Tours & Activities in Canmore
Canmore stands proudly at what could be described as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. As the main town between Calgary and Banff National Park, it tempts visitors with dramatic granite peaks like the Three Sisters, wild, blue waters teeming with fish and stunningly beautiful rugged terrain. It also spoils them with a diverse range of experiences that stimulate and challenge both body and mind. Adrenalin junkies, nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and even spa sophisticates will enjoy being seduced by the activities available in the area.
ENJOYING THE SUMMER SUNSHINE...
... on the water
When the sun starts to peek out from behind the clouds of winter, Canmore's activities blossom like the spring flowers on the hills surrounding the town. The Bow River and others in the area flow with snow melt, the Spray Lakes Reservoir and Barrier Lake thaw and fishers can enjoy both fly and lure fishing. Guided trips are available from companies such as Banff Fishing Unlimited and Wapiti Sports and Outfitters, which also provide equipment and supplies for the many independent fishermen who visit the region. Those seeking other thrills on the water can try floating, kayaking or rafting the Bow, Kananaskis, Horseshoe or Kicking Horse rivers.
... on two feet
Plenty of alfresco adventure is also available without getting the feet wet. Golf enthusiasts can swing their way through a round or two at any one of the six world-class courses close by, including Silvertip and Stewart Creek in Canmore. For those who, like Mark Twain, believe "golf is a good walk spoiled," the options that the remarkable landscape presents are far reaching and breathtaking. Hikers can choose from multi-day organized hiking and camping trips on which participants learn about nature ecology (some with helicopter assisted starts) to self-guided day-long hikes like the 21-km (13-mi) Centennial Ridge hike or the more leisurely Grassi Lakes Hiking Trail.
Rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering, it could be argued, offer a more exacting challenge and are available to everyone, from beginners (through guided introductory courses) to seasoned pros. Canmore is widely regarded as the premier climbing destination in Canada and Yamnuska is just one of several companies offering guides, instruction and even three-month-long courses.
Also on terra firma, visitors can enjoy interpretive hiking excursions that teach about local wildlife, history and culture. Snowy Owl Sled Dogs offers a summertime-only tour providing insight into the historic use of husky dogs in the area.
... on wheels, four feet or up in the air
Mountain biking trails are widely available and range from thrilling, action-packed rides like the Skogan Pass North Approach Trail to the family-oriented Karst Spring Trail. The Canmore Nordic Centre, built for the Winter Olympics in 1988, is the hub for summer mountain biking in Canmore with over 60 km (37 mi) of both single and double track trails.
If visitors don't want to use their own steam, then a rousing ride on an ATV into the backcountry with Canmore Quad Tours may fit the bill. The backcountry can also be reached by a more traditional yet no less exhilarating mode of transport—the horse. Romantic dreams of the cowboys of yesteryear can be lived out on trail rides and overnight pack trips. Echoes of the Old West, in the form of wagon rides and gunfights, are also on the cards at a posse of guest ranches, including Boundary Ranch, located just outside Canmore. Or, for a bird's-eye view of the awe-inspiring vistas around Canmore, visitors can take to the air in a helicopter or airplane on a scenic flight.
WHEN THE WHITE BLANKET OF WINTER SNOW DESCENDS
Thrill seekers in the winter will be suitably impressed with some dramatic backcountry and heli-skiing options as well as alpine skiing and snowboarding action at nearby Nakiska and Norquay ski resorts. Breathtaking views around Canmore are accessible to those venturing out on winter ice-climbing expeditions and to the fittest of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing addicts, not to mention those testing out their skills for the first time. Not surprisingly, the Canmore Nordic Centre becomes the focus for these activities in the cold months as it is host to world-class cross-country trails and several Nordic championships and events throughout the season.
Sled excursions propelled by our four-legged friends—both horses and huskies—are available in the form of sleigh rides and dog sledding tours. Other icy activities include ice fishing, which is available at Spray Lakes, hiking the unforgettable canyon ice walks just outside town and even snow kiting, through Windtower Snowkiting. For families, a tobogganing hill and ice skating rink are also located in town.
WHATEVER THE TIME OF YEAR
No matter the season, if physical exertion is a priority, perhaps guided caving in Rat's Nest Cave at Grotto Mountain near Canmore will provide a suitable challenge. However, if relaxation is top of the list, then visitors can rejuvenate their body and mind at one of several day spas and a couple of hotels with stay-and-be-pampered packages. Of course watching for wildlife like bear, cougar, elk and big horn sheep in the local area can become a full-time occupation for locals and visitors at any time.
ENJOYING THE SUMMER SUNSHINE...
... on the water
When the sun starts to peek out from behind the clouds of winter, Canmore's activities blossom like the spring flowers on the hills surrounding the town. The Bow River and others in the area flow with snow melt, the Spray Lakes Reservoir and Barrier Lake thaw and fishers can enjoy both fly and lure fishing. Guided trips are available from companies such as Banff Fishing Unlimited and Wapiti Sports and Outfitters, which also provide equipment and supplies for the many independent fishermen who visit the region. Those seeking other thrills on the water can try floating, kayaking or rafting the Bow, Kananaskis, Horseshoe or Kicking Horse rivers.
... on two feet
Plenty of alfresco adventure is also available without getting the feet wet. Golf enthusiasts can swing their way through a round or two at any one of the six world-class courses close by, including Silvertip and Stewart Creek in Canmore. For those who, like Mark Twain, believe "golf is a good walk spoiled," the options that the remarkable landscape presents are far reaching and breathtaking. Hikers can choose from multi-day organized hiking and camping trips on which participants learn about nature ecology (some with helicopter assisted starts) to self-guided day-long hikes like the 21-km (13-mi) Centennial Ridge hike or the more leisurely Grassi Lakes Hiking Trail.
Rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering, it could be argued, offer a more exacting challenge and are available to everyone, from beginners (through guided introductory courses) to seasoned pros. Canmore is widely regarded as the premier climbing destination in Canada and Yamnuska is just one of several companies offering guides, instruction and even three-month-long courses.
Also on terra firma, visitors can enjoy interpretive hiking excursions that teach about local wildlife, history and culture. Snowy Owl Sled Dogs offers a summertime-only tour providing insight into the historic use of husky dogs in the area.
... on wheels, four feet or up in the air
Mountain biking trails are widely available and range from thrilling, action-packed rides like the Skogan Pass North Approach Trail to the family-oriented Karst Spring Trail. The Canmore Nordic Centre, built for the Winter Olympics in 1988, is the hub for summer mountain biking in Canmore with over 60 km (37 mi) of both single and double track trails.
If visitors don't want to use their own steam, then a rousing ride on an ATV into the backcountry with Canmore Quad Tours may fit the bill. The backcountry can also be reached by a more traditional yet no less exhilarating mode of transport—the horse. Romantic dreams of the cowboys of yesteryear can be lived out on trail rides and overnight pack trips. Echoes of the Old West, in the form of wagon rides and gunfights, are also on the cards at a posse of guest ranches, including Boundary Ranch, located just outside Canmore. Or, for a bird's-eye view of the awe-inspiring vistas around Canmore, visitors can take to the air in a helicopter or airplane on a scenic flight.
WHEN THE WHITE BLANKET OF WINTER SNOW DESCENDS
Thrill seekers in the winter will be suitably impressed with some dramatic backcountry and heli-skiing options as well as alpine skiing and snowboarding action at nearby Nakiska and Norquay ski resorts. Breathtaking views around Canmore are accessible to those venturing out on winter ice-climbing expeditions and to the fittest of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing addicts, not to mention those testing out their skills for the first time. Not surprisingly, the Canmore Nordic Centre becomes the focus for these activities in the cold months as it is host to world-class cross-country trails and several Nordic championships and events throughout the season.
Sled excursions propelled by our four-legged friends—both horses and huskies—are available in the form of sleigh rides and dog sledding tours. Other icy activities include ice fishing, which is available at Spray Lakes, hiking the unforgettable canyon ice walks just outside town and even snow kiting, through Windtower Snowkiting. For families, a tobogganing hill and ice skating rink are also located in town.
WHATEVER THE TIME OF YEAR
No matter the season, if physical exertion is a priority, perhaps guided caving in Rat's Nest Cave at Grotto Mountain near Canmore will provide a suitable challenge. However, if relaxation is top of the list, then visitors can rejuvenate their body and mind at one of several day spas and a couple of hotels with stay-and-be-pampered packages. Of course watching for wildlife like bear, cougar, elk and big horn sheep in the local area can become a full-time occupation for locals and visitors at any time.
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