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Family Activities in Canmore Everyone Will Love

19/08/2025

There’s no shortage of family activities in Canmore. Whether your kids love getting outside and being active or need time during the day to exercise their artistic muscles, the picturesque town in the Canadian Rockies truly has something for every family. We know that no matter how old your kids are, you want your family vacations to be filled with happy memories and amazing adventures.

We’re here to help you pick the best family activities in Canmore that will send you and your kids home happy.

The Best Things to Do in Canmore with Kids

Cyclists riding along a scenic mountain trail in Canmore with the Canadian Rockies in the background.

  • The Canmore Nordic Centre

The Canmore Nordic Centre is famed for being one of the best cross-country skiing training centres in the world, and Olympians are regularly seen there throughout the year. That shouldn’t scare you off, though. What makes a trip to the Nordic Centre one of the best family activities in Canmore is that it’s also where countless people, young and old, have learned. 

Lessons are available for cross-country skiing, and fat-tire bikes can be rented throughout the summer, allowing you and your kids to explore the trails. The scenery’s spectacular, and who knows, maybe by the end, your kids will be inspired to have their own Olympic dreams.

  • Paddle the Bow River

The Bow River is truly spectacular, and you’ll certainly want to get closer once you see its vibrant turquoise water. You’ve got a few options to do so, as there are a couple of companies in town that offer rafting tours.

When you’re booking family activities in Canmore, make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to get out on the water.

  • Make Your Own Pottery

Even the most high-energy kids will need a break if they spend the whole day running up and down mountains or paddling on a mountain river. Fortunately, there are family activities in Canmore that give them a little much-needed downtime. 

Crock-a-Doodle is always a hit with families, as the studio lets you paint your own pottery. It’s a fun, social, quiet activity that everyone in the family will enjoy and will give you a unique souvenir to bring home from your trip to the Canadian Rockies.

  • Go for a Hike

Hikers on a forested trail in Canmore surrounded by rocky peaks and alpine scenery.

It isn’t an exaggeration to say Canmore is one of the best hiking destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking to ascend to the highest peak or do a slightly more leisurely hike, you have a lot of choices in the Bow Valley. 

No list of family activities in Canmore would be complete without recommending a few hikes, and it’s entirely up to you how challenging you’re looking to go. 

Grotto Canyon Trail, Heart Creek Trail and Grassi Lakes Trail are all extremely family-friendly and can be completed even with young kids, while Ha Ling Peak and the East End of Rundle are spectacular but likely shouldn’t be attempted with kids who aren’t yet teenagers.

  • Go for a Bike Ride

Canmore’s bike trail system is incredibly well-maintained, so whether you’re renting bikes or bringing your own, you’ll be thrilled with the options you’ve got for getting around on two wheels. 

For families who are ready for a challenge, the Banff Legacy Trail, which runs between Canmore and Banff, is 26 km in one direction. It’s hard work, but there are few bike paths in the world that are so scenic. 

The Goat Creek Trail and High Rockies Trail are both incredible mountain-biking adventures, and you won’t be disappointed if you bike around town and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains on Town of Canmore paths, either.

  • Explore a Cave

There aren’t many other family activities in Canmore like this one. Canmore Cave Tours takes guests deep inside the Rat’s Nest Cave, an undeveloped cave system inside Grotto Mountain. 

The tours are available for everyone aged 10 and up, and there are two options: 

  • An easier Explorer Tour that lasts four and a half hours
  • A more challenging Adventurer Tour that lasts eight hours. 

When you’re considering things to do in Canmore with kids and want something a little different, heading into a cave might just be the perfect solution.

  • Visit artsPlace

artsPlace is Canmore’s cultural hub, offering a diverse range of events, including live music and exhibitions by local artists. It also offers a wide range of family-oriented programming, including classes designed for the whole family, as well as classes specifically tailored for kids and teens. 

Visiting artsPlace is a must, and it offers a different pace compared to some of the more outdoor adventure-oriented family activities in Canmore. Whether it’s painting, dancing or live music, artsPlace is a destination for when your family feels like being a little more creative.

Stay at a Family-Friendly Hotel

A smiling family of five enjoying time together in an indoor hotel pool, capturing a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

There are many amazing family activities in Canmore, but staying at the right hotel is also a crucial part of planning any trip or vacation. That’s where the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre comes in. 

Centrally-located just a few short blocks from downtown, our hotel puts you and your family right in the middle of all the action while offering family-friendly services and amenities that will make your stay comfortable, including:

  • TABLE Food + Drink: One of Canmore’s best restaurants is right inside our hotel and has expansive menus for all three meals of the day, as well as a great kids’ menu.
  • Indoor hot tub and pool: Kids will love splashing around in our heated outdoor pool, while parents will appreciate the opportunity to unwind and relax in the hot tub after a long day.
  • Room options: We have family-friendly rooms and rollaway beds available. There are also connecting rooms, and for families travelling with babies, Pack n’ Play portable play areas are available for no extra charge.
  • Pet-friendly: We allow up to two pets per room, so you don’t need to leave the four-legged member of your family at home. 

Make Your Next Family Vacation the Best Yet

Whatever your kids are into, there are family activities in Canmore that will keep them active, engaged and entertained. From hiking to biking to working on their artistic skills, every family will find reasons to fall in love with Canmore when they visit. Staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre means you’ll have a family-friendly home base to get out and explore the Canadian Rockies.

To plan an unforgettable family vacation, call us at (800)716-6199 or book online today.