Canmore, Alberta, is a picturesque destination nestled among mountains, lakes, and caves. During winter there’s a wide range of activities the whole family can enjoy.
Today, we share the top 20 activities in this alpine escape. Here’s what to do in winter in Canmore, AB!
1. Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is a winter activity where you scale frozen waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies.
What makes ice climbing a fun activity is that water doesn’t freeze the same way each year. That means climbers get a new challenge every winter.
There are beginner-friendly ice climbing tours at Canmore, and you can book an expert guide to walk you through the process.
We promise ice climbing is a worthwhile activity in Canmore. Don’t miss the incredible view from the top of the waterfalls!
Ice Climbing Canmore – Where to Go
The best ice climbing spots to try in Canmore:
- The Junkyard: The Junkyard is a popular area suitable for beginner climbers. It’s the closest to downtown Canmore, making it an accessible ice-climbing location.
- King Creek: Located in the beautiful Kananaskis, King Creek offers four ice climbs for novice climbers.
2. Experience Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is where you walk across mounds of snow using special shoes. The shoes distribute your weight so you won’t sink too deeply into the soft surface.
We recommend snowshoeing because it allows you to enjoy the winter outdoors with minimal equipment and skill.
Snowshoeing Canmore – Where to Go
These are some of the easiest snowshoeing locations in Canmore:
- Hogarth Lakes: Enjoy the soft snow as you skirt along alpine lakes. The trail is only four kilometers long round-trip, so it’s perfect for families.
- Troll Falls: The Troll Falls trail lets you enjoy forested scenery And finish with a stunning frozen waterfall
3. Drive to Banff
Banff is one of the most popular resort towns in Alberta. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the wilderness and Canada’s natural beauty.
In Banff, you’ll find a national park that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also has several boutiques and souvenir shops offering unique finds.
You can’t miss out on Banff, and we highly suggest booking an AirBnb that gives you easy access to the area. For instance, this newly renovated property offers stunning mountain views and is a short 20-minute drive away from Banff!
Banff – Where to Go
Be sure to check these places out once you get to Banff:
- Lake Louise: Lake Louise is a must in Banff. Take your camera with you to capture the stunning views.
- Banff Nightrise: Banff Nightrise is an interactive experience available from mid-November to mid-March. It’s an immersive display that transforms Sulfur Mountain with lights and sounds.
4. Take a Scenic Hike
There’s no better adventure than hiking in Canmore during winter.
There are several trails in the area for different skill levels. Some are easy to navigate while others are suited for seasoned hikers. Regardless, you’ll see great views and wildlife!
The sun sets at around 4:30 pm in Canmore during winter, so it’s best to go hiking early in the day. We recommend finding accommodation near the hiking areas.
Hiking Canmore – Where to Go
Here are places we recommend for hiking in Canmore in winter:
- Grotto Canyon: The Grotto Canyon is a top destination for the Canmore ice walk. You can reach the frozen waterfalls in less than an hour
- Heart Creek Canyon: Heart Creek is a five-kilometer hike that’ll take you to wooden bridges and gorges. It’s a fun trail for both kids and adults
5. Go Cross Country Skiing
Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country skiing is a relaxing experience to enjoy the outdoors.
Cross-country skiing uses special skis that allow you to move over flat or gently rolling terrain and cover long distances with ease.
You can choose beginner-friendly loops or challenging routes.
Cross Country Ski Canmore – Where to Go
We love these cross-country skiing routes in Canmore.
- Canmore Nordic Center: On this route, you’ll enjoy views of the mountains and forests. well-marked trails and facilities make the Canmore Nordic Center a great winter hub.
- Ribbon Creek: Ribbon Creek has a pristine set of trails that’ll give you a sense of calm as you glide through the snow.
6. Enjoy Tobogganing
Tobogganing is a winter sport where you slide down snow-covered slopes using sleds.
The toboggan sleds are bigger and faster than regular sleds, making it an exhilarating activity to do with friends and family.
Tobogganing is a unique experience in Canmore due to the great sights. It’s a great way to enjoy Canmore’s beauty.
Tobogganing Canmore – Where to Go
If you want to try tobogganing in Canmore, visit these places:
- Canmore Nordic Center: The Canmore Nordic Center offers a perfect hill for tobogganing. Some areas even have jumps for adventurous sledgers!
- Eagle Terrace Hill: Eagle Terrace is a large tobogganing hill in downtown Canmore. It’s also a local favourite.
7. Explore Downtown Canmore
One of Canmore’s best areas is its vibrant downtown. Downtown Canmore offers galleries, restaurants, and shops.
To stay as close to this area as possible, we suggest this open-concept Canmore condo that’s only 1.5 kilometers away from downtown. From here, you can access most of the main attractions in Canmore!
Downtown Winter Activities Canmore – Where to Go
Make sure you stop by these two places in downtown Canmore:
- Cafe Books: Cafe Books is in Chatelaine Magazine’s list of the dreamiest bookstores in Canada. It has a charming atmosphere and a wide selection of novels for all book lovers!
- Alberta’s Own Marketplace: This quaint store features artisan goods made by Albertans. You can buy souvenirs like mountain soap, alpine throw blankets, and Canmore candles.
8. Hop on a Dog Sled
A crowd favourite among things to do in Canmore in winter is dog sledding.
Dog sledding is a way to travel and explore this part of Canada during the colder months.
Here, highly trained pups will excitedly pull you through snowy hills. Enjoy this unique experience and play with the dogs after the tour!
Dog Sledding Canmore – Where to Go
Book your dog sledding adventure at these locations:
- Snowy Owl Sled: With an office in Downtown Canmore, Snowy Owl Sled is among the top dog sledding services.
- Howling Dog Tours: Howling Dog Tours takes you through the backcountry of Canmore and Banff. You can book this tour to transport you between both areas!
9. Skate the Lakes
Ice skating is a must whenever you’re in Canmore, and there are plenty of options for both casual skaters and hockey enthusiasts.The community maintains outdoor rinks and lakes during the winter. You can easily access them, and a lot of the rinks are free to use!
Imagine skating with the Rockies surrounding you. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
Ice Skating Canmore – Where to Go
Skating is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. Below are two places you should consider going to:
- Spray Lakes Reservoir: Located just outside Canmore, this lake offers a large space amidst the mountains.
- The Pond Natural Ice Surface: This accessible skating area is just two blocks from Main Street. The rink is lined with gazebos with thermal heating and is well-lit
10. Attend the SnowDays Festival
The SnowDays festival is a celebration of all things winter in Canmore. During the 17-day celebration, you’ll see beautiful ice sculptures on Lake Louise and snow sculptures in Banff.
Additionally, there will be various entertainment areas scattered throughout Canmore. You can try activities like skijoring or sitting back and listening to live music.
There are endless things to do in Canmore in winter, and the best time to experience everything is during the winter festivals!
SnowDays Festival Canmore – Where to Go
Don’t miss out on these activities during the SnowDays festival:
- Bear Street: Bear Street turns into an entertainment hub for SnowDays festival. At night, it’s filled with live performers, circus acts, and snow and ice artists.
- Banff Avenue: Skijoring athletes gather at Banff Avenue to perform skijoring stunts. Expect to see an action-packed skijor show and a fashion competition here!
11. Challenge the Fat Biking Trails
Fat biking is where you use special bikes to ride over soft terrain. Thick tires keep you from sinking in the snow, allowing you to explore the winter landscape.
Fat biking is a must in Canmore because it opens up opportunities you won’t get by hiking. It’s beginner-friendly, and you can use the bike to ride through frozen rivers and snow-covered forests with ease.
Fat Biking Canmore – Where to Go
Here are some of the best places for fat biking in Canmore:
- Canmore Nordic Center: Canmore Nordic Center provides a wide range of fat biking trails for all abilities. take one of the trails to see the stunning Three Sisters mountains.
- Quarry Lake Recreation Area: This fat biking route is for more experienced bikers. From here, you can access the difficult Highline Trail and the TransAlta Dam loop.
12. Take the Canmore Cave Tours
Canmore is popular for its extraordinary caves that you can enter year-round. There’s no snow, rain, or wind underground, and the caves stay at a constant 5°C even in winter.
The cave tours in Canmore offer a fun way to see natural rock formations and underground rivers. Most caves are also easy to access, and the tours are great educational activities.
Canmore Cave Tours – Where to Go
Here are two caves in Canmore that’ll give you an experience to remember.
- Rat’s Nest: The Rat’s Nest is a beautiful cave that shows Canmore’s underground system. It’s a challenging cave that’ll take two to three hours to complete.
- Cave and Basin: The Cave and Basin is a beautiful historical site with crystal-clear waters. You can come here for a calm afternoon in Canmore.
13. See the Grassi Lakes
The Grassi Lakes is a natural attraction you can’t miss. Located just a short drive from Canmore, the Grassi Lakes offers scenic hiking trails and breathtaking mountain views.
The Grassi Lakes freeze during winter. These twin lakes create a gorgeous contrast with the surrounding mountains.
Benches are scattered throughout the area so you can relax while you appreciate the beautiful Grassi Lakes.
The Grassi Lakes – Where to Go
Make sure to stop by these places when visiting the Grassi Lakes:
- Cornerstone Cafe: Close to Grassi Lakes is Cornerstone Cafe. Here, you can grab a warm cup of coffee with delicious homemade desserts.
- Rocky Mountain Bagel Company: Popular for artisan bagels and homemade soups, this restaurant is a go-to when you’re near the Grassi Lakes.
14. Visit the Canmore Museum
Canmore Alberta winter activities aren’t all outdoors, you can visit the Canmore Museum and learn the stories behind its displays.
Although smaller than most galleries, the Canmore Museum houses interesting exhibits. Visitors can come here for a virtual walk through a mine and learn about Canmore’s history.
The Canmore Museum – Where to Go
Check out these exhibits at the Canmore Museum:
- The Geoscience Center: The Geoscience Center is a great place to learn about Canmore’s mining background.
- The Canmore Museum Collections: The Canmore Museum Collection is a treat for all history lovers. You can only access it by booking an appointment with the collections manager.
15. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
The spas and wellness centers at Canmore are amazing! Here, you can find spas for forest bathing and luxurious massages.
Unwind at a sauna or experience the polar plunge. Some spas even have natural hot springs
There’s no better way to warm up at Canmore than by taking a dip in a hot outdoor bath at one of the spas!
Canmore Spas – Where to Go
These are two of the best spas in Canmore:
- Kananaskis Nordic Spa: Kananaskis Nordic Spa specializes in hydrotherapy and massage. It has a wide range of hot and cold pools, and is surrounded by an alpine forest.
- Bodhi Wellness Canmore: Bodhi Wellness tailors its massage therapy treatments to each guest. Soak up the mountain views as you immerse yourself in secluded outdoor tubs
16. Unwind by the Fire
Canmore can get chilly during the winter, making sitting by the fire an ideal activity.
When visiting Canmore in the cold months, check into an accommodation with a fireplace. Doing so allows you to spend time with your family after exploring.
This two-bedroom mountain getaway, for example, has a fireplace where you can warm up with a hot cup of cocoa. It’s in a prime location close to all the restaurants, art galleries, and shops around Canmore!
The Mountain Getaway – Where to Go
Below are facilities you can go to at the Mountain Getaway:
- The Exercise Room: Stay on top of your fitness routine with the extensive exercise room.
- The Outdoor Hot Tub: Warm up during the winter at the Mountain Getaway’s luxurious outdoor hot tub.
17. Taste the Local Cuisine
You can’t go to Canmore without trying their local food!
As part of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore’s cuisine uses seasonal mountain ingredients. You can easily find wild game, artisanal cheeses, and freshwater fish at their restaurants
Be sure to try the wild game burgers and hearty poutines here at Canmore!
Canmore Cuisine – Where to Go
Canmore is full of restaurants and cafes, but these two stand out:
- Canmore Brewing Company: This award-winning place features a taproom that serves delicious snacks. You can also book a tour to see how they make their beverages.
- The Co+Kitchen: The Co+Kitchen offers hands-on cooking classes and gourmet lunch experiences. Coming here means you’ll get to enjoy fresh local produce and authentic Canmore cuisine.
18. Appreciate the Northern Lights
Central Alberta is a good base for seeing the northern lights. Canmore, in particular, offers some of the best views, especially in winter!
Winter nights are longer and darker, making the aurora borealis shine brighter. It also helps that Canmore has strict regulations on light pollution, increasing your chances of seeing the northern lights.
Northern Lights at Canmore – Where to Go
Seeing the northern lights takes some luck. However, you can improve your chances by coming to these areas:
- Lake Minnewanka: Lake Minnewanka is a convenient location for seeing the northern lights However, the roads leading to it can become congested when the northern lights appear.
- Quarry Lake: Quarry Lake has wide open spaces that’ll give you unobstructed views of the northern lights.
19. Hop on a Bus Tour
Getting on a bus tour is a convenient way to access all of the popular attractions in Canmore. And you can travel to nearby areas regardless of your group size.
Canmore bus tours can take you to the glaciers, lakes, and nature reserves around you. They’re cost-effective ways to explore what Canmore has to offer!
Canmore Bus Tours – Where to Go
These are Canmore bus tours you should consider booking;
- Moraine Lake Tour: Sunrise at Moraine Lake is an unforgettable experience. This tour sets out before dawn and has everything you need to stay warm during the trip.
- Banff Day Tour: The Banff Day Tour takes you to hidden attractions within the area. It’ll pass by Lake Louise and Banff National Park!
20. Attend the Art Classes
Canmore has a vibrant art scene. Its ArtsPlace is the central hub for everything involving painting, pottery, and theatre.
Use the mountains as inspiration to craft pots and trinkets under the guidance of local artists. And bring your projects home as souvenirs.
discover your passion for art at Canmore through a hands-on class!
Art Classes Canmore – Where to Go
Attending an art class is a fun way to stay warm indoors. Recommended places in Canmore :
- ArtsPlace: ArtsPlace holds classes for anything from woodcarving to wildlife photography. Here’s where you can try your hand at silver casting, wheel throwing, and leather tooling.
- Crock a Doodle Canmore: This art studio specializes in pottery painting. You can simply walk in with your family and choose from the many ready-to-paint ceramic pieces on display.
Winter Activities Canmore
From ice climbing to indoor art classes, there are tons of activities during winter in Canmore, one of the best places to appreciate the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
However, you won’t be able to accomplish all the winter activities on this list if you don’t have the right accommodations.
Our tip is to choose an Airbnb at a central location close to all the main attractions. To get started, you can go through our website for the top places to stay in Canmore!
