The Top Attractions and Things To Do in Canmore, Alberta
Canmore, Alberta, is the very definition of “small but mighty.” Nestled in the Canadian Rockies close to world-renowned Banff and Jasper National Parks, yet just an hour West of Calgary, this small mountain town punches well above its weight class in natural beauty and things to do.
Canmore Cave Tours
The mountains surrounding Canmore are strikingly beautiful — but have you ever thought about what they might look like from underground? Canmore Cave Tours lets you experience exactly that, offering a variety of wild cave tours year-round through one of the country’s longest cave systems.
Whether you choose the 4-5 hour Explorer Tour or the 6-hour Adventure Tour (which includes rappelling 18 metres!), you’ll have the opportunity to explore the undeveloped Rat’s Nest Cave system, underneath Grotto Mountain. If you have older kids, bring them along; tours are suitable for ages 10 and up.
Kananaskis Wildlife Drive
Bordering both Canmore and Banff National Park, the Kananaskis Wildlife Trail Loop is a backroad inside popular Kananaskis Country. While the entire loop is about 120 kilometres long, it’s easy enough to drive a shorter section, making this one of the best things to do in Canmore when you don’t have a lot of time.
As its name implies, you’re bound to see some wildlife and photo ops seem to be around every bend (literally!). Much of the drive is gravel, but well-maintained and manageable for most vehicles.
Three Sisters Pathway
The Three Sisters, mountains known as Faith, Hope, and Charity — or Big, Middle, and Little Sister, are some of the most iconic landmarks in the Canmore area. Each of the three has a challenging hiking or climbing route up to the top, but for a more casual stroll with the same epic views, consider taking the paved Three Sisters Pathway.
The trail connects downtown Canmore with the Three Sisters neighbourhood, running alongside the Bow River. The total length is about 17 kilometres, but it has several access points, making it easy to cover shorter stretches.
The Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company
Locally-made craft beer and the Rocky Mountains are like peanut butter and jelly — a perfect pair. The Grizzly Pub serves up plenty of delicious brews, both its own and selections from other local brewers, and the food is excellent, too. Perhaps best of all, though, are the ski lodge-style brewery building and the incredible mountain views through its windows.
Canmore Museum & Geoscience Centre
For all Canmore’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation, there are times when you simply want to do something inside. Situated in the heart of downtown, the Canmore Museum & Geoscience Center offers an interactive, immersive look at the region’s history and unique geology. Coal mining has historically been an important aspect of life in Canmore and the museum focuses a great deal on that. Occasionally, you can also book a guided tour of two local mines with a historian.
Walk Across the Historic Railway Bridge
Officially called the Canmore Engine Bridge, this former railroad bridge crossing the Bow River is one of the few physical remnants of the town’s coal mining days. It’s an incredibly photogenic bridge, spanning the blue-green waters of the Bow and set against the backdrop of the mountains. If you go in the early morning or around dusk, you may luck out and spot elk drinking from the river.
Canmore Nordic Centre
For a long time, Canmore was a largely unheard-of hidden gem. Then in 1988, Calgary hosted the Winter Olympics and the Canmore Nordic Centre was built to host several events. Since then Canmore has become an outdoor lover’s dream and jumped up on many traveller’s bucket lists.
Today, the centre is still a major destination for winter sports. Come enjoy miles of multi-use trails by hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. The cross-country ski trails are particularly phenomenal, well-lit at night and continuously maintained in international event-ready condition. There are a variety of lessons and gear rentals offered at the centre.
Spot the Rabbits in Canmore, AB
Aside from the dramatic mountains, something else will surely catch your eye in Canmore: hundreds and hundreds of adorable rabbits. It’s actually a controversial topic, as the town has been completely overtaken with the bunnies in recent years, but it’s quite an interesting sight nonetheless!
Banff National Park
If you’ve literally ever seen a photo of mountains in Canada, there’s an excellent chance they were in Banff. They’re so spectacular that they’re some of the most-photographed landscapes on Earth! With everything from glaciers and boreal forest to milky-blue alpine lakes (Banff is home to the famous Lake Louise) and wildflower-blanketed meadows, it’s no wonder why Canada’s first national park attracts well over 3 million visitors a year. Hike, bike, paddle or fish the lakes, or enjoy a leisurely scenic drive.
Where to Stay in Canmore, Alberta
At the end of busy days exploring Canmore, you’re going to want a comfortable, refreshing place to recharge. The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is perfect, situated in the heart of town and with an indoor pool and hot tub. There’s also free wi-fi and an indoor fitness centre with Peloton bikes, to help you maintain your fitness routine when you’re away from home.
Whether you want to toast the day with a happy hour cocktail or relax over dinner by a fireplace, Table Food + Drink has you covered. The restaurant even has a seasonal garden on the outdoor patio, where vegetables and spices are grown for menu items!