Planning Your Trip to Canmore in Summer: Attractions & Things to Do

Planning a summer trip to the Canadian Rockies? Canmore is the Canadian Rockies destination that seasoned travellers keep coming back to, summer after summer. Nestled between the peaks of Banff National Park and the Kananaskis, it offers everything from world-class hiking and cycling to a buzzing food and brewery scene, all with a laid-back mountain town feel.

The good news is that even if you've only got a few days, you can pack in a lot. We've put together the ultimate 3-day itinerary of things to do in Canmore in summer, covering the best hikes, restaurants, day trips, and hidden gems, plus tips on where to stay to make the most of every minute.

Key Takeaways

• Canmore is one of the best summer destinations in the Canadian Rockies, with hiking, cycling, dining, and easy access to Banff National Park.
• A 3-day itinerary gives you enough time to hike iconic trails like Lady MacDonald and Grassi Lakes, explore downtown, and take a day trip to Banff.
• Staying centrally makes it easier to walk to most attractions and keeps logistics simple.
• Summer in Canmore suits all types of travellers, from families and foodies to hikers and brewery fans.

Things to Do in Canmore in Summer: 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, Explore & Eat Well

Your first afternoon in Canmore sets the tone for the whole trip. After checking in, resist the urge to stay inside. The mountains are right there, and even a short walk will remind you why people travel from all over the world to be here.

Check in at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre
Location: 511 Bow Valley Trail

Whether you’re coming from down the highway in Calgary or crossing an ocean to visit the Canadian Rockies, there’s a sense of relaxation that sets in when you arrive at your destination. Check-in starts at 4 p.m. at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, so you’ll have time to settle in and relax after your journey before heading out.

If you’ve brought your family pet with you, you’ll receive a food bowl, doggie bed and a locally-sourced treat at check-in, and our friendly staff will make sure you’re cozy and comfortable in your room for the next couple of days. 

Walk Along Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk Before Dinner
Location: 610-M 8 Street 
Distance from the hotel: 800 meters, about a 12-minute walk. 

Once you’ve settled in at your hotel, you’ll want to get outside and take in Canmore’s breathtaking mountain views and fresh alpine air. You can save the more intensive hiking for later in your trip, but the great thing about Canmore in summer is you’ll feel like you’re right in the mountains even when you’re in the centre of downtown.

No list of things to do in Canmore in summer would be complete without a walk along Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. The entrance to the boardwalk is right next to the Big Head, so you can get a picture of Canmore’s favourite piece of public art before wandering along the picturesque boardwalk. Keep an eye out for birds and wildlife that make their home in Canmore in summer, and bask in the beauty of the stunning Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak and Mount Rundle.

This is an easy walk that kids and seniors will enjoy and a great way for everybody to stretch their legs.

Dinner at One of Canmore’s Best Restaurants
Location: 511 Bow Valley Trail
Distance from the hotel: Located inside the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre

Canmore’s culinary scene offers some truly excellent options for a great meal, and TABLE Food + Drink is right at the top of the list for great dining. There will be lots of time for getting out and exploring the town, but why not start your trip off right with a meal that’s just steps from your hotel room?

Specializing in quality ingredients that combine traditional methods with a contemporary twist, TABLE Food + Drink’s menu changes seasonally, but whether you go for the Wild Mushroom Risotto, the Bison & Pappardelle, or the Lamb Shank, you’ll get an amazing meal to kick off your trip.

Day Two: Hit the Trails, Visit Banff & Wind Down

Day two is where Canmore really shows off. You've got a serious hike in the morning, one of Canada's most famous national parks in the afternoon, and the best pizza in town waiting for you at the end of it. Fuel up early, you'll need it.

Breakfast at Summit Cafe
Location: 102-1001 Cougar Creek Drive
Distance from hotel: 1.6 kilometres, about a 4-minute drive or 25-minute walk

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to breakfast or brunch in Canmore. Since the second day of your trip is going to be busy, we’d recommend popping by the Summit Cafe, which is one of Canmore’s best coffee shops and has great breakfast-to-go options that you can take with you before you set off on a spectacular hike in the mountains. The breakfast wrap is a great on-the-go option.

Morning: Go Hiking
Lady MacDonald Trailhead Location: 500 Benchlands Trail
Distance from hotel: 1.8 km, about a 4-minute drive or 30-minute walk

Grassi Lakes Parking Lot Location: Off Smith-Dorrien-Spray Lakes Road
Distance from hotel: 6.6 kilometres, about a 13-minute drive

Canmore is on the bucket lists of hikers from all over the world and features unrivalled access to everything from challenging mountain climbs to family-friendly alpine hikes. What you choose will depend on your fitness level, experience and how much you’re willing to push yourself.

For hikers looking to go straight up, the hike up to Lady MacDonald is a local’s favourite with an easy-to-access trailhead. It’s a challenge for anyone, though, and is about 9.2 kilometres long. You will be hiking up a mountain, so bring lots of water and snacks to keep you going. The views from the top are absolutely worth it, though, and the climb itself will have you feeling exhilarated and challenged. If you’re up for it, it’s one of the absolute best things to do in Canmore in summer.

If you’re looking for an easier hike, visit Grassi Lakes, which is about 4 km long but much flatter and will take you to a stunning alpine-like setting where you can take time to relax and enjoy the mountain air.

Afternoon: Visit Banff
Distance from hotel: 26 kilometres, about a 23-minute drive

Visiting Banff National Park is something people dream about their whole lives, and staying in Canmore in summer means you have access to everything the park has to offer, but you can find better deals and avoid the big crowds that tend to gather in the park. 

But the proximity of Canmore to Banff means you can easily pop between the two towns. Many people work in Banff but live in Canmore, after all, and with the Roam Transit service, you can even leave the car at the hotel and take a bus that will take you right into Banff.

You’ll have no trouble spending an afternoon in the national park, whether you visit Johnston Canyon, the Banff Upper Hot Springs or wander Main Street.

Dinner: Grab Some Pizza
Location: 101-304 Old Canmore Road
Distance from hotel: Less than one minute walking

After a long day, you probably won’t want to venture too far from your hotel for dinner. That’s why we’re recommending Rocket Pizza, which is located just steps away from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre in the Shops of Canmore.

Considered by many to be the best pizza in Canmore, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but we do recommend their prosciutto or mortadella pizzas.

Night:  Hot Tub & Swimming at Your Hotel

After dinner, return to the hotel to relax in our heated indoor pool or hot tub at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. There’s no better way to relax after a long day of hiking up a mountain and exploring a national park than a good soak, and you’ll feel calm and relaxed and ready for bed by the time you’re done.

Day Three: Bike Rides, Local Shopping & a Big Night Out

On your last full day in Canmore, the goal is simple: do everything you haven't done yet. Fortunately, there's plenty left, including some of the best cycling, shopping, and craft beer the Rockies have to offer.

Coffee & Brunch

On the third day of your trip, you’re going to want to make the most of every minute you have in the mountains. You could grab coffee and a bit to eat at Table Food + Drink or try out one of these great options:

• Communitea Cafe: Located right in downtown Canmore, this great cafe has amazing, healthy breakfast options and a friendly vibe you’ll love. It’s just a short 10-15 minute walk from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, too.
• Harvest Cafe: Practically right across the street from the Communitea Cafe, a locally-owned gem with a truly authentic mountain vibe. 
• The Bro’Kin Yolk: Just steps from our hotel in the Shops of Canmore is this great breakfast spot with a Filipino-inspired menu.

Morning: Go for a Bike Ride
Location: Access the Highline Trail from the Three Sisters Parkway/Hubman Landing intersection (southeast) or the Quarry Lake Park parking lot (west).

Canmore is a cyclist’s paradise, whether you want to mountain bike along the Highline Trail or bike along paved trails like the 11-km West Bow River Pathway or the shorter 2-km Spurline Trail. The Banff Legacy Trail will even take you all the way into Banff and can easily be connected to from Canmore.

Anyone looking to rent a bike can find them at any number of shops, including Gear Up Sports, Rundle Bike and Trail Sports. There’s no better way to see Canmore attractions in the summer than on two wheels.

Lunch at TABLE Food + Drink

After your ride, you’ll want to grab a quick bite to eat at TABLE Food + Drink before heading back out to explore Canmore in summer. Grab a seat on the patio with stunning mountain views and enjoy the lunch menu.

Afternoon: Shopping & Snacks in Downtown Canmore
Location: 102-733 8th Street
Distance from hotel: 1.2 kilometres, around a 15-minute walk

Whether you’re looking to shop at one-of-a-kind boutiques or explore one of Canmore’s art galleries, you can easily spend a full afternoon exploring everything that downtown Canmore has to offer. 

A visit to Mountain Mercantile has to be on any list of places to visit in Canmore in summer, and you’ll be sure to find a unique gift or keepsake you won’t find at home.

Late Afternoon: Explore Elevation Place
Location: 700 Railway Avenue
Distance from hotel: 700 metres, about a 10-minute walk

Just steps away from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is Elevation Place, a community centre like no other. It’s the perfect place for families with everyone having slightly different interests. Activities include:

• An art gallery
• A public library
• An indoor climbing gym
• An aquatic centre with a competition-sized pool, a lazy river and a water slide.

Dinner at one of Canmore’s Best Restaurants
Location: 101-837 8th Street
Distance from hotel: 1.6 kilometres, around a 20-minute walk

Canmore has many great restaurants, but we recommend you change things up and give Mumbai Local a try. It’s probably the best Indian restaurant in the Bow Valley and a perfect way to end a day of summer in Canmore. You’ll love everything on the menu, but the Mumbai Mutton Dalcha is a favourite.

Evening: Go Brewery Hopping
Location: 310 Old Canmore Road
Distance from hotel: 100 metres, around a 1-minute walk

Canmore’s brewery scene has exploded over the last couple of years, and you can find some incredible local suds all across town. We’re going to recommend the Grizzly Paw Taproom, though, and not only because it’s located right across the street from our hotel.

The Grizzly Paw is a longtime local favourite that brews its beer right in the Canadian Rockies. They’ve got taps that rotate seasonally, but be sure to try out the Evolution IPA.

Make the Coast Canmore Your Home Base This Summer

Everything in this itinerary is designed to be explored from one of Canmore's most conveniently located hotels. The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre puts you within walking distance of trails, restaurants, breweries, and downtown, so you spend less time driving and more time doing.

With pet-friendly rooms, a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and modern fitness facilities, it's the kind of place you'll actually want to come back to at the end of a big day in the mountains.

Ready to plan your summer escape? Book your stay at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre today.

FAQs About Things to Do in Canmore in Summer

What is the best time to visit Canmore in summer? 

Late June through August offers the warmest temperatures and the longest days, making it the ideal window for hiking, cycling, and exploring the Canadian Rockies. July is peak season, so book accommodation early. If you prefer fewer crowds, early June and September offer mild weather with a quieter atmosphere.

How far is Canmore from Banff? 

Canmore is just 26 kilometres from Banff, about a 23-minute drive. If you'd rather leave the car behind, the Roam Transit bus service connects the two towns and drops you right in the heart of Banff, making a day trip easy and stress-free.

Is it better to stay in Canmore or Banff in summer? 

Both are great bases, but Canmore tends to offer more affordable accommodation, fewer crowds, and a more laid-back local atmosphere without sacrificing any access to Banff National Park. Staying at a centrally located property like the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre puts you within walking distance of trails, restaurants, and downtown, while keeping Banff just a short drive away.

Are there family-friendly things to do in Canmore in summer? 

Absolutely. The Policeman's Creek Boardwalk is an easy, scenic walk that kids of all ages enjoy. Grassi Lakes is a manageable hike with a stunning payoff. Elevation Place, just steps from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, features a water slide, lazy river, and indoor climbing gym that families love. And Rocket Pizza nearby makes for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner after a big day out.

Do I need a car to get around Canmore in summer? 

Not necessarily. Canmore's downtown core is very walkable, and many of the town's best restaurants, shops, and attractions are within a short stroll of centrally located hotels. For day trips to Banff, Roam Transit is a reliable and affordable car-free option. A car does make it easier to reach trailheads like Lady MacDonald and Grassi Lakes, but taxis and rideshares are available if needed.

What should I pack for a summer trip to Canmore?

Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so layers are essential, even warm summer days can turn cool by evening. Bring sturdy hiking boots if you plan to hit the trails, along with sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. A light rain jacket is always a smart addition. If you're planning to bike, many local shops offer rentals, so you don't need to pack your own.