Located in the Rocky Mountains, the alpine town of Canmore is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, mouthwatering local delicacies, and a wealth of indoor and outdoor recreational activities that will keep you busy throughout your visit.
In this five-day itinerary for Canmore, we’ll take you to the town’s best food locations, scenic hiking trails, and indoor/outdoor activities so you can experience the very best of what this vibrant mountain town has to offer.
Where To Stay In Canmore
When in Canmore, you can choose to stay closer to the mountains for the scenic views or near downtown for walkable access to shops and restaurants. Here are two of the best accommodations in the area:
Haven in the Rockies
The Haven in the Rockies is a privately owned condo at Grande Rockies Resort, overlooking the grand mountains of Banff National Park. It features two bedrooms, three beds, and 2 baths, making it suitable for families or small groups.
Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living areas, and access to shared amenities such as a pool, gym, and hot tubs. You also have full access to high-speed internet, along with Disney+, Netflix, and Crave to enjoy while relaxing after a day of adventure.
Downtown Canmore Condo
If you’re looking to stay somewhere closer downtown, this Downtown Canmore Condo is an excellent choice. It’s only a 1.5 km walk to downtown, a 15-minute drive to Grassi Lakes, and a 20-minute drive to Banff, making it a convenient all-rounder location for this itinerary. The condo features one queen bed with a bathroom and a well-stocked kitchenette.
Day 1 – Canmore
Breakfast at The Summit Cafe
- Location: 1001 Cougar Creek Dr, Canmore
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Walk-in only, no reservations.
Known for its hearty portions, cozy mountain-town atmosphere, and Tex-Mex-inspired dishes, The Summit Cafe is a beloved breakfast spot by both tourists and locals alike.
The cafe opens at 7:30 am and closes at 1:30 pm, so make sure to get there early to grab yourself a table.
The Summit serves all-day breakfast favorites, such as eggs, toast, and hash browns, as well as more hearty options like spicy Mexican eggs, huevos rancheros, and breakfast burritos.
Hiking
After breakfast, you can take a hike in Canmore’s beautiful mountain scenery. Choose one of these trails:
Grassi Lakes Trail
Just minutes from The Summit Café, you will find access to popular routes like the Grassi Lakes Trail, known for its turquoise pools and scenic views. The trail has two routes: an easy, wider trail (Grassi Lakes Upper) and a steeper, narrower trail (Grassi Lakes Interpretive).
You need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to get in, which you can purchase online on the day of your visit. The passes are CA$15 to CA$30 per day.
Ha Ling Peak Trailhead
The Ha Ling Peak Trailhead is a bit farther from central Canmore, located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) southwest of downtown. The best way to get there is via a car; drive south on the Three Sisters Parkway (Spray Lakes Road) for about 6 kilometers until you reach the Goat Creek Day Use Area. You’ll find the trailhead across the road from the parking lot.
If you don’t have a car, your best option is to take a taxi or shuttle, which will get you there in about 15 minutes from town.
Ha Ling Peak Trailhead offers spectacular mountain views once you reach the top. The trail is elevated, so bring your hiking poles if you have them available. Again, the trail requires a pass, which you can purchase online.
Lunch
After a few hours’ worth of hiking, there are numerous lunch spots to choose from:
Communitea Cafe
- Address: 117-1001 6 Ave, Canmore
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The Communitea Cafe offers lots of healthy and flavorful food options, including gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free dishes.
Popular menu items include the Buddha Bowl, Pad Thai, and Mountain Veggie Wrap.
For dessert, treat yourself to a selection of homemade cookies and mini cakes, paired with the cafe’s extensive loose-leaf tea offerings.
Tavern 1883
- Location: 709 9 St, Canmore
- Opening hours: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Tavern 1883 serves some of the best burgers in Canmore. They were voted Best Burger in the Bow Valley 7 years in a row!
Apart from burgers, they sell tacos, salads, pastas, fish and chips, chicken wings, and more. They also have a good selection of beer, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.
The Market Bistro
- 75 Dyrgas Gate #102, Canmore
- Opening hours: 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Lunch with live music, what could be better?
The Market Bistro serves simple but flavorful French and Italian cuisine, with the most popular options being Risotto Funghi, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Beef Short Ribs with Atlantic Lobster.
For dessert, you can’t miss their Lemon Pie, Chocolate Torte, and Chocolate Hazelnut Financier—they’re to die for!
Indoor activities
If you find yourself stuck indoors due to rain or simply prefer to stay inside, Canmore still offers plenty of ways to enjoy your day. For example:
- Visit the Canmore Museum, a small museum that shows the town’s mining history and mountain culture.
- Climb indoors at Elevation Place, Canmore’s main recreation facility, offering an indoor climbing gym, fitness center, swimming pool, library, and steam room. Tickets cost around CA$15 for adults and CA$29 for a family.
- Treat yourself to a massage at Verde Day Spa.
- Explore contemporary pieces at Elevation Gallery, featuring glass art, sculpture, and modern paintings.
Outdoor Sports
Feeling a bit more adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities:
- Rock Climbing & Bouldering: Go rock climbing in Grassi Lakes or the East End of Rundle. Guided options are available for beginners.
- Disc Golf: Play an 18‑hole round at Canmore Nordic Centre with scenic mountain views.
- Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddleboarding: Glide on the Bow River, nearby Spray Lake, or Barrier Lake. Rentals are available from Bow Valley SUP and Canmore Canoe.
- Horseback Riding: Explore Kananaskis meadows and forest trails on horseback. Guided rides are available at Boundary Ranch.
Dinner at Wood Restaurant & Lounge
- Address: 838 8 St, Canmore
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The Wood offers a diverse menu featuring Alberta beef steaks, homemade burgers, BBQ chicken and ribs, a variety of sandwiches and salads, as well as gluten-free and vegan options.
Popular dishes include the Almost Famous Chicken Wings, Buffalo Chicken Poutine, and the Alberta Beef Burger.
For drinks, choose from a selection of 30 wines, 24 draft beers on tap, and dozens of non-alcoholic drinks for those who want to wind down.
Day 2 – Canmore to Banff
Breakfast at Chez Francois Restaurant and Patio
- Address: 1716 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Before travelling to Banff, grab yourself a delicious breakfast from Chez Francois Restaurant and Patio. Chez François Restaurant and Patio is located inside the Chateau Canmore Quality Resort. It’s open to the public, so you don’t have to reserve a room at the resort to get in.
Chez François is a French-inspired eatery famous for their Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise sauce, available in 7 varieties. The restaurant features comfortable indoor seating as well as a spacious patio that offers 180-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
Ride to Banff
For day two of the itinerary, we’re going to Banff.
Banff is a resort town located within Banff National Park, about a 20 to 25-minute drive from Canmore. You can get there via the bus, taxi or rideshare, or private shuttle.
If using the bus, take Roam Transit Route 3. Tickets cost around CA$6 for adults. Taxis and private shuttles cost a lot more, at around CA$40 to CA$60 for a one-way trip.
Indoor Activities
Here are some top indoor activities to enjoy in Banff:
- Sally Borden Recreation Centre: An indoor facility that offers an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, steam room, fitness studio with cardio and weight machines, and Banff’s only indoor climbing gym. Day pass costs around CA$20.
- Banff Gondola: Take a 10-minute enclosed gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for spectacular 360-degree mountain views. The summit complex includes indoor viewing areas, the Banff Interpretive Centre, the Above Banff Theatre, and dining options like Sky Bistro and Castle Mountain Coffee Co. If you’re hungry, take this opportunity to grab a bite.
- Eureka Banff Escape Room Adventures: The Eureka Banff Escape Room Adventures is an interactive escape room with themed puzzle rooms that challenge your teamwork and problem-solving skills. Tickets for four people cost around CA$79, six for CA$109, and up to eight for CA$139.
- Lux Cinema: End the day watching a movie at the local theater. The Lux Cinema in Banff shows the latest Hollywood films, including 3D features. It’s located on Bear Street in downtown Banff. You can find a full list of movies available and purchase tickets at the Lux Cinema’s official website.
Dinner at Pizzeria Sephia
Grab a bite of pizza at Banff’s Pizzeria Sophia, one of the town’s most well-known Italian restaurants. Favorites include Pizza Alla Vodka, Squash Blossom Pizza, and ‘Nduja pizza.
Sophia also has a good selection of pastas, salads, torpedos, and their must-have dessert Noto Honey Ricotta Gelato.
Day 3 – Banff
Breakfast at Tooloulous
- Location: 204 Caribou St, Banff
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Tooloulous serves breakfast classics like pancakes, egg benedict, chicken and waffles, and cornbread with hashbrowns.
Hiking
Banff has over a dozen hikes and trails, but here are three of the best that showcase the stunning beauty of Banff National Park:
Johnston Canyon Trail
Johnston Canyon Trail is one of the most popular and accessible hikes in Banff. It follows Johnston Creek through a deep mountain canyon.
You can customize your hike by choosing to visit the Lower Falls (an easy 1.2 km walk), the Upper Falls, or even continue further to the Ink Pots.
The Lower Falls area includes a small cave behind the waterfall, so if you’re up for some cave diving, make sure to stop by that area!
Larch Valley / Sentinel Pass Trail
The Larch Valley / Sentinel Pass Trail is located near Moraine Lake, which we’ll visit on day 4. For now, set your sights on the gorgeous Larch Valley, with its breathtaking views of the Ten Peaks.
The trail is moderately challenging, so you may want to skip it if you’re a complete beginner.
Sunshine Meadows Hiking Trails
Want to bask in Banff’s beautiful scenery without the extra legwork? The Sunshine Meadows Hiking Trails are the place to be. The trail is accessible via a gondola ride from Sunshine Village ski resort.
Although the price is a little on the expensive side at bCA$68 per adult, it’s well worth the cost for the panoramic mountain views.
Lunch at The Bison Restaurant
- Location: 211 Bear Street #213, Banff
- Opening hours: 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
For lunch, visit The Bison Restaurant in downtown Banff.
The Bison serves locally inspired dishes featuring Alberta-raised meats, fish, and fresh seasonal ingredients.
For the main course, options include venison tenderloin, roasted halibut, wood-fired duck, rack of lamb, and Alberta bison tomahawk. You also have the classic cheeseburger, crispy fried chicken, and steak frites on the menu.
For drinks, The Bison has a wide selection of cocktails, beer, and wine.
Horseback Riding
After lunch, head to the Banff Trail Riders Stables at 100 Sundance Road (just a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from downtown) and book a guided trail ride with Banff Trail Riders.
These rides are beginner-friendly and follow scenic routes along the Bow and Spray Rivers, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and wildlife.
You can choose from a short one-hour ride costing around CA$105, or a longer two to three-hour adventure for CA$204 to CA$239.
Dinner at The Grizzly House
- Location: 207 Banff Ave, Banff,
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
The Grizzly House in Banff is a well-known fondue restaurant located on Banff Avenue in the heart of downtown.
What we love about this restaurant is that you can cook your own meats on 650°C hot stones right at your table. You can choose from a variety of means and fish, including beef, elk, bison, venison, and lobster.
The meal starts with a cheese fondue accompanied by salads and bread, followed by various meats to cook on the hot stone, and finishes with a delicious chocolate fondue dessert.
Day 4 – Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
On day 4, we’ll venture deeper into the Banff National Park with a day trip to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two of the most iconic and picturesque locations in the Canadian Rockies.
Getting There
Lake Louise is about 40 minutes by car (60 km via the Trans-Canada Highway) from Banff. But since parking at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is extremely limited and personal vehicles aren’t permitted at Moraine Lake, it’s best to take a shuttle or Roam Transit Route 8X. The Transit is the cheaper option at around CA$6.25 to CA$12.50 for a one-way ticket.
Breakfast at Bill Peyto’s Cafe
- Location: 203 Village Rd, Lake Louise
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Once you’ve arrived at Lake Louise, visit Bill Peyto’s Cafe located at the Hostel International Lake Louise Alpine Centre for a hearty yet affordable breakfast.
Breakfast options include pancakes, scrambled omelet with cheese, and smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese.
You can also get the home-style express, which features eggs (served however you prefer), a choice of bacon, sausages, or ham, whole wheat or white toast, and fries.
Lake Louise
After breakfast, take a stroll along Lake Louise and take in the spectacular views of the Victoria Glacier and the surrounding peaks. The lakeshore trail is relatively flat and accessible, perfect for a leisurely walk or photography.
If you’re up for a hike, check out the nearby Lake Agnes Tea House trail or the Plain of Six Glaciers, both of which offer amazing vistas and alpine scenery.
Lunch at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
After spending time in Lake Louise, grab a bite at the Fairview Bar & Restaurant in The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Resort on the lake’s edge. The restaurant serves a variety of meats and seafood, including steak tartare, black cod, scallops, wild boar, charred arctic char, and braised elk shank.
Moraine Lake
Next, head to Moraine Lake, famous for the Valley of the Ten Peaks that dramatically rises above its brilliant blue waters. The iconic viewpoint is at the top of the Rockpile Trail, a short 1 km round-trip hike with minimal elevation gain.
Renting a canoe from the Moraine Lake Lodge docks is a great way to experience the lake’s crystal-clear waters up close. The rentals come on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t delay too much if you’re planning to ride a canoe.
Day 5 – Jasper
If you want to experience the true majesty of the Canadian Rockies, take a drive to Jasper National Park.
The driving distance from Banff to Jasper and Canmore to Jasper is fairly similar at around 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours under normal conditions via the scenic Icefields Parkway (Highway AB-93). This route is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, with many stunning stops along the way.
For this drive, we recommend renting your own car so you can soak in the views and stop at your own pace.
