Where to Have the Best Snowshoeing Near Canmore, AB
Canmore is nothing short of a paradise for snowshoers, offering a variety of trails you won’t get anywhere else.
Right at the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the town offers everything hikers and snowshoers are looking for: clean mountain air, plenty of trails with varying levels, and breathtaking scenery all along.
Not to mention—the town doesn’t lack when it comes to nearby accommodation options.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner snowshoer looking for a family-friendly trail, there’s something for everyone in Canmore.
The good news? We created an easy-to-skim list for you with the best snowshoeing trails near Canmore. All you have to do is pack your gear and prepare for the trip—leave the location planning to us!
1. Three Sisters Creek Trail
- Length: 3.7 km
- Elevation gain: 197 m
- Two waterfall views
- Waterproof shoes necessary
- Parking available on the side of the road
If you’re not one for long trails, the out-and-back Three Sisters Creek is one of the shortest trails in the area. Besides, it’s one of the best snowshoeing Canmore trails for tourists.
Spanning 3.7 km, it’ll take you around 80–100 minutes to finish. The good news is that the area is always bustling with hikers and snowshoers, so you’ll encounter a lot of people while exploring.
On top of that, the Three Sisters Creek is open all year, and you can take your dog as long as it stays on a leash. It’s not an easy trail per se, but it’s moderately challenging—not too hard. The elevation gain is slow and steady, and you get two waterfall views.
To gain access to the trail and other similar ones via car, you’ll need to get a daily or yearly pass from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass website. Every pass is eligible for one vehicle, regardless of how many people are in it.
If you’re going on foot or on a bike, the trail is free to enjoy.
2. Ha Ling Peak
- Length: 7.4 km
- Elevation gain: 755 m
- Climbing equipment recommended
- Dogs allowed but not recommended
- Avalanche hazard
If you’re looking for a real challenge in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Ha Ling Peak isn’t for the faint-hearted. The 7.4-km trail passes through the Canadian Rocky Mountain forest, getting steeper the more you advance through it.
Due to the sharp elevation gain, the trail is pretty cold at the top, even during the summer, so hikers are often advised to wear layers. During the winter, the road leading to the trail is often closed, prompting hikers to walk the additional distance—keep that in mind while packing your gear and choosing your shoes.
Despite being challenging, Ha Ling Peak is always bustling with snowshoers and hikers, so it’s recommended to start your trip early. Otherwise, you’ll descend against a lot of traffic moving up after finishing your hike.
Like the Three Sisters Creek, the trail is free on foot and on a bike, but you need a pass for any car to park nearby.
3. Policeman’s Creek
- Length: 4 km
- Elevation gain: 84 m
- Dogs allowed on a leash
Not everyone is a fan of climbing, which is why Policeman’s Creek is one of the most popular and busiest trails in the area. It’s mostly flat, starting in downtown Canmore and following Policeman’s Creek. Additionally, it’s a family-friendly trail, and you can accompany your dog as long as you keep it on a leash.
If you want to make it longer or more challenging, you can always take a longer route through one of the walking trails connected to it—there are nearly 70 km of trails branched out from it.
While walking the trial, you’ll get nice views of the Three Sisters and Mount Rundle. It’s recommended to go at odd hours to avoid the crowds, like at sunrise.
For parking, there are several paved areas on the trail’s south end off Streamside Lane.
4. East End of Rundle
- Length: 4.8 km
- Elevation gain: 823 m
- Free for those on foot or bike
- Pass needed for any car
- Helmet and poles recommended
The East End of Rundle has the highest elevation gain out of all trails on this list. It’s a popular destination near Canmore for snowshoeing and hiking, but it’s a challenging trail that needs seasoned hikers with proper gear, including hiking boots and ankle support.
On the trail, you’ll occasionally encounter wildlife, such as bighorn sheep. So, if you have your dog with you, you should keep it on the leash for the entire time. However, it’s recommended not to take dogs on this trail because of its technical nature—it’s notorious for falling and loose rocks.
When it comes to parking, you can park at the trailhead, but the spots are limited, so the second best option is the HaLing parking.
As you advance through the trail, you’ll reach rockier areas that require hand stabilization, and the most challenging part is the scramble just before the large rocks at the trail’s top. However, the views from above are worth it.
The descent is also hard on the knees, so poles are advised for those who might struggle.
You can encounter icy and snow conditions on the East End of Rundle even in early summer, so it’s better to stick to May–October on your visit.
5. Quarry Lake
- Length: 1.3 km
- Elevation gain: 53 m
- Loop trail
- No dogs allowed
The easiest trail on this list and one of the most family-friendly Canmore snowshoe trails, Quarry Lake can be tackled in half an hour or less if you’re fast enough. Its elevation gain is minimal, making it a family-friendly destination.
You can use wagons, strollers, or sleds on this trail because of its smooth terrain. Additionally, it’s open year-round, so you can enjoy it at any time of the year.
Unfortunately, you can’t take your dogs on this trail because they aren’t allowed around the lake, but you can take them to the dog park nearby.
The trail starts at the east side of the Three Sisters, right at the parking lot. It’s often bustling with families and swimmers, especially in the summer.
If you want to take a swim, keep in mind that the lake will be a bit muddy around the shoreline, especially during spring, but you can still swim in it if it’s declared weather-safe.
6. Trans-Canada Trail
- Length: 7.6 km
- Elevation gain: 286 m
- Loop trail
- Dogs allowed but on a leash
The Trans-Canada Trail starts at the parking across the Bow River Pedestrian Bridge, going along the river and through Canmore Creek. It’s a fairly easy walk that’s mostly covered in gravel, and it offers some nice views of HaLing and Mount Rundle.
You’ll be surrounded by mountains and embraced by the turquoise water of the river throughout the trail.
It’s not a short trail, though—it needs at least two hours to complete. For most people, it can take up to 140 minutes.
Canmore Accommodation Options Nearby
If you want to visit more than one trail or want to enjoy your trip to the fullest, book one of these nearby accommodation options:
Downtown Condo
Only 1.5 km away from Downtown Canmore, this condo is strategically located to give you the most out of your trip. You’ll be 20 minutes away from Banff and 15 minutes away from Grassi Lakes, which means you’ll be close enough to most snowshoeing routes in the area.
The condo features an open-concept design with a kitchenette and a bathroom. You’re allowed to bring pets at an additional fee.
Renovated Condo With a Hot Tub
Newly renovated, this condo offers just the right bit of relaxation that you need after a long hike. The resort is fully equipped with a hot tub, an indoor swimming pool, and a water slide. It can accommodate up to six guests across two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The condo is a walking distance from Downtown Canmore and only 20 minutes away from Banff. There’s a restaurant on-site, but you can always drive to one of the many restaurants nearby.
Mountain Getaway
If you like to have your breakfast with a mountain view, take a look at this getaway. It’s a privately owned condo that features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen, making it suitable for up to six guests.
Along with this condo, you get views of the Canadian Rockies, and you’ll be a short drive away from most snowshoeing trails in the area.
There’s also an outdoor shared pool and an exercise room available on-site—the snowshoeing will be enough exercise, though!
Conclusion
Canmore’s snowshoeing trails are an escape into nature. Whether you’re aiming at a gentle walk or an adrenaline-packed scramble, you’ll find a suitable option on the list above. All you have to do is lace up your boots, grab your gear, and hit the snow running.
However, make sure to consider the weather when deciding which trail you’ll tackle—some roads are closed in the winter, and you don’t want any surprises to ruin your trip.
