Top 10 Easy Canmore Hikes with a View

Canmore is a hiker’s paradise. That’s true for hardcore hikers, but the town is equally amazing for anyone looking for easy Canmore hikes. You don’t have to go all the way to the summit of a mountain to get breathtaking views in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and for families, first-time hikers or just people who are short on time, it’s not hard to access easy hikes around Canmore.

Staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre gives you a perfect place to rest your head and fuel up between your hikes, too, as our convenient location makes it easy to get to the mountains. 

Key Takeaways 

• You don't need to summit a mountain for incredible views, easy Canmore hikes like Grassi Lakes and Three Sisters Viewpoint offer stunning scenery in an hour or less.
• Several trails, including Policeman's Creek Boardwalk and the Bow River Loop, start right in downtown Canmore, making them easy to reach on foot from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre.
• Most easy Canmore hikes are family- and dog-friendly (leashed), with flat terrain suitable for kids and casual hikers of all abilities.
• A few standout trails, like Grotto Canyon and Jura Creek Canyon, are just a short drive outside town and can be hiked year-round.
• Hiking boots aren't required for in-town trails, but they're recommended for hikes just outside Canmore, along with plenty of water and snacks.

 

Top 10 Easy Canmore Hikes

 

Easy Hikes in Canmore

1. Grassi Lakes

Distance: ~3.8–4 km round trip
What to know: The easy trail takes you directly to gorgeous turquoise lakes, while the interpretive trail passes by a waterfall and offers gorgeous views of Canmore. 

This easy Canmore hike truly shows off the most spectacular side of the Canadian Rockies. The easy route will take you up a gentle incline to an utterly sublime turquoise lake, and there’s a slightly more challenging route that’s manageable for most casual hikers and takes you past a waterfall you won’t want to miss.

The Grassi Lakes themselves are absolutely beautiful, and if you’re looking for easy Canmore hikes, this one simply can’t be missed. 

2. Three Sisters Viewpoint

Distance: ~3.5–4.3 km round trip
What to know: With a trailhead right next to a popular off-leash area, this easy trail takes you to a stunning viewpoint of the Three Sisters mountain. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.

While this is definitely not the most challenging of the easy Canmore hikes on this list, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile. In fact, the views of the iconic Three Sisters alone make it a must-do for anyone visiting Canmore and looking to take in some of the most incredible mountain scenery they’ll find anywhere on the planet.

Located just off the Bow Valley Trail on the south end of Canmore, you’ll follow a rocky creek bed for around 1 kilometre before entering a magical clearing with an out-of-this-world view of the Three Sisters. If you visit in the summer, you’ll get to see it reflected on a small, serene alpine pond ahead of you. If you visit in the summer, you’ll get to see it reflected on a small, serene alpine pond ahead of you. The trail is rocky, so it’s not ideal for families with strollers.

3. Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk

Distance: ~4 km total (with multiple entry/exit points for shorter walks)
What to know: With a starting point right in downtown Canmore, this beautiful trail winds through wetlands and offers unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. There are many entry and exit points, so you don’t have to do the whole thing at once

Located right in the heart of town is Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk, and it’s only a few short minutes away from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, so you could easily leave your car parked and take off for your picturesque adventure.

Enter the boardwalk from the Big Head sculpture, and you’ll find yourself suddenly transported to an incredible mountain path. The views of the mountains can’t be beat, and just because you’re in town doesn’t mean there isn’t wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for elk and deer as mountain songbirds soundtrack your hike. 

There are multiple entry and exit points that connect to Canmore’s vast trail system, so this easy Canmore hike can be as long or as short as you choose.

4. Larch Island Interpretive Trail

Distance: ~1.9 km up to 3.5 km depending on route taken
What to know: This beautiful hike is different every season, with wildflowers in the spring and larch trees in the fall. It’s flat, and kids of all ages will enjoy it. 

This gentle 1.9-kilometre loop is easily accessible from anywhere in Canmore. The trail doesn’t have much elevation, but it’s a great family hike due to the incredible views of the surrounding mountains and informative signs along the way that offer insights into the Bow Valley’s natural history. Park at the Larch Ice Rink parking lot for the easiest access.

5. Three Sisters Creek

Distance: ~3.4 km round trip
What to know: This gorgeous hike takes you through a stunning alpine forest and along the Three Sisters Creek. It’s great for children and can be done year-round.

The Three Sisters mountains are iconic and provide the backdrop to so many incredible Canmore adventures. This easy Canmore hike won’t take you right to the top, but it will take you to two waterfalls and get you some absolutely stunning views of the Three Sisters themselves.

The Three Sisters Creek Trail is approximately 3.4 kilometres long, and it’s estimated that most people complete it in just over an hour. However, the rewards and breathtaking views make it completely worth it.

6. Bow River Loop

Distance: ~2 km loop
What to know: Located right outside of downtown, this easygoing hike crosses the famous Old Engine Bridge and can be completed in less than an hour. There are beautiful views along the way.

The Bow River Loop Trail winds through the centre of Canmore and at 2 kilometres, ensures you won’t get lost but can still break a sweat surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas.

This trail is perfect for casual hikers, families and anyone with dogs. The best access point is the parking area by the Bow River Bridge. However, part of what makes this one of the best easy Canmore hikes is its accessibility, as you can easily walk to the trail from downtown Canmore.

7. Quarry Lake

Distance: ~1.1–1.25 km loop
What to know: Once an open-pit coal mine, Quarry Lake is now one of Canmore’s most popular spots. There’s an off-leash area nearby, and the hike around Quarry Lake is short, sweet and great for families.

Quarry Lake can get busy on hot summer days, but that shouldn’t scare you off. The Quarry Lake Trail is only 1.3 kilometres and will generally take between 30 minutes and an hour, but as one of the most popular easy hikes in Canmore, every step is gorgeous.

The small lake is popular for swimming and cooling off in the summer heat, and there’s a loop for walking and hiking that meanders around the beautiful, revitalized former mine. With an off-leash area right next to Quarry Lake, there’s lots of room for your pet to run and play, too. 

For the adventurous, some trails branch off from the main path.

Easy Hikes Just Outside Canmore

8. Grotto Canyon

Distance: ~4.2 km round trip
What to know: This hike just outside Canmore is relatively flat and takes you up a narrow-walled creek bed. There is a waterfall and even Hopi pictographs you can spot that are as old as 1,000 years.

Just a short drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is Grotto Canyon, and it’s truly one of the very best easy hikes in Canmore. Winding through a narrow canyon with high vertical rock walls where climbers love to spend their summer days, this amazing hike can be completed year-round. However, precautions should be taken during the winter when there’s snow and ice on the ground.
Located just off Highway 1A, you’ll spend your first couple of minutes hiking past a factory, but trust us, it gets much better from there on in. You’ll follow a creek through the mountains, stopping to take in the jaw-dropping views of Mount Lougheed before exploring the unique canyon itself. 

While the hike is listed as being 4.2 kilometres long, it’s a gentle trail, and there are a lot of natural places to stop and turn back. Doing the full hike will take most families around two hours. Whether you go all the way or stop a little earlier, this easy Canmore hike won’t leave you disappointed.

9. Heart Creek Interpretive Trail

Distance: ~2.15 km one way / 4.3 km round trip
What to know: This beautiful hike takes you through a narrow creek canyon. You’ll cross seven bridges on the way to a beautiful waterfall, and it’s perfect for hikers of any ability and families, too.

Located right off the side of the Trans-Canada Highway, the Heart Creek Interpretive Trail is easily accessible for anyone staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. It’s an in-and-out trail that’s 1.3 kilometres one way while following a narrow canyon and crossing seven bridges. 

This is a perfect hike for families, even if their kids are still very young. Dogs are welcome, too, but they must be kept on a leash.

10. Jura Creek Canyon

Distance: ~6.9 km round trip
What to know: Some consider this the best winter hike in the area, but it’s great in every season. A bit longer than some of the others on this list, it’s generally flat and appropriate for families.

Located just east of Exshaw, this is one of the easiest hikes in Canmore for families. Jura Creek Canyon is super family-friendly, and because you can choose how far up the canyon you want to go, it’s entirely up to you how long it takes.

But the views of the canyon are worth it for anyone looking to explore easy hikes around Canmore. It’s possible to do it any time of the year, although it can get a little wet in the spring and early summer. If you’re looking to stay dry, it’s best to visit from July to October.

 

 

Stay at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre for Your Next Hiking Adventure

While the Canadian Rockies are a destination for so many of the world’s most experienced outdoor enthusiasts, there are so many incredible, easy Canmore hikes, too. Staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre makes it simple to get out and explore and then come back to a pet-friendly hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub, cozy and comfortable rooms and one of Canmore’s best restaurants, TABLE Food + Drink. 

To get started on your next hiking adventure in Canmore, book online today or call us at (800)716-6199.

FAQ

Are hikes in Canmore pet-friendly?

You can bring your dog on almost every easy Canmore hike, but you will need to keep them on their leash. There is a lot of wildlife in the area, so it’s important that dogs do not disturb them. Canmore is an incredibly pet-friendly town, with many off-leash areas.

Are there pet-friendly hotels in Canmore?

If you’re planning your next hiking adventure in Canmore, you don’t need to leave your dog at home. The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre would love to have you and your pet stay with us, and we’ll provide a pet bed, dinner bowl and treat for them when you arrive.

Do you need hiking equipment for easy hikes in Canmore?

This depends on the hike. Many of the hikes in Canmore do not require hiking boots, including Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk, the Bow River Loop and the Larch Island Interpretive Trail. It is generally recommended that for trails outside of Canmore, like Grotto Canyon and Jura Creek Canyon, you wear hiking boots. Always bring lots of water and snacks.

Will the elevation in Canmore affect my ability to hike?

Canmore sits at 1,309 metres above sea level, which is enough that some visitors notice mild effects like faster fatigue or shortness of breath, especially on more strenuous hikes. Most people adjust within a day or two, and easy, low-elevation-gain hikes like the ones on this list are generally not affected. To be safe, stay hydrated, pace yourself, and take it easy on your first day if you're coming from a lower elevation. 

When does hiking season start in Canmore?

Many experienced hikers will continue to hit the trails throughout the winter, and hikes like Grotto Canyon can be fun even for beginners when there’s snow, but it’s important to be avalanche-aware and have proper equipment if you’re hiking in the winter. There are lots of other fun winter activities in Canmore to explore.

Can I hike in Banff while staying in Canmore?

Absolutely. The gates to Banff National Park are just five minutes down the highway from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, and many visitors to the area choose to stay in Canmore while visiting Banff because it’s generally less crowded and less expensive. You’ll need a park pass, but that’s true whether you’re staying in Canmore or Banff.

If it’s raining too hard to hike, what can I do in Canmore?

You’ve got lots of options, from cave tours to swimming to checking out local art or trying out one of Canmore’s breweries. While Canmore is an outdoor sport destination, there’s lots to do if you’d prefer something a little more relaxing and a little less strenuous.