10 Best Things to do in Canmore, Alberta

Looking for the best things to do in Canmore? You’ve come to the experts!

Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore is one of Alberta’s most beautiful mountain towns. It’s often used as a quieter base for exploring nearby Banff National Park, but there’s more than enough here to fill several days. And we would know – we live here! 

Whether you’re visiting for a summer hiking trip or a snowy winter getaway, Canmore is packed with outdoor adventures in every season. To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Canmore. Let’s get into it!

Canmore at a Glance

Before we dive into the best things to do, here are a few things we think are worth knowing before visiting Canmore. After living here, we’ve picked up a few tips that will make your trip smoother and help you get the most out of this incredible mountain town.

Start early: If you’re planning on hiking or sightseeing, get an early start. Canmore has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and parking at the most popular trailheads can fill up surprisingly quickly. We always recommend hitting the trails before 8 am if you can. Not only will you have a much better chance of finding a parking space, but you’ll also enjoy a quieter and more peaceful experience before the crowds arrive.

Have the correct parks pass: If you’re hiking or exploring in Kananaskis Country, you’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. If you’re planning to visit Banff National Park, you’ll need a Parks Canada Pass instead. We’ll explain both of these in more detail at the end of this guide, so don’t worry if you’re not sure which one you need.

Dress in layers: Mountain weather can change incredibly quickly, and it’s not unusual to experience sunshine, rain, and chilly temperatures all in the same day. We always recommend packing a waterproof jacket and wearing sturdy shoes, even if the forecast looks perfect when you leave your accommodation. We’ve learned the hard way not to go out unprepared!

How I Would Spend Three Days in Canmore

Canmore is a compact town, but many of the best hikes and outdoor activities are spread beyond the center, so we recommend renting a car if possible. Here’s how I’d recommend spending three days in Canmore:

Day 1: Explore downtown Canmore and the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk, then spend the afternoon cycling between local food stops on this food tour before finishing the day at some of our favorite breweries.

Day 2: Go caving beneath Grotto Mountain, enjoy lunch at a local pub, and then hike to Grassi Lakes before treating yourself to dinner at Ankor.

Day 3: Take a full-day trip to Banff, including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, then return to Canmore for dinner, dessert, and maybe a few drinks!

Things to do in Canmore

1. Discover local hotspots on a food and bike tour of Canmore

If you asked us to recommend one experience that perfectly captures what we love about living in Canmore, this would be right at the top of the list. Combining incredible mountain scenery and delicious local food, this leisurely bike tour is a fantastic introduction to the town. We’ve taken several friends and family who have come to visit us on this one! 

You’ll hop on an electric bike and cruise along Canmore’s scenic pathways, following the Bow River and soaking up spectacular Rocky Mountain views as your guide shares stories about the town’s history and local culture. Thanks to the e-bike, the ride is relaxed and accessible, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about the hills.

Of course, the food is just as much of a highlight. Throughout the tour, you’ll stop at three locally loved restaurants to enjoy chef-curated dishes, with opportunities to meet the chefs and even go behind the scenes at some of Canmore’s best eateries. We love that it’s a food and bike tour all in one, as this isn’t something we’ve come across very often on our travels.

We also love that this tour showcases a side of Canmore that many visitors miss. Rather than simply ticking off the major sights, we can definitely attest to the fact that this tour lets you experience the town like a local and learn about the community that makes Canmore so special.

2. Go caving

I always say that Rat’s Nest Cave is a must-visit for anyone coming to Canmore! It’s a fascinating wild cave hidden beneath the Rocky Mountains, and if you like adventure, you’ll have a blast exploring it. My dad used to bring me here as a kid, but these days you have to go with a guide for safety reasons, so I recommend booking this top-rated tour, which includes all safety equipment. 

Unlike show caves with boardwalks and lighting, Rat’s Nest Cave is the real deal. After a short hike to the entrance, you’ll suit up with your helmet and harness before descending 18 meters (59 feet) underground on a rappel. From there, you’ll spend the next few hours exploring incredible cave chambers that have been hidden beneath the mountains for thousands of years – how cool is that?

While this might sound intimidating, you don’t need any previous caving experience to take part. Your expert guide will be with you every step of the way, explaining the cave’s fascinating geology, history, and unique ecosystem while making sure everyone feels safe and confident throughout the adventure.

I love recommending this tour because it shows visitors a completely different side of Canmore. Most people come here for the spectacular scenery above ground, but exploring the hidden world beneath the Rockies is every bit as memorable!

3. Hike to Grassi Lakes

If you’re only going to do one hike while you’re in Canmore, make it Grassi Lakes. It’s one of our favorite places to take friends and family when they visit, and it never fails to impress with its unbelievably bright turquoise water.

Just a five-minute drive from downtown, this 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) return hike is suitable for almost all fitness levels. With only 125 meters (410 feet) of elevation gain, it’s an easy walk that’s open year-round, making it one of Canmore’s most accessible outdoor adventures.

When you reach the trail junction, you’ll have a choice between the easy route and the more difficult trail. We usually recommend the more difficult option if conditions allow, as it passes a beautiful waterfall and offers more scenic views along the way. Just bear in mind that it’s steeper, can be slippery, and closes during the winter for safety reasons.

The lakes themselves are the real highlight. Their vivid emerald-blue color almost doesn’t look real, and they’re just as beautiful in winter as they are in summer.

Our biggest tip is to arrive early. This is one of Canmore’s most popular hikes, and the parking lot often fills before 10 am on summer weekends. You’ll also need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to visit, which we explain in more detail at the end of this guide.

4. Take a day trip to Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake

One of the biggest reasons to stay in Canmore is its proximity to Banff National Park and its world-famous lakes. But as much as we love to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, there’s no denying that parking can be an absolute nightmare, which is why we recommend visiting on this organized tour instead! Plus, Moraine Lake Road is actually closed to private vehicles, so you’ll need a tour for that one anyway. 

The day begins at Lake Louise, where you’ll have around an hour to admire the turquoise water and the magnificent Fairmont Château Lake Louise in the background. From there, you’ll continue to Moraine Lake, where we recommend climbing the Rockpile for that iconic view across the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This is actually where we got engaged, so it’s a very special spot for us! 

However, Moraine Lake is closed during the winter, so if that’s when you’re visiting, the tour will include an ice walk through Marble Canyon instead – it’s so much fun! Later, you’ll have free time on Banff Avenue to grab lunch, enjoy the scenery, and maybe grab a pint of Banff’s famous craft beer. 

The afternoon then continues with short stops at Surprise Corner and Bow Falls before finishing at Lake Minnewanka, which is one of the largest and most impressive lakes in Banff National Park. We love that you get to see so many classic Rocky Mountain sights, without having to deal with parking or navigation. 

5. Whitewater raft on the Kananaskis River

If you’ve always wanted to try whitewater rafting but have been a little nervous, this tour is the perfect way to do it! The Kananaskis River offers just the right mix of exciting rapids and calmer stretches, so it’s the perfect adventure for beginners and families, and it’s sure to add a little adrenaline to your Canmore itinerary. 

After getting kitted out with all the equipment you need, you’ll head onto the river with an experienced guide leading the way. As you paddle through fun Class II and III rapids, expect plenty of splashes, laughs, and incredible mountain scenery at every turn. Between the rapids, your guide will share interesting facts about the area’s wildlife and natural history, so it’s a really immersive experience! 

One of our favorite things about this experience is how accessible it is. You don’t need any previous rafting experience, and the guides do an excellent job of making everyone feel comfortable before you even get on the water. If the conditions are right, you’ll even have the chance to jump in for a refreshing swim, which is guaranteed to wake you up!

We also love that all of the specialist equipment is included, along with free digital photos, so you can focus on having fun without worrying about capturing the perfect shot yourself. It’s a really exciting way to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, but don’t just take our word for it – you can read the glowing reviews here.

6.  Explore downtown Canmore

Downtown Canmore is one of the cutest mountain towns you’ll ever visit, and 8 Street is at the heart of it all. We still love wandering through here, even after living in Canmore for years. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours exploring the boutiques and art galleries, or soaking up the incredible mountain views from one of the many cute cafes. In the summer, you’ll often find buskers performing on street corners, while winter transforms the area into a cozy wonderland with festive lights everywhere you look! 

At any time of year, one of our favorite stops is The Scoopin’ Moose, which serves delicious homemade waffle cones filled with locally made ice cream. There’s pretty much always a queue, but trust us, it’s worth the wait! And if you’re still craving something sweet after that, pop into Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, where you’ll find everything from handmade fudge to nostalgic childhood favorites.

Canmore also has a fantastic local art scene, with galleries like Avens Gallery and Fallen Leaf Gallery showcasing beautiful work from both local and Canadian artists. Then, when it’s time to relax with a drink, we always recommend stopping by BLAKE Brewhouse and Distillery for locally brewed drinks alongside a great meal. It’s our favorite way to end an afternoon of exploring downtown!

7. Catch the sunset and stargaze at Moraine Lake

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Moraine Lake without hundreds of other people around you, this is the tour we recommend booking. Sunrise might get all the attention in the Canadian Rockies, but we’re here to make a case for sunset instead!

This small-group tour takes you to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake during the quieter evening hours, when most day-trippers have already left. Not only does this mean fewer crowds, but the golden light makes the scenery look even more spectacular. Watching the sun dip behind the towering peaks while the lakes glow in shades of turquoise is an experience that’s hard to put into words.

As darkness falls, the adventure continues. Banff National Park is part of one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves, so it’s an incredible place to go stargazing. On the clearest nights, you may even spot the Milky Way stretching overhead! The tour even provides warm blankets and hot chocolate to ensure that you stay warm and cozy as you take it all in. 

We also love that, just like our other favorite Banff tours, this one takes all of the stress out of visiting these incredibly popular lakes. There’s no need to worry about parking, shuttle reservations, or driving mountain roads after dark. You can simply relax and soak up this magical Rocky Mountain experience.

8. Go skiing or snowboarding

It’s no secret that one of the best winter activities in Canmore is hitting the slopes. Being so close to so many epic ski resorts is one of our favorite things about living here, and it definitely makes the cold Canadian winters a lot more bearable. 

There are a few ski resorts near Canmore, including Nakiska, Lake Louise, Mt Norquay, and Sunshine Village, with tons of fresh powder for anybody wanting to ski or snowboard. We’ve been to all four of them more times than we can count at this point, so here’s some key info about each one. 

• Nakiska Ski Area – About a 40-minute drive from Canmore, Nakiska is located in Kananaskis Country and is generally less busy than the other ski resorts (especially true during the week!) Nakiska is also one of the most affordable resorts in the area. However, with 71 trails, this resort has fewer runs than the others, and 59% of them are marked as intermediate, so there’s not as much choice for beginners and seasoned pros.

• Lake Louise Ski Resort – The furthest away from Canmore, at about an hour’s drive. This ski resort is well worth the drive though, with over 160 named runs in addition to plenty of off-piste ones. The views from here are spectacular too! There is a large chalet with restaurants, shopping, and even hotel rooms at Lake Louise. You’ll also find various mountainside chalets to stop in for a beer or lunch. This is the most expensive out of all the ski resorts near Canmore, but we do think it’s worth it.

• Mt Norquay Ski Resort – Mt Norquay is very close to Banff town or about 30 minutes from Canmore. I love this ski resort for beginners since it is the cheapest and easiest to navigate. It is a smaller resort with limited runs; however, with the affordable lift ticket prices, it’s definitely worth it if you are new and just getting your legs on skis or snowboards. There is also snow tubing here, which is a super fun activity to try out after a day on the slopes.

• Sunshine Village – Last but certainly not least is Sunshine Village. This ski resort is (as the name suggests) a village! You take the Banff Sunshine Gondola from the parking lot up to the village, where there are several restaurants and facilities. From here, the runs you can explore seem endless. There are lots of awesome runs for advanced skill levels. Seriously, Dan and I still get lost when we visit! Sunshine is about a 30-minute drive from Canmore.

9. See Canmore’s wilderness and wildlife

One of the things we love most about living in Canmore is that incredible wildlife is never far away. It’s not unusual to spot elk grazing beside the road or bighorn sheep wandering through town, but seeing animals in their natural habitat is an experience that’s even more special.

This guided wilderness walk takes you into the beautiful landscapes surrounding Canmore with an experienced local guide who knows exactly where to look for signs of wildlife. While sightings are never guaranteed, you’ll have the chance to look out for animals such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and a variety of birdlife. Your guide will also teach you all about the region’s unique ecosystems and how wildlife has adapted to life in the Canadian Rockies.

We especially like that this tour focuses on responsible wildlife viewing. Rather than simply searching for animals, you’ll gain a much better understanding of how to explore bear country safely and how locals help protect these incredible landscapes. It’s a much more rewarding experience than trying to spot animals on your own!

The walk itself is gentle and suitable for most fitness levels, so it’s a great option if you’re looking to enjoy Canmore’s spectacular scenery without going on a super challenging hike. It proves that you don’t have to climb a mountain to enjoy the beauty of the Rockies! 

10. Drive the Smith Dorrien Trail 

The Smith Dorrien Trail (also known as Highway 742) is one very scenic road that you really shouldn’t miss while in Canmore. This gravel road climbs its way past the Grassi Lakes parking lot up into the mountains, giving you spectacular views of Canmore town and the surrounding lakes.

Most people drive the Dorrien Trail to reach other hikes in the Banff area such as Ha Ling Peak or East End of Rundle. But even if you’re not planning on hiking, I do recommend driving this road simply for the views! Be sure to go at least as far as the first Grassi Lake to ensure that you get to experience the most beautiful section. 

And if you want to venture a little further down this road, you can reach the trailhead for one of our favorite easy hikes near Canmore, the Blackshale Creek Suspension Bridge. It’s about an hour’s drive from Canmore, but it’s easy and suitable for most fitness levels and the bridge is really cool to walk on.

Just be aware that during winter, the suspension bridge is closed and the road itself can be slippery and dangerous. Be sure to follow road signage and closures before driving it, and also be sure to have winter tires!

Where to Stay in Canmore

Canmore is pretty small, but there are a lot of great options for accommodations! We recommend staying in downtown Canmore, which will be the most central and walkable. Here are our top picks for a range of budgets:

Luxury – $$$

Blackstone Mountain Lodge is a 4-star hotel offering condo-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and in-suite laundry facilities (a lifesaver after a muddy hike!). What we love most about this hotel, though, is the outdoor pool area, complete with two hot tubs and mountain views in every direction. It’s also just a 20-minute walk from Main Street.

You can expect rates to start around $100 CAD per night in the deep off-season and climb to $800+ CAD per night during peak summer and winter holidays. Check availability and book your stay here on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Our absolute favorite hotel in downtown Canmore is the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. Offering comfortable, pet-friendly rooms, a heated indoor pool and hot tub, and a fantastic location, just a short walk from Main Street and Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk.

Rates for this hotel typically start from around $250 CAD to $700+ CAD per night, which is excellent value for such a prime location in Canmore. Check availability and book this hotel on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Canmore Downtown Hostel is a great budget-friendly pick, offering dorm rooms or private rooms.

Don’t let the hostel label fool you, though. This is a clean and modern property that offers excellent value in the heart of Canmore. The hostel itself is located at The Shops of Canmore, so you’re just steps from Main Street and only a short walk from the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. 

In terms of pricing, you can expect rates to start from around $40 CAD for a dorm bed and climb to $350+ CAD for private rooms during peak season. Book your stay here!

For more options, see all of the hotels in Canmore!

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!

Check availability and prices on Discover Cars here!

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.

And if you’re planning to camp but don’t want to splurge on a huge RV, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!

In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!

Thanks for reading!

There is so much to do in Canmore that you really have to get here and experience it for yourself! This list of top activities is a great starting point and really highlights Canmore’s diverse range of activities.

If you need help planning the rest of your trip, see all of our Alberta blogs! As locals, we have plenty of resources to share. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next adventure – cheers!

What to Pack for Banff in Spring, Summer, and Fall: Our Personal Packing List

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Banff: Our Favorite 3-Day Itinerary

3 BEST Calgary to Canmore Shuttles