(Last updated in October 2022.)
Canmore Kananaskis is known for magnificent scenery, world-class mountain sports, hiking, nature, parks & more. I have always visited Banff when going to the Rockies, however this time I finally got to check out what this area is all about. In this blog you will find links and information the best coffee shops, some restaurants, breweries and hiking to do in or near Canmore at all different levels of difficulty. Note you will have to get a conservation pass to visit the parks. You can get one here.
The first day we got into Canmore it was around 8pm so it was already dark out and we just checked into our resort. We stayed at Basecamp Resorts Canmore, it is a beautiful boutique style resorted situated just a short walk from downtown Canmore. They have a few different rooms designed for families, adventure seekers and powder junkies alike. We stayed in a micro-suite which was perfect for three nights. My friend and I knew we wanted a full kitchen so we didn't have to spend too much by going out for food every night we were there.
The rooftop hot tub is definitely what captured our interest in the resort. It sits atop a gorgeous view of the three sisters and mountains nearby. We caught a few sunsets here and it was epic. If you are staying in Canmore, I definitely recommend this spot, it was perfect and they were so accommodating.
The first real day we spent in Canmore was checking out Mist Mountain Hot Springs, I will write up a blog all about that place as it deserves its own write up. I will link that here. It was absolutely a must see for us and it should be for you too!
Alright let's dive into some of the things you can do in Canmore, without further ado:
1. Check out Blondies Cafe
Whether you stop in for a creamy espresso or latte or a whole fruit smoothie this place is worth stopping for. I got a caramel latte and it was delicious, they also have really good frappes.
2. Walk the Policemans Boardwalk for Sunrise
You can access this scenic trail from downtown Canmore, this is a 3.9km boardwalk that runs alongside Policeman's Creek. You will have epic views of the mountains, walk past ponds, ducks and forested areas. This is a great path for anyone's skill level and its greatly paired with getting a hot beverage prior for those crisp mornings in the rockies.
3. Three Sisters Viewpoint
I will link this blog on how to find it for you here. This spot is epic for viewing the three sister mountains and would make a great place for a picnic. We saw a couple having one and I couldn't help but to feel we should have done that. It's a perfect spot when the river is low to snap some epic shots of the mountains and scenery nearby.
4. Visit Quarry Lake
Although we actually didn't go here, I wish that we did. We didn't have the time after having some car issues that needed attention. This is one of Canmore's favourite parks. There is picnic tables, sitting benches, swimming areas, walking areas and features a dog-off leash area.
5. Head to Eclipse for a Coffee & Shop Downtown on Main Street
Eclipse has two locations, we went to the one off Railway, which was really good. Being that you can take a look at the shops on Main Street, this ones seems nice for that. Their coffee is fresh and the staff were so friendly. Main Street is super vibrant, lots of shops to check out. Make sure to check out Rocky Mountain Soap Company, we met a few girls on a work trip at our resort that work there and told us about it. Their product was in Basecamp Resorts bathrooms that we were enjoying. They have really nice organic products from soaps, massage bars, bath bombs and more.
This place is truly a unique experience, first off you go on an elevator to head upstairs to TANK310 which is a beautiful home with high ceilings. We sat outside and the view of the Three Sisters is amazing. Food is good and beer is really smooth, the service was amazing as well. I really enjoyed this place, even my friend did too and she doesn't drink!
I believe there are two locations on being downtown on 8th and the one we went to was right near our resort on the Bow Valley Trail - it's that good they have TWO locations. I love bagels and they have such a wide variety to choose from. The bread and toppings were fresh and the service was incredible considering how busy they get. The jalapeño bagel, it was the perfect bite and pair to any toppings. My friend really enjoyed their OJ as well.
8. Dine at the Drake Pub (Best Patio View)
This had to be the best patio view we ever got of the mountains, it was our last day I ordered the Crunchy Chicken Burger -anything with Spicy Mayo and I'm ordering it. Really great service and our server was very personable. I will definitely go back here if I'm ever in Canmore. The beer was also really good and my friend enjoyed sprite and pineapple juice. Highly recommend this one.
Crafted at 1309 metres this was a our stop after our hot springs adventure and it was exactly what I was hoping for. A chill professional environment, staff was friendly and knowledgable and the beer was tasty. They have a nice patio area where dogs can hang out in and a very open concept in the warmer days. I ordered the Ten Peaks Pale Ale and really enjoyed that one.
10. Hike to Ha Ling Peak
This is a 7.2KM hike with 748m of elevation, I have not done this one as it was closed while we were there. This is a more difficult hike but the views are incredible. I believe it is closed for the reminder of the year and closes seasonally due to weather conditions. This trail should only be used primarily in the summer months when it's open as during the winter it is only recommended for serious mountaineers only.
11. Visit Grassi Lakes
Grassi Lakes is also right near Ha Ling Peak, which was also closed while we were here. Sadly, it seems like an epic place with a lake and the Peak right in the background. Very picturesque. The lake is a stunning blue colour as well and the trail can be done with any level of fitness as it is only 2kms that has an incline of 250m. This trail will re-open soon I believe as it's only closed due to trail improvements.
12. Hike to Tent Ridge Horseshoe
This is a 10.1km Loop with 828m of elevation gain, this hike is not easy and is rated difficult including some scrambling. The view however looks gorgeous, I will definitely be doing this hike one day and possibly will just come into Canmore for this hike. You will see so many surrounding mountains and Spray Lake, which really makes up for this view. A sunrise or sunset would be epic here. A conservation pass is required for this one.
13. Hike the Sarrail Ridge via Rawson Lake Trail
This hike is in the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park which would be outside of Canmore technically but this was on my list for the area of hikes as well to do one day. This is more of a challenging hike and is 11.3km out & back and has 1,066m of elevation gain. You will see views of Upper & Lower Kananaskis Lake and other mountains in the park. A conservation pass is required to visit this one.
14. Take in the Views at the Canmore Engine Bridge
This bridge was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1891 on an old railway spur line to serve a coal mine. The old rail spur is now the Bow River Loop Trail. It's a beautiful walking area alongside the Bow River and has a ton of epic views of the Three Sisters and Rundles. This network of trails is approx 7.7km long, but you can certainly make it short and just head in from downtown Canmore.
There is so many things you can do here and that's just a few ideas for while you are here! We only had 3-4 days and barley touched the surface. I really hope you can go here one day and see this place for yourself. I have made a VLOG if you want to watch our road trip getting here on my YouTube here.
Enjoy!
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