7 Fun Things to Do in Canmore, Alberta in 2022

Are you ready to walk the path less traveled and experience breathtaking views and once-in-a-lifetime experiences? Do you love the thrill of an adventure? 

If so, you're certainly not alone. The adventure tourism market is projected to reach USD 4186.6 million by 2030.

Canmore, Alberta is one of the premier outdoor destinations for travelers looking to reach new heights and surround themselves with nature. Located roughly 81 kilometers outside of Calgary, Canmore sits in the Bow Valley within the Rocky Mountains. This picturesque location is a must-see for adventure travelers.

If you've never been to Canmore, Alberta before, you're in for a treat. Here are seven things to do in Canmore.

1. Hike the Trans Canada Trail

If you're looking for the best way to experience nature up close and take a break from the everyday routine, lace up your hiking boots. You have access to some of the best trails in Canada in Canmore. In minutes, you could be exploring the beauty of the Canadian wilderness.

The Trans Canada Trail is one of the most famous trails and one that you have to check out when you visit Canmore. It's the world's longest network of multi-use recreational trails.

Hiking is perhaps one of the most popular ways to experience the trail, but you can also ride your bike, explore and paddle across some of the scenic waterways, go cross country skiing, saddle up to go horseback riding, and even go snowmobiling.

The Trans Canada Trail spans a whopping 28,000 km from coast to coast. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you might find inspiration from Sarah Jackson, who became the first person to have completed The Great Trail. It took her two straight years of walking.

Even if you only spend a day on the trail, you're sure to experience nature in new and exciting ways.

2. Take Pictures of the Three Sisters Mountain Range

This trio of mountain peaks is an iconic part of Canmore. The three peaks are known as the big sister, middle sister, and little sister. It's one of the most recognizable scenes in Alberta and a defining symbol of Canmore. You really can't miss them as they tower over the town.

Regardless of when you take your Canmore vacation, you can capture some stunning shots of these peaks. Whether you're a professional photographer and you always carry your camera and equipment with you, or you're using your phone to snap pictures for Instagram, you're sure to take some great shots.

3. Try Rock Climbing or Ice Climbing

Do you love the thrill of scaling cliffs and discovering stunning views from high up? You have to go to Grotto Canyon when you visit Canmore.

This popular hike attracts rock climbers in the summer and ice climbers in the winter.

Grotto Canyon is located to the east of Grotto Mountain. The grades range from easy to difficult. Many of the climbs are polished.

Canmore is home to many avid climbers, and it attracts travelers from all over the world that want to challenge themselves or get into climbing.

Many of the canyons were formed from mountain runoff, and so they only get limited sun. This can make them a great choice for climbing in the summer when you want to stay cool.

4. Go Cross Country Skiing in Winter

There are plenty of things to do in Canmore year-round, whether you visit in the summer or the winter. If you decide to visit in the winter, one of the most popular activities in Canmore is to go cross country skiing.

Canmore and Kananaskis offer a wide variety of trails you can take if you want to break out the skis. You can also rent skis at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there are many different trails you can experience. It's a great way to get some exercise and experience the beauty of Alberta in winter.

5. Go Mountain Biking

The Canmore Nordic Centre features more than 100 km of trails. There are plenty of trails for both beginners and experts. Canmore attracts many experienced mountain bikers each year.

And if you're a complete beginner, you can rent bikes and try out one of the beginner trails.

Our Basecamp Cruiser Bikes are one of our many amenities that are free for our guests. They provide an excellent way to experience the bike trails in the valley or even just ride around town.

6. Visit Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country or K-Country is dubbed Alberta's Mountain Playground. It features more than 4,000 square kilometers of foothills and mountain parks. It's more of a locals' paradise and kept as a secret from the mass of tourists that visit Banff National Park.

If you love immersing yourself in nature and want to avoid swarms of tourists, it's a must-see attraction. No trip to Canmore is complete without a stop here. 

What are some popular activities?

• Caving and cave tours
• Helicopter tours
• Whitewater rafting
• Horseback riding
• Golf courses
• Mountain biking
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Cross-country skiing
• Dogsledding tours
• Snowmobiling
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Ice walks

As you can see, there's plenty to do regardless of when you choose to visit. Each trip to Canmore is sure to bring new memories and experiences.

If you love the idea of visiting in winter, consider booking a stay with us in our Lodge Canmore. Our lodge features cozy rooms with stunning views, and it's only a 20-minute drive from popular ski resorts.

7. Go Horseback Riding

Alberta is one of the best places in the world to go horseback riding. It's home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede, dubbed the "greatest outdoor show on earth."

Riding through the Canadian Rockies allows you to experience the beauty of Alberta in a whole new way. Visit one of the popular ranches and take a ride on one of the many trails in this area.

Choose one-hour or two-hour trail rides and experience the Bow Valley benchlands, beautiful mountain views, and much more.

Experience the Many Things to Do in Canmore

You'll never run out of things to do in Canmore, regardless of when you choose to visit. There's always fun to be had and adventures that await you.

Are you ready for your next journey? Take a virtual look at our Basecamp Resorts and book your next vacation in Canmore.