relaxing at your hotel (especially if it’s got a hot tub!), or just hitting the hay after racking up all of those steps. You’ve definitely earned it, and I don’t know about you, but spending hours out in the fresh air always makes me tired! 

Day 3

Breakfast – Le Fournil Bakery 

If you ask me, a delicious French pastry is the perfect way to start the day, and Le Fournil is our favorite place in town for croissants and strong coffee. There’s usually only a small selection on offer since this place is all about freshly baked, quality goods, but I promise that whatever’s available will be good! We usually bring some bread home with us, too, as it’s so delicious. 

Our next activity begins mid-morning, but this place opens at 7:30 am so you should have plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Plus, if you get here early, you’ll have your pick of the pastries before they sell out!

Morning – Canmore Cave Tour 

Did you know that there are caves at the edge of Canmore?

Yup, I actually first went exploring these caves as a teenager with my dad, and boy, what an adventure. They’re closed to the public now, but you can still visit them on a tour with a professional guide, and to be honest, I think that is a good thing because it’s way safer. There are two options here, a shorter and more relaxed one, and a longer and more adventurous tour.

Both tours include all of your caving gear, like coveralls and helmets, which is great because you don’t need to worry about organizing rentals in Canmore. Just remember to wear a decent pair of running shoes with a good grip. 

Shorter cave tour

This “short” cave tour is still 4.5 hours long, so it’s still a pretty big adventure! That timeframe does include a 40-minute hike to and from the cave, but you still get a few hours inside the caves to explore, check out ancient fossils, and even wriggle through a few tight spaces, although this is totally optional.

I still consider this a pretty thrilling experience and it’s a better choice for families or anyone who’s a bit nervous about heading into a cave. This option costs $149 CAD and you can book this tour for 11 am, but do so well in advance because it tends to sell out. 

Click here to book this tour, with FREE cancellation!

Longer adventure cave tour

And if you want to take things up a notch, this 6-hour adventure tour involves rappelling down into the cave, crawling around, and squeezing and sliding through narrow crevices and holes. But what I love the most about this tour is that it ends in a beautiful grotto, with a crystal-clear pool of water.

This option is a bit more expensive at $199 CAD and starts at 10:15 am, and again I would advise reserving your spot ahead of time, especially since you get free cancellation when you book through Viator.

You can book your spot on the adventure cave tour here!

Afternoon – Walk the Bow River Loop Trail and visit the Historic Engine Bridge

I love walking the Bow River Loop Trail because it combines history and natural beauty. Dan and I usually start at Main Street and follow the Bow River until you reach the historic Canmore Engine Bridge, which used to support a railway line. It was first built in 1880, although it had to be rebuilt in 1919 after it was damaged by a fire. 

With snow-capped mountains in the background and the bright blue river flowing underneath, the Engine Bridge is a fantastic spot to snap some photos. It’s also easy to access, as the entire loop trail is pretty flat and only 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) long, so you can do it in about half an hour. After all, you probably don’t want to tackle a super challenging hike after spending the morning exploring caves! 

If you’re a big history fan, then this is a fantastic 1.5-hour walking tour of Canmore on offer for $75 CAD, which takes you on a deep dive into the town’s past. I found it so entertaining because it covers everything from coal mining to cowboys. However, if you do want to book this tour, you will need to shuffle a few things around because the latest departure is at 2:30 pm. 

Dinner – Tavern 1883

We love frequenting this fun and friendly pub in Canmore. With regular game nights and events, as well as great value promo deals like Taco Tuesdays and burger specials on Thursdays, there’s always something going on at Tavern 1883. We suggest you grab dinner here tonight, it’s the perfect place to wrap up your three days in Canmore!

As much as we love the food here – especially the huge Alberta beef burgers – what keeps us coming back is the atmosphere. It’s so welcoming and there are usually some cute dogs running around! This is a true Canadian tavern, and we like cozying up inside when it’s cold, or sitting out on the patio and admiring the mountain views on a warm night. You can’t book this place, but we’ve never had any problems with just rocking up. 

Night – Visit a local distillery  

I think it’s only right to end your trip to Canmore with a cocktail (or three), so celebrate your last night by checking out one of the local distilleries. Earlier on, we talked about going to Blake Brewhouse and Distillery for lunch, but it’s also a fantastic spot for cocktails in the evening. If you’re a spirits enthusiast, then we liked their $15 CAD tasting flight, but to be honest you can also just go straight in for one of their amazing craft cocktails, which are basically works of art! 

Alternatively, we love going to Wild Life Distillery for cocktails, too, and to be honest we only ever see locals here so it’s a real hidden gem. It feels like a real small-town distillery but their drinks easily rival the craft cocktails you’d find in a high-end, cosmopolitan bar. The menu changes seasonally but their high-quality, small-batch spirits make such great drinks that you can’t really go wrong. They’re just outside of town and only open until 9 pm (or 7 pm on Sundays), so don’t leave it too late to check this place out! 

Related Read: Need a ride here? Check out the best shuttles from Calgary to Canmore!

Where to Stay in Canmore

The truth is that there are so many hotels in Canmore that it is hard to know which one to choose for your stay. Well luckily for you, Dan and I have stayed in a lot of different hotels in Canmore and have been able to narrow it down to our absolute favorites!

These are our faves including our personal top choice, a budget option, and one for those looking for absolute luxury!

Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre – Our Top Choice

Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is our absolute favorite place to stay in Canmore. It’s affordable without sacrificing any of the comforts you’ll need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. They have an onsite pool, hot tub, and fitness center along with a delicious bar and restaurant (Table Food + Drink).

Coast Canmore Hotel is located right in the heart of downtown Canmore walking distance from 8th Street (Main Street), and just across the road from restaurants, cafes, and takeout places. Oh, and did I mention the views from the hotel windows are breathtaking!

On top of all of that, they have a variety of rooms to choose from including ones that are pet-friendly (super handy if we are traveling with a pup!).

You can book this hotel on Booking.com. Be sure to book as far in advance as possible because these guys are often fully booked!

The Malcolm Hotel – $$$

If money isn’t an issue, then The Malcolm Hotel may be the luxurious option you’re looking for. It’s an easy walk to the main part of town or there are shops and restaurants on the same street, although you may never want to leave the property! There’s a rooftop swimming pool and hot tub that are especially amazing at sunset. I also like the games room with giant scrabble and a pool table and the views from the rooms are picture-perfect.

However, rooms here don’t come cheap and are often up to twice the price of most hotels in Canmore. But if luxury is calling your name, check availability and book a room at The Malcolm here.

Canmore Downtown Hostel – $

If you’re a budget backpacker and looking for a hostel then Canmore Downtown Hostel is your best choice! These guys offer clean and comfortable facilities, dorm beds as well as private rooms, and a social atmosphere perfect for meeting other backpackers.

You can book Canmore Downtown Hostel on Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.

Renting a Car in Alberta

If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.

Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.

Thanks for reading! 

We hope this itinerary has proven helpful in planning your visit to our hometown! From hikes and pubs to caves and cafes, we’ve covered pretty much all of our favorite things to do here, and we just know that you’ll leave with plenty of new stories to tell. 

We’ve got tons of Alberta blogs on our site, so if you found this guide helpful then make sure to check some of those out to plan even more adventures. If you enjoyed this itinerary, then we have a sneaky suspicion that you’ll like our Banff and Jasper content or the following related reads:

How to Get to Moraine Lake (from Banff, Canmore, Calgary, and More!)

33 BEST Things to do in Calgary, Alberta

ULTIMATE Guide to the Icefields Parkway: 16 Tips Before You Go

22 Absolute BEST Places to Visit in British Columbia (Suggested by a Local!)