Where to Watch Sunsets & Sunrises in Canmore

26/08/2025

Whether it’s early in the morning as the sun crests over the mountain vistas or the late-evening glow as it descends from the sky, the light can feel magical in Canmore.

Knowing where to watch sunsets in Canmore and spots to watch the sunrise is worth the trip to the Canadian Rockies alone. Few places in the world feel as majestic as Canmore during those first few moments of the morning or the beautiful minutes before night descends on the Bow Valley.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to watch sunsets in Canmore, our team can help. There’s no shortage of great Canmore sunset spots, but the best? We’ve compiled this list to ensure you don’t miss out.

Where to Watch the Sunset in Canmore

Sunset over snow-capped mountain peak near Canmore, Alberta with vibrant pink clouds and autumn trees in foreground

As long as you’re facing west, you generally won’t have to worry about being underwhelmed, regardless of where you choose to watch the sunset in Canmore. But there are a few special places that really stand out.

Here’s where to watch the sunset in Canmore if you want the most spectacular views possible.

Quarry Lake

Distance from hotel: 3.8 kilometres (9-minute drive)
Sunsets at Quarry Lake are absolutely breathtaking, and it should top your list of where to watch the sunset in Canmore. The site of a former mine, Quarry Lake has two trails that loop around it, and it’s an extremely popular location for visitors and locals alike throughout the spring, summer and fall. Pack some snacks and find a west-facing space to set up a blanket, and you’ll be blown away by one of the best Canmore sunset spots as the sky lights up and reflects on the water.

Benchlands Ridge

Distance from hotel: 1.1 kilometres (15-minute walk)
The Benchlands Ridge Trail is one of the easiest-to-access trails in Canmore, and you can walk there from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, although you can also drive and park your car in the Cougar Creek parking lot and go from there.

The trail ascends above Canmore and offers unrivalled views of the Three Sisters and Rundle Mountain. For many locals, it would top the list of answers when they’re asked where to watch the sunset in Canmore. There are benches along the ridge and at the viewpoint, and the panoramic views can’t be beat, especially when the sun is setting.

Policeman’s Creek

Distance from Coast Canmore: 1.7 kilometres (20-minute walk)
Policeman’s Creek will come up on our list of Canmore sunrise spots, too, but it’s equally impressive in the evening and needs to be on any list of the best sunset spots in Canmore.

Located right next to downtown and only a few short minutes from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, this scenic 4 km boardwalk trail meanders through forests and wetlands while offering a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. It’s a gorgeous walk at all hours of the day, but you’ll have your breath taken away by the alpine glow as the sun descends behind the mountain ridge at sunset.

Where to Watch the Sunrise in Canmore

Golden sunrise casting light over lush green mountain ridges and valleys in the Canadian Rockies

Getting up early to watch the sunrise can be a bit more of a challenge for a lot of people when compared to staying up to watch the sun go down, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing. Here are a few of our recommendations for the best sunrise spots in Canmore.

Canmore Engine Bridge

Distance from Coast Canmore: 1.9 kilometres (20-minute walk)
Many spots along the Bow River will give you incredible sunrise views, but our favourite is the Canmore Engine Bridge. The iconic local landmark was built as a railway bridge in 1891 for the transportation of coal and is now a pedestrian crossing that connects with Canmore’s vast trail system.

The bridge boasts unrivalled views of the Bow River and the mountains that surround Canmore, and the image of the sun peaking out from the top of the eastern slopes is the perfect way to start your day.

Once the sun’s up, take advantage of being on the Spur Line Trail for some exploring before heading back to the Coast Canmore, where you can grab breakfast at TABLE Food + Drink.

Ha Ling Peak

Distance from Coast Canmore: 16 kilometres (20-minute drive)
It takes a little organization to earn the privilege of seeing the sunrise from Ha Ling Peak, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Located a short drive outside of Canmore, walking from the trailhead to the peak of Ha Ling is one of the most popular hikes in the Canadian Rockies and shouldn’t be taken lightly. There’s real elevation here, and it’s a challenge, but you’ll really feel like you’re on top of the world as you watch the sun rise from the Prairies and above the spectacular mountain range around Canmore.

You’ll want to leave the hotel early, bring a headlamp, and give yourself around two hours to get to the top, but nobody has ever watched a sunrise from the peak of Ha Ling Mountain and regretted it. It’s truly one of the best sunrise hikes in Canmore.

Policeman’s Creek

Distance from Coast Canmore: 1.7 kilometres (20-minute walk)
Policeman’s Creek is just as incredible for sunrises as it is for sunsets. Even though it’s located right in the middle of town, you’ll feel like you’re well and truly in the wild as you walk along the beautiful boardwalk and watch as the sun rises in the sky and the Bow Valley seemingly comes to life at the start of the day.

When Does the Sun Set in Canmore?

Once you’ve figured out where to watch the sunset in Canmore, you’ll need to make sure you know what time to be in place. The same goes for sunrises, of course, which can take just as much organization.

You can search on Google and generally get an accurate estimate, but we recommend checking with the Farmer’s Almanac site before planning your hike. There’d be nothing more frustrating than hiking to the top of a mountain and missing the sunrise or sunset you’ve been dreaming of seeing.

Important note: It’s worth remembering that the length of the day fluctuates greatly between winter and summer in the Bow Valley, so checking the sunset time in Canmore is important.

Experience Gorgeous Sunsets & Sunrises in the Mountains

Exterior view of Coast Canmore Hotel with Canadian, Alberta, and Coast Hotels flags against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains

Knowing where to watch the sunset in Canmore means you’ll have access to some of the most truly jaw-dropping views on the planet. Whether you’re waking up early to check out the sunrise or making sure you’ve got the perfect place to watch the sun go down, staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre ensures you’re close to where you need to be.

Now that you know where to watch the sunset in Canmore, it’s time to book your trip. Call us today at (800)716-6199 or book online.

FAQ

Can I watch the sunset in the winter in Canmore?

Absolutely. Once you know where to watch the sunset in Canmore, you can reliably see gorgeous sunsets all year long. It gets quite cold in the mountains in the winter months, of course, but that doesn’t have to stop you. With the right equipment and the knowledge of where to watch the sunset in Canmore, you’ll be blown away by how beautiful the winter can be in the Bow Valley.

Where can I get breakfast in Canmore?

We recommend TABLE Food + Drink, which is one of Canmore’s best restaurants and is located right inside the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. We’ve also put together a handy guide to the best breakfast and brunch spots in town.