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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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