Things To Do
Mount Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
50% off with code WEDDING-2026
Via Ferrata
20% off with code WEDDING-2026
Walks & Easy Hikes in Canmore
-Policeman's Creek: Scenic boardwalk trail starting in downtown Canmore https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/policemans-creek-boardwalk-trail?u=m&sh=7velj7 -Bow River: Path along the Bow River for walking or running https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/bow-river-loop--2?u=m&sh=7velj7 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/west-bow-river-pathway?u=m&sh=7velj7 -Canmore Creek: Jen's favorite walk in Canmore. Walk along Canmore Creek to a waterfall and a viewpoint of the town. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/canmore-creek-trail?u=m&sh=7velj7 -Grassi Lakes: Small hike to 2 beautiful lakes. It's recommended to bring bear spray. Please note that you'll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park in the area. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/grassi-lake-trail?u=m&sh=7velj7 *Purchase Kananaskis Conservation Pass at the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge or using this link: https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass
Prairie View Trail: Moderate Hike
Moderate hike known for spectacular mountain and Barrier Lake views. You can continue on the trail to summit Yates Mountain. You can take a swim or paddleboard in Barrier Lake to cool off after the hike. It's recommended to bring bear spray. Please note that you'll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park in the area. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/grassi-lake-trail?u=m&sh=7velj7 *Purchase Kananaskis Conservation Pass at the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge or using this link: https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass
Mount Bourgeau Trail: Hard Hike
One of our favorite hikes! This hike takes you past Bourgeau Lake, upward through Harvey Pass, past several more alpine lakes, and to the summit of Mount Bourgeau. Option to hike just to Bourgeau Lake for a moderate hike. We'd only recommend this hike to those with hiking experience who have bear spray, proper footwear, and poles.
Sightseeing in Banff National Park
*Car recommended, taxi an option* - Take Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive & stop at Johnston Lake, Two Jack Lake, & Lake Minnewanka. Option for a walk/easy hike on Two Jack Lake Trail. The parking lots can fill up midday on weekends especially between 10am - 3pm, so plan accordingly. - Stop at Mount Norquay viewpoint on the way to the sightseeing chairlift (see discount code above) - Stop at Vermillion Lakes near the town of Banff *All of these are near each other & can be done in a day! I’d recommend stopping for a meal in the town of Banff after/before.
Canmore Food & Drinks
-Coffee: We love Eclipse Coffee & Beamer's (multiple locations in Canmore). We recommend you try a London Fog while you're visiting. -Breakfast/Lunch: Communitea Cafe 117-1001 6 Ave, Canmore, AB T1W 3L8, Canada Harvest Cafe 718 10 St #2, Canmore, AB T1W 0G7, Canada -Restaurants: The Iron Goat: Best patio in Canmore in our opinion! 703 Benchlands Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 3G9, Canada Stirling Dining Room and Lounge: Located at the Malcolm Hotel, please see our "Travel" page for a hotel discount code. 321 Spring Creek Dr, Canmore, AB T1W 1P2, Canada Georgetown Inn & Pub: Best burgers and fish & chips! 1101 Bow Valley Trl, Canmore, AB T1W 1N6, Canada Bridgette Bar: reservation recommended. Walking distance from The Malcolm 1030 Spring Creek Dr, Canmore, AB T1W 0C8, Canada -Cocktails: Wild Life Distillery (WLD) 105 Bow Meadows Crescent #160, Canmore, AB T1W 2W8, Canada
Canmore Mountain Market
If you are here Thursday between 10am-6pm, we recommend visiting the farmer's market for lots of local food, food trucks, and hand-crafted items.
Middle Sister's Kitchen
Primarily gluten free, ready made meals, snacks, & desserts. Highly recommend if you're staying somewhere with a kitchenette or kitchen available and would like meals that feel healthy & homemade.
Town of Banff Restaurant Recommendations
- PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar 219 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A7 - The Grizzly House - Fondue Restaurant 207 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B4 *Reservation recommended* - The Juniper Bistro 1 Juniper Way Unit 2, Banff, AB T1L 1E1 Located at the base of Mount Norquay, this is in our opinion the best patio view in Banff! Brunch, lunch, and dinner. Please see our “Travel” page for a discount code for the hotel.
Whitehorn Bistro
Take chairlift ride from the base of the Lake Louise Summer Gondola to dine with aerial views of Lake Louise. We love to eat here during winter when we ski at Lake Louise, but it's a great option during summer as well.
Banff Gondola
Take a gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain where there's restaurants and coffee shops with mountain views, a rooftop deck, and a mountain boardwalk. Alternatively, you can hike up and down Sulphur Mountain.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa
Spanning 50,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space, the Spa features a Relaxation Lodge, five outdoor pools, five steam and sauna cabins, an exfoliation cabin, fireside lounges, massage treatments, and the Two Trees Bistro.
The Dining Room At Storm Mountain Lodge
We celebrated here after getting engaged while snowshoeing Stanley Glacier Trail! Our absolute favorite restaurant in the Canadian Rockies. Reservations recommended. A meal here could be combined with a visit to Marble Canyon or a hike to either Vista Lake or Stanley Glacier Trail.
Emerald Lake
Beautiful blue-green lake in Yoho National Park. A great alternative to Lake Louise with free parking. The lot can fill up quickly on weekends, so plan accordingly. Emerald Lake Loop is an easy trail around the lake.
Canadian Rockies Travel Blogs
The Banff Blog: https://thebanffblog.com/ Bow Valley Insider: https://bowvalleyinsider.com/
