The majesty of the Rocky Mountains pulls at our hearts all year round, but winter holds a special magic. We’ve made a list of our favourite things to do around Canmore and in our gorgeous backyard playground.
Skiing/ Snowboarding
Lake Louise – Stunning views
Our favourite runs include the Back Bowls for the powder hounds, test your mettle on the men’s alpine world cup downhill course or for fun easy-going groomers try out Wiwaxy.
Sunshine – Some of the best snow in Canada
Our favourite runs include Delirium Dive for the daredevils, the best easy-going run would be Dell Valley or you can test your skills in the abundant parks.
Mont Norquay – Is the closest ski hill with the only night skiing in the area
Our favourite runs include anything of the North American chair for something extreme and for the best groomer Silver Legacy, takes the cake.
Nakiska Ski Resort Kananaskis – Beautiful scenery and not as busy
Perfect for intermediate levels with the Longest Run at 3.3 km (2 miles
Cross country skiing / Snowshoeing
Cross-country skiing is a very popular winter activity in Alberta and as a result, there is a wide selection of easy cross-country ski trails in Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis for all beginners to enjoy.
Our favourite trail is Hector Cross-Country Ski Trail
- Park: Banff National Park
- Distance: 3km one-way
- Elevation: 95m gain
The Hector Trail is an easy cross-country ski trail just minutes from Lake Louise.
The beautiful Hector cross-country ski trail begins by passing a historic settlement with a wooden house, barn etc. The trail then continues through a snowy evergreen forest which is wide enough to offer some nice mountain vistas, yet close enough to still feel like you are in a forest.
Backcountry Skiing
I hear a lot about backcountry skiing but to be honest I am not an expert. You can check out this link to learn more about it if you would like.
Fat Biking
Extra-large tires, hand warmers, and heavy-duty frames are some of the signatures of a fat bike – a relatively new cycling trend that has quickly become a must-try winter sport. Using their ultra-wide tires (up to 4 inches across) fat bikes can ride on top of snow-covered trails with improved traction where traditional mountain bike tires would sink. Using a fat bike opens up a world of new winter adventures and trails are no longer limited to those with skis or snowshoes.
You can enjoy the ride at the Nordic Center, Bow River Loop, Highline trail and Goat Creek trail.
Iceskating
Ice skating in Banff and Canmore is a highlight for many visitors visiting Banff in the winter and a favourite way to pass the time for many locals. The best part is it’s a free activity for most places around the area with a mix of maintained rinks and beautiful natural frozen lakes. However, before going to skate on a lake, make sure, for your security, that the ice is thick enough.
Lake Louise
Lake Minnewanka
Vermilion Lakes
Johnson Lake
Two Jack Lake
Canmore Town Pond
Gap Lake
Lac Des Arc
Spray Lakes
Goat Pond
Our Favourite place to go is Gap Lake because it is situated right in the Valley so the wind brushes off the snow on the lake and the ice is perfectly smooth there. The scenery is stunning and far away you can see the train passing.
Favourite Winter Hikes
Favourite Winter Hikes Winter is here but that doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy some winter trail. Make sure to wear enough layers and that you wear shoes with good traction or add microspikes. Here are our suggestions of different trails you may enjoy during your stay: (You can check out this article as well)
- Troll falls , kananaskis
- Jura Creek
- Johnson Canyon
- Lake Louise
- Grassi Lakes
- Spray lakes
- Bow River Trail
- Quarry Lake
- Grotto Canyon
Dog sledding
With Snowy Owl, grip the handlebar as you take your place on the sled runners. Inhale the crisp mountain air, exhale as your frosty breath surrounds you. Adventure is in the air. “Hike!” you shout with enthusiasm; as your team guides you through entwined forests of towering black spruce, tranquil streams, quaint bridges, frozen lakes and the echoing stillness of the Canadian Rockies.
Ice climbing
The mountains surrounding Canmore offer world-class ice climbing. An extensive season is possible beginning in November and lasting into April. There are many classic ice routes to choose from with single-pitch climbs to multi-pitch, 500-meter ice routes. Here are two of our suggestions: Johnson Canyon and Grotto Canyon
Canmore and the Canadian Rockies offer some of the best ice climbing in the world. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures offers a wide range of ice climbing instruction and guidance for people of all skill levels.
Ice Fishing
You can go ice fishing at the Spray Lakes if you have your equipment. If you do not have the equipment and still want to experience the local activities, Canmore Icefishing is here to help you.
Toboggan
Toboggan down one of the many hills around town. The Nordic Centre, Cemetery Hill, Eagle Terrace etc
Dining experiences
– Rustica, Dinner with a wonderful view and exquisite Alberta Beef
– Ankor, if you are looking for an amazing and romantic dinner experience
– 4296, Creative and fun menu and cocktails
– Crazy Weed for a local favourite with an eclectic menu
The Sensory, for a nice mountain view.
– The Sky Bistro, Up to the Gondola, 360 degrees view of the mountain and Banff. My favourite!
– The Radiant: My second favourite! If you are lucky you can assist to a show in the lounge area.
SPA
Need to relax, and enjoy a nice massage, sauna or hot tubs:
Other ideas
- There is the Canmore Winter Carnival that starts usually the third week of January.
- Enjoy ice carving competitions, kids’ ice carving, skating parties, street hockey, log sawing competitions and more.
- Build a snow fort or sculpture in one of Canmore’s open areas or parks Become a bird watcher! Document the birds you see and learn how to recognize their calls Learn to identify some local animal tracks and head out to find some after a fresh snowfall
- There is as well the Elevation place where you can go climbing, attend to a group classes for fitness, dance or Yoga, and the swimming pool with hot tubs.
- Also, in Canmore / Banff there is tones of shopping to do with local art and more.
