Things To Do
The Grizzly Paw Brewery & Tasting Room
Great spot to try some local beer.
Georgetown Pub
One of our favourite pubs in Canmore.
Fairmont Banff Springs
The castle in the mountains. Worth going just to check out the building, but be sure to stop at Bow Falls and the Waldhouse pub for a stein or two.
Grassi Lakes Trail
This is an easy hike that we've done many times. We recommend checking out this hike either early morning or evening to avoid the crowds.
Three Sisters Pathway
We recommend accessing this trail from West Canmore Park. The trail follows the Bow River with plenty of photo opportunities (and good chance to see Elk and other wildlife). It is paved and good for any fitness level.
Lake Minnewanka
A giant man-made lake just east of Banff, there's a good chance you'll spot some wildlife on the drive up and some easy trails around the lake. Or you can go for a swim if you fancy.
Tunnel Mountain Trail
A good hike right in Banff, not too far and gives a good view up and down the Bow Valley. Parking can be limited so try to go early.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
One of the many hot springs in the Rockies, a great spot for an evening trip.
Canmore Hoodoos Loop
An easy trail on the east side of Canmore with views across the valley.
Grotto Canyon Trail
A nice hike down a canyon to a waterfall, quite a popular spot and parking can be limited. Keep an eye out for pictographs on the wall.
Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93)
If you have some time but not an interest in hiking, we highly recommend driving at least part of the Icefields Parkway. Rated as one of the top drives in the world, the Icefield Parkway is a 232 km stretch of highway winding along the Continental Divide starting at Lake Louise and ending at Jasper. The link will take you to a website that highlights some points of interest for you to stop at along the way. If you don't want to trek all the way to Jasper, we recommend packing a picnic lunch and driving up to Bow Lake (about 1.5 hours from Canmore) to take in part of the drive and one of the best lakes along the parkway.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is arguably the most beautiful lake in the Canadian Rockies. This also means it is one of the busiest spots you can visit, however we do think it's worth it if you have the patience. You can book a shuttle from the village of Lake Louise to guarantee your spot to go check it out. We highly recommend booking the shuttle as the parking lot is small and typically fills up by 6:00 am. The link will take you to the website that explains how you can book your spot (no walk-up spots are available).