A Canmore Trip for Active vs Relaxed Travellers: How to Plan Each
Outdoor adventurers travel from around the world to visit the Canadian Rockies, but that doesn’t mean that more relaxed travellers will struggle to figure out what to do in Canmore. Yes, there’s a lot of hiking, biking, skiing and more for visitors to experience, but there is also an amazing culinary scene, incredible spas, beaches and breweries for more relaxed travellers.
There’s no one right way to visit, and both relaxed and active travellers will find amazing options for what to do in Canmore.
Key Takeaways
- Canmore offers a wide range of activities for both active and relaxed travellers.
- The stunning Canadian Rockies provide incredible hiking and outdoor adventure opportunities.
- Relaxed travellers can enjoy the vibrant culinary scene and unique shopping experiences.
- Easy-access trails and beautiful walks cater to those looking for a leisurely experience in nature.
- Central accommodations allow visitors to easily explore all that Canmore has to offer.
Building an Itinerary for Your Canmore Trip
For Active Travellers
Hikers, cross-country and downhill skiers and climbers make regular pilgrimages to Canmore because of its easy access to the incredible Canadian Rockies. You can hike right up a mountain like Lady MacDonald from a trailhead that’s literally in the city, and alpine adventures are never far away for active travellers figuring out what to do in Canmore.
A few favourites include:
Hiking
Canmore is a hiker’s dream. Whether you’re an expert looking to push your own boundaries by trekking straight up a mountain or more of a beginner who is looking to get out and see some breathtaking scenery, you’ll have lots of options when you are visiting Canmore.
Hiking is at the top of most active travellers’ lists for Canmore, and every local in town will be able to provide recommendations. It’s important to be honest about your abilities and carefully monitor conditions to avoid putting yourself in a situation you aren’t prepared for. Bring layers, snacks and lots of water, too.
Biking
Whether you’re looking to bike on the road or do a little mountain biking, Canmore has you covered.
- The Canmore Nordic Centre features more than 60 km of mountain biking tracks. Other local favourites include the Goat Creek Trail and High Rockies Trail.
- Canmore itself has bike paths that crisscross the town, and the 22-kilometre Banff Legacy Trail connects Canmore and Banff, making it a great longer-distance ride.
- In the spring and fall, the eastern 17 km of the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff shuts down to vehicles and is open for bikers and pedestrians.
- The nearby provincial parks in Kananaskis offer countless mountain biking trails.
Travellers who need to rent bikes have lots of options in Canmore, including Rundle Mountain Bike Rental and Gear Up Sport.
Rafting
The Bow River is a little cold for swimming, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be on your list of what to do in Canmore for active travellers. There are several rafting outfits in Canmore that offer incredible rafting adventures. Whether you’ve never rafted before and are looking for more of a relaxing float on the water, or you want to go hard and hit some white water, you’ve got options:
Climbing
Canmore is an international destination for rock climbing, with dozens of crags and walls of rock that will challenge both newcomers to the sport and seasoned experts. Attaching yourself to ropes and climbing up the side of a mountain is serious business that requires real training, so if you’ve never climbed before, you should take a course with a company like Yamnuska Mountain Adventures.
For Relaxed Travellers
Canmore may be a paradise for outdoor adventurers, but its low-key vibe also makes it a perfect getaway for anyone who just wants some downtime to relax and breathe some fresh mountain air. We all need to take a break sometimes, and you’re spoiled for choice if you’re trying to figure out what to do in Canmore for relaxed travellers.
Easy Hikes
Even if you have absolutely no interest in putting on your hiking boots and walking up the side of a mountain, there are lots of short hikes that feel more like walks that are perfect for families, seniors and relaxed travellers.
Whether it’s walking Policeman’s Boardwalk with the gorgeous Rockies surrounding you or hiking around Grassi Lakes and taking in the stunning alpine water, a walk in the mountains will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Shopping
While visitors come from all over the world to Canmore, it’s a whole lot more than a tourist town. The downtown shopping district is full of galleries, boutiques and artisanal shops where you can find one-of–kind crafts, handmade jewellery and unique souvenirs.
You could easily spend a whole day browsing in downtown Canmore and come away with gifts for friends, family or even yourself that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
A Day at the Spa
There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a day at the spa. A little pampering goes a long way. Booking a hotel in town like the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre gives you access to a heated indoor pool and hot tub so you can take a soak whenever you want, and there are incredible full-service spas like the Kananaskis Nordic Spa and Float Canmore nearby for when you want to check out completely and focus on rest and relaxation.
Beach Time
There’s no ocean anywhere near Canmore, but that doesn’t mean that you need to scratch a beach day off your relaxing Canmore vacation, in the summer, at least. You probably won’t want to go sit by a frozen lake in the middle of winter, but during the summer, there are a couple of great beaches nearby, including Quarry Lake, Spray Lakes Reservoir and Upper Kananaskis Lake, where you can soak in some rays and take a dip.
Go Sledding
If you want to get out into the mountains but would prefer not to have to do all the work yourself, consider doing some Canmore sledding. Both Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours and Howling Dog Tours offer incredible experiences where you’ll be pulled on a sled through the pristine Canadian wilderness behind a pack of healthy dogs.
Eat & Drink
If you’re looking for great restaurants like TABLE Food + Drink, craft breweries, coffee shops or nightlife, Canmore has something for everyone. The town has a thriving culinary scene with a mix of contemporary Canadian cuisine made from local ingredients and restaurants putting their spin on cooking from all over the world.
With five breweries in town, beer lovers will love trying out different pints, and you won’t have trouble finding somewhere fun for a night out or a coffee shop with the vibe you’re looking for.
Finding the Right Hotel for Your Canmore Stay
Whether you’re looking to spend your entire time in Canmore exercising in the mountains or want something a little more chilled out, staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre gives you the perfect home base for your trip. It’s walkable from downtown and gives you easy, direct access to the mountains.
Our hotel is also pet-friendly and has all the amenities you need, including a heated indoor pool and hot tub, modern fitness and business centres and one of Canmore’s best restaurants on the main floor.
Book Your Perfect Getaway in Canmore
Staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre puts you right where you need to be for your next trip, whether that involves non-stop mountain adventures or a more relaxed vacation. Our friendly team is happy to offer suggestions, too.
Book your stay today!