The best way to get to know
Canmore and the surrounding area is on foot. And with a network of walking
trails through town, along the river side and into mountain valleys, you
won't want to forget your camera. Some of the trails lead to picturesque
Quarry Lake, follow a mountain stream through the community of Rundle,
cross a beautiful old railway bridge, past stately hoodoos and into the
slopes of the Benchlands. Give yourself plenty of time and wear sturdy
walking shoes for a hiking tour of the area.
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.
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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.
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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.
