Short Hikes in Canmore for the Whole Family

07/10/2025

The best short hikes in Canmore can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re taking kids, parents or grandparents out on the trails, hiking with the family is an amazing time to spend together while getting some fresh air and exercise.

The best short hikes in Canmore include Karst Spring, Three Sisters Creek, Rundle Forebay Reservoir, Benchlands Ridge, and the ever-popular Grassi Lakes. Find more details on each trail ahead.

Key Takeaways

Family-friendly hike tips: Stay close to town, plan ahead with snacks and water, consider mobility and elevation, and add a fun reward afterward.
Top short hikes in Canmore: Karst Spring, Three Sisters Creek, Rundle Forebay Reservoir, Benchlands Ridge, and the ever-popular Grassi Lakes.
Accessibility and variety: Trails range from easy walks on gravel paths to slightly more challenging routes with waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.

How to Pick Hikes for Families

A parent sits and eats lunch with their child on a fallen tree during a short hike in Canmore.

Picking the right family-friendly hikes isn’t an exact science. There are many seniors who hike right to the highest mountain peaks, while every kid’s enthusiasm for taking on the trails is going to be a little bit different. There are lots of easy hikes in Canmore with great views, but you need to pick a trail that’s right for your family.

When you’re picking short hikes in Canmore, there are a few tips that can help ensure the whole family enjoys their experience:

Stay Close

Driving to remote areas can provide access to some incredible one-of-a-kind wilderness, but it can also be intimidating. Kids and grandparents may not be eager to wake up early and drive deep into the wilderness.

Fortunately, there are lots of short hikes in Canmore or just a short drive away. Staying somewhere like the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre means you and your family can wake up, eat breakfast and go hiking with the family in a way that feels like it doesn’t take up the whole day.

Plan Ahead

Nothing ruins a hike like not having enough food or water, so make sure you’ve got snacks everyone in your family will enjoy and your water bottles are full so everyone stays hydrated.

But it’s important to do a little research, too. There are lots of great short hikes in Canmore, but you’ll want to choose one that keeps kids engaged while allowing everyone to go at their own pace.

Consider Mobility

Just because a hike is short, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If grandparents or anyone else in your family has mobility issues, it’s smart to choose short hikes in Canmore that might be paved or have well-maintained dirt trails.

Elevation Matters

No matter who is hiking, it’s worth remembering that short hikes in Canmore can still be challenging. Going up a mountain is a lot harder than walking on flat ground, so don’t simply look at the distance. You’ve got to consider elevation, too, because it can make the difference between enjoyable hikes for families and a tough day.

Have a Reward

Going for ice cream or hot chocolate can be a great way to incentivize kids to keep going if they get tired during one of the short hikes in Canmore. Maybe it’s a swim with the whole family instead or a nice glass of wine for the seniors who join you on the trails.

Whatever you choose, give your family something to be excited about when they finish their hike.

The Best Short Hikes in Canmore for the Whole Family

A person enjoys a short hike with their child and parent on a beautiful fall day in Canmore.

Karst Spring

Located just south of Canmore in Spray Lakes Provincial Park is this amazing in-and-out hike that is only 0.8 kilometres one-way. The trail is well-maintained and leads to a beautiful spring that gushes out from a wall of rock alongside the face of Mount Shark.

You’ll cross bridges and a beautiful wooden walkway through a marsh as you make your way to your ultimate destination. This is a truly unique hike that is perfect for kids of all ages and grandparents, too.

Three Sisters Creek

You can access this amazing hike right from Canmore, as it begins on the Highline Trail and climbs gradually. What makes this one of the best short hikes in Canmore is that there are two waterfalls you can go to, but you can also stop and turn around after the first one, which is only 1.5 kilometres from the trailhead.

Rundle Forebay Reservoir

Only a few short kilometres away from Downtown Canmore is this lovely hike, which will take you along a gravel path that winds underneath Ha Ling Peak and around the Rundle Forebay Reservoir.

There are trails that connect to this one if you’re looking to get a little more adventurous, but otherwise, a walk around the reservoir or a picnic on its shores is a great way to get outside and take in the natural beauty of the Bow Valley.

Benchlands Ridge

You can access this incredible trail from downtown Canmore or from Cougar Creek, which is what most people would recommend. The path itself is well-maintained, making it one of the more accessible hiking trails in the area, and your adventure will offer spectacular views of the Three Sisters and Mount Rundle.

There are benches about 800 metres along the gravel trail if anyone needs a rest or a break for a snack, and from there you can walk down a short hill to get an up-close view of Canmore’s hoodoos.

Grassi Lakes

No list of short hikes in Canmore would be complete without at least mentioning Grassi Lakes, one of the most popular destinations for children’s hiking and seniors, too. While the entire hike is 4 kilometres long, there is very little elevation and the trails are impeccably maintained. From the Grassi Lakes parking lot, stick to the right to take the easier trail, and you’ll be led on a stunning journey to a beautiful alpine body of water.

Where to Stay for Family-Friendly Hiking Trips in Canmore

A family enjoys eating S'Mores at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre.

If you’re planning on taking on some short hikes in Canmore with your whole family, it’s important to have somewhere comfortable for everyone to get some rest at the end of the day. The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is your best option.

Centrally-located just a few short blocks from downtown Canmore, you’ll have easy access to the best restaurants, coffee shops and shopping experiences in town while also finding it simple to get everyone to the trailheads to try out the best hikes for families.

There are a few other bonuses that come with staying at the Coast Canmore, too:

A heated indoor pool and hot tub
Every room is pet-friendly
TABLE Food + Drink has great options for kids
Coffee and tea in your room

Is Canmore Walkable?

Definitely. Canmore is walkable for seniors and everyone in the family. Because our hotel is only a couple of blocks from downtown, you can leave your car in the parking lot and explore on foot.

Book Your Stay at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre

There’s nothing better than a day spent exploring the mountains with kids and grandparents, and there are lots of short hikes in Canmore that are perfect for families looking to get into hiking. Staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre ensures you’ll have easy access to the trailheads while also being close to all the in-town fun, too.

Book your stay with us online today or call us at (800)716-6199.