A sunset shot of Banff National Park. Photo by John E. Marriott.

Nestled in the big and beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains sits the sleepy and cozy mountain town of Canmore, Alberta. Since the Winter Olympics put their name on the map in 1988, Canmore has because a popular place to visit just like their neighbors Banff and Jasper when it comes to Canada travel.

Canmore hotels and Canmore accommodation has never been as varietal, and more importantly comfortable. Canmore inn and suites range from chateaus to Canmore mountain lodge atmospheres and Canmore bed and breakfast homes. Those planning to stay longer to ski Canada or jump into Canmore golf should look into the many Canmore rentals and condos available in town. And luckily, getting there has never been so easy.

Cars cruising along Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, drive west 106 kilometers (66 miles) from Calgary. Canmore sits just outside Banff National Park near the entrance, and the drive itself is a relaxing double-lane highway through prairies and foothills leading up to tall mountains.

Canmore is the first town traffic hits when entering the Canadian Rockies from the west, and there are three exits to take that will lead cars into town. Rental cars are available at the airports, including Calgary International and airports servicing the area of Edmonton (about three hours further).

Shuttle services are provided by Sundog Transportation and Tours, and they will gladly take airport arrivals to Canmore, Banff and other locations. Mountain vacationers wanting to dive into Canada travel should stop by Canmore for their many activities, small-town charm and affordable stays in a beautiful environment.

Related articles:

• Canmore: Take a scenic drive
• Weddings in Canmore, Alberta and Banff National Park
• Get out of Canmore! 5 Place to See within an Hour’s Drive

A perfect rest spot at one of Canmore's many trails. Photo by John E. Marriott

Canada travel vacations in the Canadian Rockies means sporty adventures by day, and equal relaxation by night. Hiking in particular is an outdoor activity that’s free and enjoyable by many, and those staying in Canmore,  Jasper and Banff will have many trails to choose from. In the evening, rest those feet and sink into a comfortable setting in Banff hotels, Jasper inn and Canmore inn and suites.

Canmore shines in rugged paths leading to scenic views, and there is plenty of Canmore accommodation available throughout the year. Canmore lodging ranges from Canmore rentals, Canmore condos and Canmore bed and breakfasts, now all that’s left is knowing where to hike. Here are some recommendations for great and moderate hikes around the Canmore area for those wanting to get a workout and be a part of the outdoor sporting adventure. Regardless of hiking ability, don’t forget your hiking shoes!

Cougar Creek — Hikers looking to up the intensity should try Cougar Creek on for size. It begins at the parking lot on Elk Run Blvd. and continues either up the mountain or along the canyon. Both choices will offer fantastic scenery and photo opportunities that are simply priceless. Watch out for the steep areas, and be sure to bring a hiking partner.

Gnassi Lakes — This is a five-kilometer hike with a lot to see and discover. Begin just after the Canmore Nordic Center at the bottom of Smith-Dorrian Spray Trail. Although the beginning is a fire road, a quick turn leads hikers through the luscious and peaceful forest. As the hike through the woods slowly begins to ascend a beautiful waterfall reveals itself. When hikers arrive at the summit they will be greeted by emerald green and turquoise-colored lakes. Additional pictographs can be spotted, and there’s a rock scramble to climb for a closer look.

Goat Creek — An 18-kilometer trail that cruises from the top of Whiteman Pass to Banff Springs Hotel. Depending on the knees of the visitor, one way is more forgiving than the other. The trail drops a steep 291 meters (957 feet), though to help ease the big up and big down the trail is mostly wise and smooth. It’s an ideal choice for mountain bikers, and the walk back up offers some incredible places to pause and soak up the scenery.

Related articles:

• Canmore: Three nearby hikes for all levels
• Canmore: Top 3 easy hikes
• More Great Canmore Vacation Hikes

Shot of Bow Valley in Canmore, photo by John E. Marriott.

No matter where visitors do a bit of Canada travel in the Canadian Rockies, be it Jasper, Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis, all can expect breathtaking scenes every which way possible. Canmore hotels, Banff hotels and Jasper inns are surrounded by beautiful alpine mountain settings — making these towns a hotbed for vacation.

Canmore in particular shines as an affordable option with just as much surrounding attractiveness. Canmore rentals, Canmore condos, and other Canmore accommodations like Canmore bed and breakfasts host a number of visitors and aim to satisfy all who stop by for an adventure.

There are many lovely scenic drives in and around Canmore, so here are a few of the top picks recommended from CanmoreKananaskis.com. Get behind the wheel and do some sightseeing the North American way — it’s a year-round activity enjoyable for the family.

Highway 40 South to Longview

Time: 2 hours
Route: As labeled (closed 12/1 to 6/14)
Condition: Paved

The perfect drive for any summer day, drivers usually begin from the winter gate and cruise through large and wide valleys. Scented alpine trees are beautiful touches as the ride creeps up to Highwood Pass and dips into picture-perfect canyons, waterfalls and prairies.

Highway 40 to Kananaskis Village

Time: 45 minutes
Route: As labeled
Condition: Paved

A beautiful choice that’s short and sweet, with many places to rest and indulge in an al fresco afternoon. The world-class golf course at Kananaskis Village is also accessible, including two ski areas, Nakiska and Fortress Mountain. In the summer the snow melts and endless hiking trails appear within the mountains and fields. A truly supreme view that’s scenic and serene.

Smith-Dorrien Spray Trail

Time: 1.24 hours
Route: Canmore to Highway 40, close to Lower Kananaskis Lake
Condition: Some gravel, and a bit rough.

More adventurous and rustic than the others, but an enjoyable venture into the back roads. This trail is the rear way to Spray Lakes and Peter Lougheed provincial park, a recreation area popular for fishing and boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Take a coffee break at the Mt. Engadine Lodge as cars wind around moose habitat and peer out windows to find these beautiful animals. The trail ends on Highway 40′s winter gate area.

Related articles:

• Canmore Scenic Drives
• Canmore: Top 3 moderate hikes
• Canmore is inspiring

Thankfully Canmore hotels and overall Canmore accommodations are equipped with necessary amenities to keep visitors comfortable. Since Canmore rests within the Bow Valley the town is protected by surrounding mountains. This brings mild climates and more mellow weather conditions that surrounding areas and towns. Canmore lodging in general is ready for winter weather, though summertime standards are easily met. Canmore inn and suites are just as suitable since, within the country, Canmore is known to be one of the towns with the most calm climate settings in Canada.

Summers are, like most of the country, short and sweet. Temperatures remain cool, yet comfortable, and the sun shines bright for long daytime hours. Winters might be intense, but the 330 days the sun shows its face each year more than makes up for the chilly numbers.

The main months when things get wet and rainy around Canmore are between the middle of May though early June. In fact the area is in need of such wet weeks, as Canmore and the Bow valley can become parched and waterless in its arid climate.

The coldest time is around January, where averages hit -8 degree Celsius (18 degrees Farenheit). However, due to its dry climate low temperatures are never too intense compared to areas with humid winters.

Lastly, those ready to explore the Canadian Rockies via cars, hiking, biking and so on should remember that temperatures drop as altitude increases. Weather is quick to change on mountain peaks as well, yet towns like Canmore will always be a warmer destination to retreat.

Related articles:

• Canmore: Museums offer an exciting journey to the past
• Canmore: Take a scenic drive
• What do you want to know about Canmore?

The Smith-Dorrien Spray Trail

From/To: Canmore to Highway 40 near Lower Kananaskis Lake
Road Condition: Gravel road – very rough in sections and a narrow, steep winding grade near Canmore.
Travel Time: 1 1/4 hours from one end to the other

This gravel road is used for the “backdoor” access to Peter Lougheed provincial park and Spray Lakes (ice fishing, skating, boating). The Smith Dorrien winds it’s way through moose habitat, passes by Mt. Engadine Lodge (a great spot to stop for lunch, tea or a drink) and finally emerges on Highway 40 near the winter gate.

Show me the map

Highway 40 to Kananaskis Village

Road Condition: Paved and maintained
Travel Time: 45 minutes from TransCanada turnoff

Absolutely one of the most scenic roads in the area. Plenty of picnic areas and viewpoints. A world-class golf course is at Kananaskis Village, two ski hills Fortress Mtn and Nakiska, and thousands of kilometers of hiking trails.

Show me the map

Highway 40 South to Longview
(closed Dec. 1 – June 14 inclusive)

Road Condition: Paved and maintained during summer only
Travel Time: From TransCanada Highway to Longview – 2 hours

From the winter gate south Highway 40 takes you through broad valleys of monumental proportions. Deciduous trees, the alpine ruggedness of Highwood Pass, larch trees, narrow canyons, mini-waterfalls and finally the open prairies. Emerging at Longview on highway #22 you can

1. Turn around and do it in reverse
2. Turn south on #22 and continue to Waterton Lakes National Park or the Coutes US/CDN Border crossing. (Stop at the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site – 13 km from Longview.)
3. Turn north and drive back through ranch country (the area Clint Eastwood’s movie ‘Unforgiven’ was filmed) to Calgary.

Show me the map

Related articles:

• Canmore: Take a scenic drive
• Get out of Canmore! 5 Place to See within an Hour’s Drive
• Mountain Biking in Canmore and Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Hiking Maps are available from the Friends of Kananaskis

Canmore & Area – a very small sampling
Grassi Lakes – Moderate

Short, but oh so spectacular! This describes the Grassi Lakes trail to a tee. The trail is a 5 km loop which begins just past the Canmore Nordic Centre at the base of the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail. The trail begins on a fireroad, but quickly turns left onto a wooded trail. Before long, it opens up as it climbs towards some wonderful views of a waterfall. As you crest the summit of the climb, the lakes are only a short distance away. Turquoise and green in colour, they seem like magical pools as they sit at the base of an ancient coral reef. Above the lakes, atop a short loose scramble, native pictographs can be seen. Please refrain from touching the pictographs, and caution is advised for those climbing to view these ancient images.

A short hike (45 minutes)to twin emerald lake nestled between towering cliffs – some steep sections and stairs. This one is well worth doing. Trailhead is off Spray Lakes Rd.

Nordic Centre/Banff Trail – Varies

Hike the km of trails at the Nordic Centre, paved trails are good for cycling and in-line skating. Hike the 20 km to Banff.

Riverside Loop – Easy

A good trail right in town. Walk alongside the Bow River for some of the most spectacular scenery in Canmore. Parking available downtown or on River Rd.

Policeman’s Creek – Easy

A leisurely stroll through the town. Get away from it all in the centre of it all. Look for ducks on the ponds.

Goat Creek – Moderate

This 18 km trail drops 291 metres (957 ft.) from the summit of Whiteman Pass, to its terminus at the Banff Springs Hotel. It is wide and generally smooth, following former fireroad for much of its distance. It is most popular with mountain bikers, and hikers looking for a lengthy day-hike. Traversing the entire length of Mount Rundle, you are treated to numerous views of its steeply bedded slopes. Most riders prefer to have a vehicle waiting at the Banff Springs trailhead to prevent the need to return along the same trail.

A popular cross country ski trail in the winter. Start at the parking lot on the Spray Lakes Rd. and hike to the Banff Springs Hotel.

Cougar Creek – Moderate

Start from parking lot on Elk Run Blvd. Hike up the canyon or head up the mountain for spectacular views of Canmore. Some very steep sections.

#1 Minesite – Easy

A short guided interpretive walk among the ruins and foundations of historic site #1minesite. A short walk along the creekbed brings you to Canmore falls and Canmores own “cold” sulphur springs.

Grotto Canyon – Easy

This short trail offers a glimpse at the power of water as it follows a narrow runoff channel towards a delicate waterfall at trails end. The valley has been carved smooth by the action of running water leaving polished limestone. Along the way, if your eyes are keen, you may see some fading native pictographs. Damaged by years of being touched by curious onlookers, and by climbers ignoring their significance and climbing right over them, they are rapidly disappearing. Please respect their sensitivity and refrain from touching them.

A popular hike just outside Canmore. Take 1A to Exshaw 14 km.

Skogan Pass – Moderate

Climbing from the Alpine Resort Haven to the summit of Skogan Pass, this trail is a wilderness wanderers dream. It begins along cut-line and fireroad, rising steadily towards the pass at kilometre 9.8 (6.1 ml.) Along the way, it offers many opportunities to explore. Views back stretch all the way to Cascade Mountain above the town of Banff. The trail climbs 677 m (2,2,21 ft) before cresting the summit, and offering views of the Kananaskis Valley. The ski slopes of Nakiska at Mount Allan, site of the 1988 Winter Olympic downhill events, are clearly visible. Options include returning along the same route, or continuing down to the Ribbon Creek Trailhead at kilometre 20.3 (12.6 mi.)

Heart Creek – Easy

From a signed highway pullout, this quiet trail parallels the highway for a short distance before turning sharply upstream to follow Heart Creek. The valley quickly narrows as the stream bounces its way towards its junction with the larger Bow River. The trail offers views of steep limestone faces, some regularly challenged by rock climbers. At the trails end, a tiny waterfall hides around the corner just out of view. For those willing to accept wet feet, it is worth freezing them to view this pleasant cascade. During high water, stay safely on dry ground.

Heart Mountain – Expert

If you love altitude, and don’t mind exposure, this trail may be the one for you. Beginning at the Heart Creek Day Use area, along the shores of Lac Des Arcs, it follows Heart Creek Trail for a short distance before assaulting the ridge. When the climbing begins, it continues unrelenting to the summit. there are no switchbacks, just straight climbing along a narrow, steep ridge. Why would you want to endure such a trail? One look over your shoulder as you climb this trail will give you the answer. The entire Bow valley spreads beneath your feet. This is a trail for expert hikers only.

Related articles:

• Mountain Biking in Canmore and Kananaskis Country
• Explore Canmore by walking or hiking
• The easiest and hardest walking trail in Canmore

Over 40 buildings of historical significance have been identified in the town. Among them is the Canmore Hotel on Main Street which was built in 1890 and is still in use.

Two blocks north on the banks of Policeman’s Creek is the North West Mounted Police Barracks, Canmore’s first police station built in 1893. Much volunteer effort has been devoted to restoring this old structure.

Two doors to the south is the Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, which was built under the direction of the Rev. Charles Gordon in 1891. After leaving Canmore Rev. Gordon went on to achieve literary fame under the nom de plume Ralph Connor.

Much information about the town, its history and its surroundings can be found in the stacks of the Canmore Public Library, located half a bolck north of Main Street on 8th Avenue. There are regular showings of local artists’ work in the Canmore Artists’ and Artisans’ Gallery located inside the library building.

Related articles:

• Canmore: Museums offer an exciting journey to the past