Snow-covered forests and frozen lakes make Canmore a popular winter destination, and its network of trails sends millions of cross-country skiers its way every year.
Whether you’re seeking a challenge or you’re a beginner skier looking for a scenic glide, this guide includes the best cross-country skiing trails in Canmore.
We’ll also help you find the best rental shops, give you recommendations for where to stay, and recommend ski lessons in the area to brush up on your skills.
5 Canmore Cross Country Ski Trails
When it comes to cross-country skiing, Canmore offers something for everyone, ranging from family-friendly routes to demanding circuits. Here are our top picks:
1. Policeman’s Creek – Riverside Park
- Length: 6.4 km
- Elevation Gain: 158 m
- Loop trail
- Dogs allowed on a leash
If you don’t want something too risky yet an easy trail would be too boring for you, Policeman’s Creek is your go-to. It’s a moderately challenging route that needs around 100–120 minutes to finish, depending on your stamina.
The entire area is popular for birding, skiing, and mountain biking, so expect to encounter a lot of tourists on your way, though they may be scarce in the snowy season.
One more thing you might encounter on Policeman’s Creek is elk, though that’s a less common occurrence. It wouldn’t hurt to keep an appropriate distance, though. Make sure you know what to do when encountering an elk to stay safe.
2. Goat Creek Trail
- Length: 18.8 km
- Elevation Gain: 612 m
- Point-to-point trail
The Goat Creek Trail starts outside of Canmore, at the top of Smith Dorrien Road. Since it’s family-friendly and multi-use, expect to see a lot of mountain bikers on the trail, but they’re more abundant in the summer.
Though it’s considered a lengthy trail, it doesn’t take much time to finish because it goes into a descent. There are some steep inclines along the way, but the first 5 km are all descending, so they shouldn’t take much time. The most significant inclines start after the second bridge, so you should be good for the first half of your skiing trip.
There’s a shuttle at the route’s end that can take you back to the trail’s start, however operating hours can vary so make sure to look this up beforehand. You may need to leave a car there so that you can drive back.
3. Bryant Creek Shelter via Wateridge Lake Trail
- Length: 26.7 km
- Elevation Gain: 708 m
- Out and back trail
- Dogs allowed on a leash
Bryant Creek Shelter trail is a slightly more challenge trail for those with more advanced skill levels.
Though its elevation gain is gradual and it’s mostly more flat than other routes in the area, its length makes it challenging for the average skier. It can be finished in around 7 hours, or you can spend the night and tackle it over two days.
The trail offers some pretty scenic views throughout, so it’s often riddled with backpackers and campers. However, you’ll likely only encounter fellow skiers during the winter.
4. Georgetown Interpretive Trail and Orchid Trail Loop
- Length: 4 km
- Elevation Gain: 122 m
- Loop trail
The Georgetown Interpretive Trail is one of the easiest cross-country trails in the area. It covers a short length of 4 km, so it only needs 60–70 minutes to finish, depending on your skill level.
The trail includes some shared paths since it goes through the Canmore Nordic Center and makes a loop with the Orchid Trail.
During the snow season, you’ll likely only encounter other skiers since mountain bikers don’t visit much after October.
Before visiting the trail, it’d be a good idea to download the map because there are many interconnecting routes in the area.
5. Mineview Meadow via Banff Trail
- Length: 5.5 km
- Elevation Gain: 194 m
- Out and back trail
A moderately challenging trail, the Mineview Meadow takes an average of 100 minutes to complete. It’s one of the most popular areas for cross-country skiing in Canmore, and it’s open year-round.
The trail includes some single-track routes, where dogs aren’t allowed, so it’d be better to leave your dog at home if you plan to tackle Mineview Meadow.
During the summer, there will be loads of runners, hikers, and mountain bikers on the route. However, when the snow kicks in, only designated tracks will be available for these activities, and the snowy trail will be open for skiers.
Canmore Cross Country Ski Rentals
For cross-country ski rentals in Canmore, check out these local shops in the area:
- GearUp Sports
GearUp Sports serves all of the Canadian Rockies, offering rental services for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and levels, along with other gear for different outdoor activities. All details of ski packages are available on the website, and they even offer junior packages for younger skiers.
- Trail Sports
Trail Sports is another option for renting ski equipment, and you can make your reservation online before your trip. The ski rental details are available on the website, and the shop offers skis for toddlers and juniors as well as adults.
- Chateau Mountain Sports
Chateau Mountain Sports has a shop in Canmore where outdoor sports equipment is available for rent. The ski gear available in the shop includes downhill skis, ski poles, and ski boots. On top of that, the shop offers equipment for snowboarding and other outdoor activities. You can pick up the equipment that you reserved in Canmore or at the Banff Springs Hotel.
Cross Country Ski Lessons in Canmore
If you want to brush up on your skiing skills or you’re learning how to do it for the first time, you can book private or group lessons in Canmore. Here’s where you can get lessons before hitting those trails:
- Canmore Nordic Ski Club
The Canmore Nordic Ski Club offers adult ski lessons in partnership with Trail Sports, and anyone can sign up. However, you have to be a member of the CNSC to get a 10% discount on these lessons.
The lessons available range from beginner to advanced and include both classic and skate. You can sign up for private or group lessons.
- Trail Sports
Trail Sports offers cross-country ski lessons with some of the top instructors in the area. The offerings go according to your skill level and include all popular techniques. You can browse through the available options on the website and check the catalogs you’re interested in. You can also call (403) 678-6764 to get help choosing the best lesson for you.
- Kananaskis Outfitters
Kananaskis Outfitters offers 2-hour ski lessons most days from 10 AM to 12 PM and from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Though the lessons aren’t in Canmore, Kananaskis is only 20 minutes away.
The lessons are available for a flat rate of $300 for groups of 1–4, while additional participants cost $50 each. It’s worth noting that rentals aren’t available with the lessons, so you should rent your equipment before going.
Canmore Accommodation Options Nearby
To enjoy your trip to the fullest, you’ll need a place to stay while in Canmore. Here are some solid nearby options:
Downtown Condo
Only 20 minutes away from Banff, this condo has a strategic location that’s pretty close to Downtown Canmore. It puts you close to most cross-country skiing trails in the area, and it allows you to bring a pet, but you’ll have to pay an additional fee for it.
Mountain Getaway
For a view of the spectacular Canadian Rockies, check out this privately owned condo. It features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen, making it a suitable accommodation option for up to six guests.
If you don’t want to limit your activities to skiing or hiking, you can enjoy the outdoor shared pool and the exercise room available on the property.
Renovated Condo
For a well-deserved relaxation after tackling these skiing trails, book this condo. The resort includes an indoor swimming pool, a water slide, and most importantly, a hot tub, which you’ll probably need after skiing.
The condo can accommodate up to six guests, and it’s a walking distance from Downtown Canmore.
Final Thoughts
Canmore’s cross-country skiing scene is worth exploring whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier. The variety of trails offers something for everyone at every skill level. And if you don’t know how to plan your trip to the Rockies, you now at least know where to go, where to rent your gear, how to learn skiing, and where to stay during your trip.
Remember to check the conditions before booking your trip, and make sure to choose appropriate times of the day when tackling particularly busy trails.
