Canmore, Alberta and Kananaskis Travel Guide » Canmore and Kananaskis Activities

Winter Activities in Canmore, Alberta

ppeters — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:00:54 +0000

Canmore, Alberta is certainly one of the top spots in the Canadian Rockies for winter vacation activities. You’ve got top notch ski resorts within short driving distance, nordic skiing with great paths and exhilarating views, dog sledding, snowshoeing and lots of other winter activities.

Winter in Canmore is beautiful for activities such as skiing.

Canmore is located on the edges of both Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park, where you’ll find an amazing landscape that offers numerous adventures for your vacation.

Here are five of the many activities you can enjoy in this winter wonderland.

1. Dog Sledding: With three world-class outfitters offering daily trips of varying lengths in what is known to be one of the most terrific natural settings in the Canadian Rockies, dog sledding is an very popular vacation activity. Trips vary in length, and certainly go well beyond the very soft adventure that they can also be.

2. Skiing and Snowboarding: When it comes to skiing and snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies, Canmore is well known for four great ski areas that run from world class slopes to great locals skiing areas.

Lake Louise – Just an hour after leaving Canmore, you can be at the top of Lake Louise ski resort, looking down into the Bow Valley and preparing for an epic day of skiing or snowboarding.

Nakiska – A 40-minute drive from Canmore into Kananaskis Country, Nakiska offers runs for various ability levels, with family cruisers, fun glades, and steep corduroy groomers to race down (evoking the 1988 Olympics, perhaps – Nakiska hosted the downhill events).

Sunshine Village – Only 20 minutes from Canmore, the Sunshine high-speed gondola zips skiers up to the village at 7,000 feet. From here, numerous high-speed quads spread out all over this fabulous ski area – most of the rides and runs will keep you above treeline so you’ll get great views on top of great riding.

Mt. Norquay – Only 15 minutes from Canmore, the Mt. Norquay is well known as a place for locals to run out and get some runs on a whim. You can enjoy it too on your vacation. Norquay’s got plenty to offer skiers and snowboarders all day long, and the only night skiing in the area every Friday.

3. Ice Walking: Take a walk over a sheet of natural ice covering the floor of a stunning canyon from wall to wall. Don’t worry about slipping, you’ll be wearing ice cleats to keep you balanced on the ice as you explore Grotto Canyon, Pictographs and Ice Falls is a brief sojourn of only about 1.5 to 2 hours total time, but likely one you will remember forever. This trip is especially awarding when done with an interpretive guide.

3. Ice Climb: Ok, so this isn’t the easiest winter activity in the world, but Canmore is a great place for beginners to get take a shot at this adrenaline raising experience. Do a beginners ice climbing course and experience the sense of terrific accomplishment you will enjoy. Professional guide instructors assure your safety. Amazing locations, and an experience well beyond the ordinary await you.

4. Snowshoe Walks: Here’s a great winter experience anyone can enjoy. You don’t need to learn any new skills, and you don’t need to spend any time learning. In just a short time after leaving Canmore, you can be out enjoying the winter peace and quiet, truly enjoying nature’s beauty. Guided snowshoe tours can help you discover Canmore’s winter wildlife perhaps follow the tracks of the wolf, coyote or lynx.

5. Cross Country Skiing: One of the most well-known activities in Canmore and Kananaskis Country is Cross Country Skiing. Canmore served as host community for cross country and biathlon competitions during the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. The Nordic Centre in Canmore continues hosting competitive ski events and provides an incredible facility for beginners and other recreational skiers to enjoy world class facilities, track set trails and snowmaking. A number of wilderness areas around Canmore offer track set systems.

5 More Canmore Summer Vacation Tips

ppeters — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:16:41 +0000

Canmore, Alberta is one of the top places to base a Canadian Rockies summer vacation. Here you’ve got beautiful Kananaskis Country just to your south, and are sitting on the border of the famous Banff National Park. You’re not too far from Jasper National Park either.

Rafting is one of the many great vacation opportunities you'll find in Canmore.

You’ll find a wide range of summer vacation activities in the Canmore area, a few of which we’ve listed below. Also, to get a peak at Canmore, check out the Canmore webcam.

1. Kayaking: Yep, there’s lots to do on the water in and around Canmore. Get a relaxing experience with a mellow river paddling ride on the waters of the Bow River, with instruction and guidance throughout the trip. Also a great way to see osprey, bald eagles and other Canadian Rockies wildlife.

2. Fishing: Canmore Kananaskis is trout country. The waters of the Upper Bow River are home to naturally reproducing wild brown trout, while the many lakes of the region offer opportunities to pursue rainbow, cutthroat, brook trout, lake trout and there are even golden trout in a few locations. Book a guide and have some fun.

3. Rock Climbing: The history of the Canadian Rockies and Canmore is steeped in a long climbing tradition. Today the mountain culture continues to thrive in Canmore. A host well-known climbers call Canmore home today. There are a minimum of eight crags await discovery within half an hour’s drive. They offer a wide range of climbing options, from bouldering to day-long multi-pitch climbs. There is more than enough here to challenge any level of climber. Most of the climbing around Canmore is in the canyons formed by the runoff from the mountains in the area. As such, many of the cliffs receive only a limited amount of sun, which is good on hot summer days, but can be cold in the early and late season.

4. Events and Entertainment: Canmore is has got a pretty full events calendar and the summer season is usually the peak period for the event line up. Check in with the Canmore Tourism office at (403) 678-1295 to get more on summer events here.

5. In Town: Last but not least. As much as the great outdoors call you, you’ll be happy to come back to Canmore and recharge your batteries. Strolling around Canmore in summer is a pretty relaxed affair. The towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies literally surround you on all sides, and it is likely their proximity and presence that so much influences the mood and spirit of all who live here as well those who visit this place. It’s a great place to sip a beer or take in a gourmet meal while sitting on a deck and gazing at the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

That’s what we’ve got for now! Stay tuned for more Canmore info.

Get Out of Canmore! 5 Trips within 45 Minutes

ppeters — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:59:34 +0000

Canmore, Alberta is a beautiful, awesome, terrific place to spend your vacation. But now we’re telling you to get out. Ok, not really, but we know that you didn’t come all the way out to the Canadian Rockies just to see our handsome little town (though we’d be flattered if you did). You came to see the Canadian Rockies. Below you’ll find 5 great places to see within 45 minutes of Canmore, Alberta

1. Banff Townsite in Banff National Park:

Great views in Banff National Park, just a short drive from Canmore. John Marriott photo.

Just 15 minutes down the TransCanada (Highway 1) west from Canmore and you’ll be in the historic mountain community of Banff. Here you can check out historic sites such as the Cave and Basin, and learn about Canadian history at Canada Place.

2. Banff Upper Hot Springs: Just 25 minutes outside the downtown core of the Banff townsite in Banff National Park, you’ll find a great place to relax and get some of the ache out of your muscles after long days of Canadian Rockies activities. better way to relax after a long day of activity in the mountains? Your muscles will thank you as you rejuvenate them for the next day’s activities.

3. Lake Minnewanka: About 35-45 minutes west of Canmore on the TransCanada (Highway 1) and down the exits for Banff town site and then Lake Minnewanka you’ll find this mountain vacation paradise. Follow signage to Lake Minnewanka. Excellent opportunities for viewing big horn sheep and other wildlife abound and the 19 mile long reservoir is surrounded by spectacular scenery. Interpretive boat cruises, by Minnewanka Lake Cruise, are a highlight of the location.

4. Banff Gondola: 25 minutes or so away from Canmore, just outside of Banff townsite in Banff National Park, you can catch a ride on the gondola up Sulphur Mountain and catch breathtaking views of Banff and the Bow Valley unfold before you.

5. Johnston’s Canyon, Banff National Park: About 45 minutes from Canmore, you’ll find this terrific natural wonder of Banff National Park. It’s one of the most To get here, ravel west on Highway 1 from Canmore to the exit for the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A, the scenic route) Follow this road to the Johnston’s Canyon parking lot. A spectacular light hike is possible at this location. Turn around at Johnston’s Canyon for a return trip along the 1A or alternately follow signs to Castle Junction and return via Highway 1.

Year Round Canmore, Alberta Activities

ppeters — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:55:02 +0000

Canmore, Alberta and surrounding Kananaskis Country are known for the awesome array of outdoor activities they offer. It’s a veritable outdoor lover’s paradise, offering access to some of the best there is in the Canadian Rockies. Below you’ll find a few suggested year round activities to help you decide what to experience in Canmore.

Caving

Canmore's got plenty for you to do, all year round. Photo by John E. Marriott.

Here’s a cool experience, something you’ll definitely be telling stories about when you get home. The Rat’s Nest Cave, about 10 minutes east of Canmore. This may sound like more of a summer thing, but the temperature stays around 5 degrees Celsius throughout the entire year. For safety reasons only guided trips are allowed to enter the cave. There are both half and full day tours given. Although no previous experience is required, participants should be in good physical condition.

Horseback Riding & Pack Trips

Riding in the Canmore Kananaskis area during the winter is a stunning experience. The selection of terrain is phenomenal and the summer ride durations vary from a selection of short trips and day rides to multi-day pack trips. Horseback riding is a great year round activity, but winter riding opportunities can be limited by temperatures and ground conditions. Trips are not available below –10C/+10F.

Guided Interpretive Walks or Hikes

You can pretty much take a guided walk or hike year round, although places you go may be different from season to season, depending on what weather and ground conditions allow. In the winter, there’s a good chance you’ll be slapping on snowshoes or ice cleats as part of your guided interpretive walk or hike.

Wine and Dine

The food in Canmore is always good. An incredible assortment of eclectic dining experiences awaits you here. Here you’ll find the perfect mountain town atmosphere in many of our restaurants to savor absolutely superb wines paired with gourmet meals.

Get Pampered

There’s plenty of day spas here, and they’re just as awesome after a day of skiing as a day of backpacking. Canmore also has a significant assortment of health and wellness facilities. When placed in context with the absolute power of the location, Canmore is a natural location for healing – whether it be your mind, body or soul or perhaps all of the above.

Hiking

Having Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country as neighbors means Canmore is surrounded by some of the greatest hiking in the world, no matter what time of year you visith. There’s plenty of variety to accommodate all levels ranging from casual walks on in town trails, to significant backcountry excursions. In addition, there are incredible cross country skiing and snow shoeing in wilderness settings.

Sightseeing/Photography/Wildlife Viewing

You can get in some great sightseeing, wildlife viewing and photography anytime of year in and around Canmore. Wildlife watching in winter is different than the spring, summer or fall. There are some animals visible outside of winter, most notably bears, that are hibernating until spring. Wait, don’t get discouraged! The chances of seeing lynx, cougar, bobcat and wolf are significantly better in winter than in the summer months. Guided tours are usually one of the best ways to ensure that you’ll get a glimpse of the local fauna.

Heli-sightseeing, skiing and hiking

A great year-round activity. Take a heli-tour and be truly amazed as the full majesty of Alberta’s Canadian Rocky Mountains is laid out below you. You can go sightseeing year-round, heli-hiking in the summer, and heli-skiing in the winter.

Canmore, Alberta Summer Suggestions

Canmore and Kananaskis — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:13:29 +0000

Canmore, Alberta offers great Canadian Rockies vacation activities to all visitors. Here you’ll find some of the best mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, sightseeing, golfing, skiing… well, you name it, you’ll find it in the Canmore area. What can we say? Being on the borders of Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park gives us unbelievable access to some of the best outdoors activities there are.

Canmore offers spectacular views no matter what activity your involved in.

So where to start? Below you’ll find a quick rundown of some of Canmore’s best summer vacation activities. If you want to get a quick peak at the town, be sure to check out the Canmore webcam.

Summer in the city (or town, anyway)

Going for a walk in the town of Canmore can be as awesome as a hike in plenty of other places. You’ve got the amazing Three Sisters, some of the Canadian Rockies most beautiful peaks, as a back drop, and a generally mellow feeling around town.

Throughout Canmore and in Kananaskis Village you’ll find plenty of friendly, sunny decks to eat and sip a drink on. This is a great way to unwind, take in the views and enjoy the friendly people in the Canadian Rockies.

The food at the restaurants and pubs where you’ll find the decks happens to be terrific, and the shops around town are great places to find anything from a great gift for a friend to some gear for your next day of hiking, skiing or rafting.

Mountain Biking

Canmore, Alberta is a great place for mountain biking in the Canadian Rockies, with lots of great courses and trails in and around town and out in the woods. Here’s a couple Canmore mountain bike trails.

White Water Rafting

In the Canmore Kananaskis area you’ll find two often rivers that offering rafting that anyone will enjoy. If this is your first time, or you’re taking a young family, the Kananaskis River is for you. If you want something with a little more adrenaline and action, hit the Bow River’s Horseshoe Canyon. The Bow River is also great for kayaking.

Golf in Canmore, Alberta

Among the many awesome activities you’ll find here in the summer, golfing in Canmore is one of the most famous. You’ll find great courses such as SliverTip, Mt. Kidd and Stewart Creek.

Rock Climbing

For the real adventure seekers out there who need just a little more adrenaline than the rest of us, you’ll want to check out the climbing opportunities in the Canmore area. Canmore is legendary among climbers, with eight great crags just a half hour away from the town, lots of bouldering, day long, multi-pitch climbs and lots of other climbs to keep all levels of climbers interested and challenged.

Fishing

You’ll find some of Alberta’s great trout fishing waters in the Canmore Kananaskis area. The Upper Bow River is home to plento of wild brown trout, local lakes offer the chance to fish for brook trout, rainbow, cutthroat, lake trout and there are even golden trout in a few locations.

Canoeing Canmore from Bow Falls

Canmore and Kananaskis — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:57:45 +0000

I’ve met many a visitor to the Canadian Rockies and Canmore, Alberta that find themselves perplexed when trying to figure out just what to do with their vacation time here. Hike or go rafting? Mountain bike or horseback riding? Snowshoes or dog sled tour?

Canoeing is a great Rockies vacation past time.

There’s a lot to do here, but if you’re looking to relax and do some great sight seeing outdoors, I highly recommend a canoe tour in the Canmore, Alberta area. We’ve got some of the Rockies most pristine, beautiful rivers here, and some unbeatable scenery.

Before taking your trip, you can check out the towns of Canmore and Banff, as well as local weather, with our Banff webcam and Canmore webcam. Below, you’ll find a quick guide to a great Canadian Rockies canoe trip.

Bow Falls to Canmore

This section of river starts below Bow Falls and takes you into the shadow of Mount Rundle and on to Canmore. Start at either the east end of the Golf Course Road, or from the Bow Falls parking lot. Do not block any roads when parking.

From the end of the Golf Course:

Just after launching, the river forks. The river right channel is the safest. River left leads to a dangerous strainer logjam completely blocks the entrance to a small channel. From here on, the river is generally wide, as it flows along Mount Rundle’s base. As you approach the confluence of Cascade River, the river widens and braided channels and gravel bars appear. Care must be taken, as numerous channels are available, with the possibility of sweepers and logjams in all of them.

After the park boundary (you’ll see a small sign on the river right bank) the river becomes narrower again, with tight corners and numerous sweepers and strainers. This area demands precise control and maneuvering and canoeists are advised to proceed with extra caution.

From Bow Falls:

The main channel here is generally to the right, although smaller channels on river left can be run by canoes when water levels are high. But the side channels are smaller, with tight turns and are likelier to be blocked by dangerous sweepers and logjams. Approaching the end of the golf course and can see the Hoodoos glacial till pinnacles just ahead. Here the river makes several tight bends and corners. All channels here have sweepers and strainers, so canoeists should exercise extreme caution.

Taking out:

On river left at the park boundary, a trail leads for 200 metres to the highway at the park gates. In Canmore, take out on river right, just downstream of the first pedestrian bridge.

Distance:

23 km (about 4 hours)

Level: intermediate

Horses With River Courses

Canmore and Kananaskis — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:28:54 +0000

Inside Out Experience – Horses With River Courses

See the beauty of the Rocky Mountain foothills from horseback, courtesy of Homeplace Ranch. You begin your adventure in the morning, where you’ll be introduced to the ranch, the guides, and the area. Receive a safety talk plus an introduction to basic horsemanship, then be partnered up with your horse, mount up and prepare yourself for a morning of gorgeous mountain vistas, valleys and the beauty of the foothills.

Ride through open meadows and across creeks, all while you guide tells you about the area and its unique history. The philosophy of Homeplace Ranch embraces personal enrichment beyond basic ridership, focusing on the partnership and bond between horse and rider.

Then get ready to get wet and have fun with an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip down the spectacular Kananaskis River.

Website: Click Here!

Covered Wagon & Float Trip

Canmore and Kananaskis — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:28:29 +0000

Inside Out Experience – Covered Wagon & Float Trip

Enjoy an old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon ride that will take you on a scenic 3km trip along the back-country trails of Boundary Ranch.

En-route, keep your eyes open for a chance to spot our local wildlife; there’s even a spot to view our buffalo in their viewing paddock. As the ride takes that last turn before home, you’ll be able to smell the mouth-watering aroma of the barbeque. Adults will enjoy a barbequed 6oz steak, baked potato with all the trimmings, Boundary baked beans, Caesar salad, and wind it all down with coffee/tea and home-baked pie with ice cream. Children will enjoy a Boundary hot dog with all the trimmings, potato chips, ice cream, ice tea or a fountain pop.

After lunch, head off to Seebe to enjoy a half day trip on the calm, scenic Bow River. You and your group will be enjoying a day of unforgettable scenery and interesting stories as our professional guides teach you about the history of the area. This is a gentle float trip that offers great scenery and calm waters. There is no whitewater on this tour.

Website: Click Here!

Saddle & Paddle Experience

Canmore and Kananaskis — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:28:11 +0000

Inside Out Experience – Saddle & Paddle Experience

Explore the magnificence of the Canadian Rockies on horseback!

Begin your adventure day with a magical 2 hour guided trail ride and get a panoramic view of the Kananaskis River Valley. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch at Boundary Ranch and then head to Inside Out Experience for an exciting afternoon of rafting adventure.

Spend approximately 2 hours on the river surfing, splashing, playing games and paddling through the rapids on professionally guided rafts. Hear stories of past cowboys, outlaws and heroes that roamed the area or keep your eyes open for the local resident wildlife. At the end of your adventure quench your thirst with complimentary refreshments and swap stories of your experience!

Website: Click Here!

Canmore Nordic Center: A playground for athletes

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:14 +0000

Lots to do at the Nordic Center. Photo by John E. Marriott

When it comes to Canada travel in winter, the Canadian Rockies glisten with a flurry of snow activity. Visitors come to ski Canada, snowshoe and ice climb, making their way to Banff, Jasper and Canmore to enhance a perfect holiday. Jasper inn, Banff hotels, Canmore inn and suites are more than accommodating and keep visitors cozy when turning in for the night.

Canmore, Alberta, is one are to really dive into a variety of winter sports. And the Canmore Nordic Center is a winter hub for a number of adventures on snow and even in summer. Canmore hotels compliment those looking to check out all the Nordic Center has to offer, and even Canmore rentals and Canmore condos are available for longer stays.

When the Winter Olympics blew through Calgary in 1988 Canmore built their Nordic Center to host many of the events. Since then the center has grown in popularity and maintains a top-notch reputation in the world of winter athletics across North America. Its 2005 renovations for the Cross-Country World Cup only enhanced the sophistication and professional design, making it ready for future events.

Administered by Alberta Development and claiming provincial park status, the 60 kilometers (37 miles) of trails are well-maintained throughout the year. In the summer the trails are popular with hikers and mountains bikers, while the winter sees biathlon professionals and cross-country skiers.

Not only do these athletes come to the Nordic Center to tackle the trails, they also hang out to train for upcoming events. The trail systems are standard and reach international nordic competition levels, meaning come winter time trails are constantly groomed and maintained for shape and quality. To top it off, the area includes a 6.5-kilometer (4-mile) track lit by floodlights and available for night use.

Even winter vacationers who like to stay warm and cozy can find premium relaxation at the Nordic Center’s Day Lodge. The lodge is equipped with a cafeteria, meeting room, lockers, information area, showers, equipment rentals and lessons.

When summertime rolls around, the Nordic Center and lodge focus on mountain biking events. And as a bonus, the center also holds an 18-hole disc gold course for Frisbee lovers. This activity center is a must-do for any Canmore vacationer any time of year.