The Best Things to Do in Canmore Alberta with Kids
Alberta is one of those places that you visit that just seems to leave a lasting impression.
And even though there are a ton of things to do in Canmore, Alberta with kids, the town is often overlooked for the more Instagrammable spots like Lake Louise.
We spent an entire day exploring Canmore, and really loved the small-town vibe.
And we really enjoyed the fact that it was nowhere near as crowded as Banff.
Hopefully, this post will get you excited about visiting Canmore, rather than just passing it over.
The Best Things to Do in Canmore Alberta with Kids
With so many amazing things to do in Canmore, where do you start?
We have put together a list of activities that are sure to appeal to everyone in your family.
Pick a few, or try them all. You really can’t go wrong when visiting this incredible town.
1. Take a Stroll Down 8th Street
One of the things you will notice when visiting Canmore is the wonderful small-town charm.
Surrounded by gorgeous mountain vistas, this pedestrian-only main street is filled with unique shops, stylish boutiques, art galleries, cafes and quaint restaurants.
Grab a coffee or vegan treat at Harvest, or a burger and craft beer or soda at The Grizzly Paw Pub and Micro-brewery.
But definitely don’t miss the Olde Thyme Candy Shoppe for all things sweet and nostalgic.
2. Visit the North West Mounted Police Barracks
Completed in 1909, the Northwest Mounted Police Barracks is an important historical landmark located on Canmore’s main street.
Built from mud, straw and logs, this functional log building is one of only three remaining structures of its kind in the province.
The barracks originally housed Mounted Police officers who were tasked with maintaining law and order in Canmore.
Their duties included patrols of the town, checking trains for illegal liquor, and keeping the peace amongst the coal miners and railway workers.
Today, the building has been well maintained, with several of the surrounding spruce trees still original from the period of construction.
The NWMP Barracks is open to the general public Thursday through Monday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission to the Barracks is by donation only.
3. See the Giant Head
One of the first things you will notice when strolling down Main Street is a sculpture of an enormous head.
Carved from granite, the ‘Big Head’ weighs a whopping nine tonnes and sits partially submerged in sand, near the entrance of Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk.
Throughout the year, the community has fun with the Big Head, making sure that he is properly accessorized for the season.
You may find him with a warm cap for the winter, or a pirate outfit during the summer.
Fun Fact: The sculpture was created in 2008 by Alan Henderson, who took inspiration from Canmore’s name. The town is named after Ceannmore, a village located on the northwest shore of Scotland. In Gaelic, Ceannmore means “big head,” hence the sculpture!
4. Explore the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Center
One of the best things to do in Canmore on a rainy day is to visit the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Center.
With a variety of exhibits featuring Canmore’s geological and indigenous histories, the Museum is a great place to learn all about the area.
One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is ‘From Coal to Community.’
The exhibit explains the integral part played by Canmore in the western expansion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, as well as the importance of coal mining to the community.
If you are visiting the Museum during the summer months, be sure to check out the Indigenous Stories program.
Learn about the traditions, language and culture of the Stoney Nakoda people, who have inhabited the region for nearly 10,000 years.
5. Shop at the Canmore Mountain Market
Every Thursday from May to October, Canmore’s main street is transformed into an outdoor marketplace.
The Canmore Mountain Market has been operating for over twenty years and has become a popular summer tradition for locals and tourists alike.
Not only will you find an incredible selection of local fresh fruit and vegetables, but keep your eyes open for artisanal baked goods, jams, coffee and meats.
If you are shopping for souvenirs, you will also find plenty of clothing, jewelry, unique crafts and other locally made products on offer.
6. Try a Beaver Tail
Of course, what kid can resist a Beaver Tails? If you haven’t sampled this iconic Canadian treat, what are you waiting for??
The amazing smells wafting from the shop will be sure to pull you in!
First created in 1978, Beaver Tails are large, flat, deep-fried pastries. Beaver Tails are normally served covered in cinnamon sugar.
But nowadays, there are approximately 120 different flavour combinations available (with chocolate hazelnut spread being the most popular)!
Fun Fact: 48.7 tons of chocolate hazelnut spread goes into making BeaverTails® each year! To put that in perspective, that’s the same weight as 70 moose!
Expect to pay about $7-10 CAD for one Beaver Tail.
However, they are pretty big, so two people could easily share one… but that’s IF you are actually willing to share!
7. Walk Along the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk
The Policemen’s Creek boardwalk is a well-marked 4-kilometre trail that is perfect for strolling.
The elevated walkway is an out-and-back trail that is easily accessible from downtown.
The trailhead is near the Big Head Sculpture at the intersection of Main Street and Spring Creek Drive, in downtown Canmore.
The loop takes you through forested areas and along the water, making it both scenic and relaxing!
The trail is moderately busy, offers several activity options, and is best used from March until November.
Dogs are also able to use this trail, but must be kept on a leash.
8. Be on the Lookout for Wildlife
No matter what time of the year you visit the Canadian Rockies, there is a pretty good chance that you will come across some form of wildlife.
And Canmore is definitely not an exception!
Although there is less of a chance that you will see black bears and grizzlies in Canmore, as compared to Banff National Park, elk are a common sight in the downtown area.
Keep your eyes open for the odd deer or coyote as well.
Just remember, do not approach the wildlife, and definitely don’t feed the animals. It’s actually against the law and can cost you a pretty hefty fine.
9. Hike in Kananaskis Country
Known as the foothills of the Rockies, Kananaskis Country is home to some incredible hiking trails.
Although not as well-known as the more popular Lake Louise hikes, Kananaskis has a variety of trails available for every skill level.
Kananaskis Village is also home to awesome mountain biking, snowshoeing, and paved walking trails.
Head to the Village for some ice cream, or visit the playground with younger kids.
And one of the best reasons to hike in Kananaskis Country is fewer crowds during the peak season!
Calgarians and other locals know that the secret to some weekend fun in the mountains without Banff-level crowds is to head to Canmore.
❄️ Book a snowshoeing adventure in Kananaskis Country here.
10. Take in the Three Sisters Mountains
Named the Three Sisters by George Dawson in 1886, they are Canmore’s iconic and most easily recognizable mountains.
Known individually as Faith, Hope, and Charity, or the Big Sister, Middle Sister, and Little Sister, they can be seen from the Trans Canada Highway as you are driving through the Bow River Valley section of the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy 1).
At nearly 10,000 feet, they’re hard to miss!
In fact, many locals will tell you that experiencing these amazing mountains is a must when visiting Canmore!
The three mountains consist of bare, rocky peaks, which are in stark contrast with their lush, green pine forests that cover them at lower elevations.
If you are looking to do a little hiking, you can definitely scramble up both the Middle Sister and Big Sister.
The Little Sister, however, is for serious rock climbers only.
The terrain is extremely difficult and should not be attempted unless you have experience hiking and scrambling in the Canadian Rockies.
11. Walk the Historic Railway Bridge
Visiting the historic truss bridge, which spans the Bow River, is one of the more scenic things to do in Canmore.
Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1891, the Railway Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Canmore.
It was originally built on a railroad spur line to serve a coal mine.
Today, the old rail spur is now the Bow River Loop Trail and is the perfect place to go for a stroll or spot some wildlife.
🚶♀️ Take a walking tour through Canmore to learn more about its history.
12. Ride Your Bike from Canmore to Banff
One of the best things to do in Canmore during the warmer months is to ride the Legacy Trail to Banff.
The trail is very family-friendly and extremely popular.
The Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail is a 26.8 km paved trail that connects Canmore to Banff.
The 3-meter-wide trail was built to commemorate Parks Canada’s 125th Anniversary.
Although the Legacy trail runs parallel to the highway, you will still be treated to some incredible mountain scenery along the way.
Keep in mind, the Legacy Trail is typically free of snow only between May and mid-October.
If you are planning to do a round trip on the Legacy Trail, it will take you approximately 2 – 3 hours.
The route only has a 30 m elevation gain, and there are numerous rest stops and photo opportunities along the way.
But if that seems like a lot of biking to do with kids, you can always decide to ride the trail one way.
You can then hop on one of the city buses that make trips between Canmore and Banff and are equipped with bike racks.
13. Walk Through Grotto Canyon
Another great family-friendly hike in Canmore is Grotto Canyon.
Popular at any time of the year, the 4 km trail is easily accessed about 10 minutes from downtown Canmore.
The trail takes hikers along the narrow-walled creek bed, through the steep limestone walls of the canyon, and eventually to a beautiful waterfall.
But just before you reach the waterfall, hikers are treated to several Hopi pictographs, which were painted almost 1,000 years ago.
Grotto Canyon is also popular with rock climbers during the summer and guided ice walks during the winter.
No matter what time of year you are visiting, Grotto Canyon is a must-visit!
🚶♀️ Book a guided tour of Grotto Canyon here.
14. Go Underground at the Rat’s Nest Cave
If you are looking for one of the most unique things to do in Canmore, how about caving?
Canmore Cave Tours allows you to explore an undeveloped cave system under Grotto Mountain.
With a couple of different options to choose from, you and your family can enjoy experiencing one of the longest caves in Canada.
Canmore Cave Tours has been offering tours at Rat’s Nest Cave since 1992.
Their knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will give you a fascinating glimpse into Canmore’s geology.
The cave tours are available year-round, rain or shine, and the company provides all the caving equipment you will need.
The tours start with a 30-minute hike up a mountain trail to the mouth of the cave.
And depending on the tour you have chosen, you will be underground exploring the caves for 2-4 hours.
✔️ You can book your Canmore Caving Adventure here.
15. Try Your Hand at Paddleboarding
If you like spending time on the water, you may want to try your hand at paddleboarding.
Not only is it a relatively easy sport to pick up, but it is a ton of fun for all ages and fitness levels.
Rent a board and explore the incredible mountain lakes, or take part in one of the many tours you can find on offer.
And apart from the 360-degree mountain views, the lakes have pretty still water, which is perfect for people of all skill levels.
16. Check Out the Canmore Nordic Center
Heading to the Nordic Center is a great option, no matter what time of year you are visiting Canmore.
There are a ton of family-friendly activities to choose from, with the center also providing equipment rentals, lessons and tours.
If you are visiting Alberta during the winter, downhill skiing in the Rockies is world-class.
Of course, if this is above your skill level, you can also try out the Olympic cross-country course (site of the 1988 Winter Olympics), try fat-tire winter biking, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ice skating.
During the summer months, the Canmore Nordic Center transforms into an awesome mountain bike park with trails suitable for kids of all ages.
And if you don’t have your bikes with you, there are rentals available on-site.
If biking is not your thing, how about a round of disc golf?
This family-friendly activity puts a new spin on golf and is a must-try when visiting the Nordic Center during the summer.
Where is Canmore Alberta?
Canmore is located approximately 81 kilometres west of Calgary, near the southeast boundary of Banff National Park.
Located in the Bow Valley of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, Canmore is the ninth-largest town in Alberta with a population of only about 14,798.
How to Get to Canmore
There are many options available for getting to Canmore.
Where you are coming from, what you are planning to do, and your budget will be the biggest factors in determining which route you should take.
By Air
If you are coming from a distance, the closest airport to Canmore is Calgary International. It is only a 75-minute drive and is by far the easiest way to get to Canmore.
From the airport, you have several options to get to Canmore. You can either rent a car and drive, take a bus, use a shuttle service, or grab a rideshare.
By Car
If you are driving from Calgary, the quickest way to Canmore is via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).
Highway 1A is another possibility. Although it is about 15 minutes slower, it is a little more scenic and will take you through Cochrane and Morley.
If you are driving from Edmonton, the quickest way to Canmore is via the AB-2 South and Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). This will take just under 4 hours.
If you are driving from Vancouver, the quickest way to Canmore is 9.5 hours long, or 869 kilometres.
It is an extremely scenic route as well, so you may want to take your time.
We would recommend a stopover in Kamloops to help split up your drive.
If you are driving from Jasper, the quickest way to Canmore is along the Icefields Parkway.
This 311-kilometre drive can be done in 3 hours and 39 minutes if you don’t make any stops.
However, to be quite honest, this may be pretty impossible! The Icefields Parkway has been touted as the most scenic drive in Canada, and for good reason.
We would definitely recommend a minimum of a full day to do this popular road trip.
And if you’re planning on hiking some of the popular trails along the way, you may need even longer!
Driving Times at a Glance
- Calgary to Canmore: 1 hr 15-minute drive – 105 km – via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W.
- Banff to Canmore: 20 minutes drive – 25km – via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 E
- Edmonton to Canmore: 4-hour drive – 390 km – via AB-2 S
- Vancouver to Canmore: 9.5-hour drive – 869 km – via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E
By Bus
There are a few bus services with routes to Canmore from Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary.
Taking a Roam Transit bus from Banff to Canmore is another option. With the most direct routes, the cost of a trip is only $2 per person.
By Bike
As we mentioned earlier, the Legacy Trail connects Canmore to Banff. It truly is an amazing way to get from one point to the other.
If you are a confident cyclist, you could cover the 26 km between the two towns in under an hour.
Is Canmore Worth Visiting?
With so many amazing things to do in Canmore Alberta, it would really be a missed opportunity for you to visit the Canadian Rockies, and not stop in to explore everything this town has to offer.
With incredible hikes, gorgeous scenery, and a wonderful small-town vibe, Canmore is family-friendly and definitely worth a visit.
Not only is Canmore incredible, but it is also a stepping stone to Banff National Park and the Icefields Parkway.
Less crowded than other parts of Alberta, you could easily make Canmore your home base and do day trips to some of the other attractions.
Do You Need a Parks Canada Pass to Visit Canmore?
You do not need a National Parks Pass to visit Canmore. However, if you decide to venture into neighbouring Banff National Park, then you will need to purchase a Parks Canada Pass.
The Parks pass can be purchased either online or at the Park entrance gates as you leave Canmore and enter Banff.
You will, however, need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass if you are planning to park your vehicle at any provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country or the Bow Valley. No pass is needed if you are visiting the Canmore townsite.
You can purchase your Kananaskis Conservation Pass online, or in person at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centres (Barrier, Elbow and Peter Lougheed) and the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge.
You will only need to purchase one pass per personal vehicle. There is no extra cost for trailers or additional passengers.
Keep in mind, however, the passes are registered to a single vehicle by license plate, so they are non-transferable to another vehicle.
When is the Best Time to Visit Canmore?
Visiting Canmore during the summer is arguably the best time if you are only considering the weather as a factor.
The warm temps are perfect for camping, hiking, spending time out on the lakes and rivers, or just strolling through the Mountain Market in town.
Of course, if winter sports are what gets your pulse going, then visiting between January and April is a must.
This is when all the winter attractions are open, and you will have the best snow.
But if you are looking for a quiet escape without all the crowds, visiting during the shoulder (non-peak) season is definitely the way to go.
Visiting during May and June, or from mid-September to the end of October, allows you to miss the summer hikers, the Larch madness, and the rush of international skiers and snowboarders.
Shoulder season not only allows you to avoid crowds, but you can also take advantage of lower hotel prices, an increase in animal sightings, and perfect temperatures for outdoor activities.
Not to mention, that the Rockies are just gorgeous during the Fall.
Where to Stay in Canmore
When visiting Canmore, there are quite a few different accommodation options available for all budgets and types of stays.
Whether you are looking for a campsite, hostel, luxury resort or something in between, you will find a nice range of properties to meet your needs.
Our favourite family-friendly place to stay in Canmore is the Pocaterra Inn.
Not only is the hotel in close proximity to the main townsite, but the Inn features an awesome pool with a waterslide, which was perfect for the kids.
The Pocaterra Inn is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, and about 5 minutes to Canmore’s main street.
The Inn is close to a grocery store, gas station, and a ton of restaurants.
The Room
Our hotel room was well-appointed and perfect for a family.
It had 2 queen beds, a pull-out sofa, a seating area, a fireplace, and a small kitchenette with a microwave, fridge and coffee maker.
The bathroom was modern and was a great size.
The Pocaterra Inn offers a pretty good free hot breakfast
But the best part is that they also have cookies and hot chocolate being served in the lobby. This was a definite hit with the kids!
But of course, the large pool with a waterslide was the main attraction!
And don’t worry, there is a decent-sized hot tub next to the pool for the adults to relax in.
We found the hotel to be clean, the staff friendly, and there was plenty of free parking located on the property.
🏨 Check rates and availability for all Canmore hotels here.
Where to Eat in Canmore
There are a ton of amazing places in downtown Canmore to grab a bite. And the best part is, you can pretty much find a restaurant serving whatever you are craving!
Wood Restaurant
Head to the Wood Restaurant if you are craving burgers, fresh bowls and salads. They offer both a great vegan menu as well as a kids’ menu.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
If you are looking for incredible pizza, look no further than the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. This award-winning restaurant offers a farm-to-pizza experience.
You can expect your meals to be made from incredible fresh local and organic produce, Ocean Wise seafood, and free-range organic meats.
The restaurant is proud to be a 100% nut-free establishment and offers gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
1890 Smokehouse
If you are in the mood for BBQ, head over to the 1890 Smokehouse located on the main floor of the historic Canmore Hotel.
Inside this 130-year-old building, you will find good food, a friendly atmosphere, and live music.
Not only do they serve an array of freshly smoked wings, ribs, chicken, brisket, and pulled pork, they also offer a large selection of both craft and domestic beer.
Their children’s menu is also quite good.
Bicycle Cafe
If you are looking for a truly unique and extremely quirky place to grab a coffee, head to the Bicycle Cafe.
Rumoured to have the best coffee in all of Canmore, this cafe serves coffee, sells rare plant species, and sells and services bicycles.
Don’t expect much selection in terms of the coffee. But what you can expect, is friendly conversation and knowledgeable staff.
The Bicycle Cafe is definitely one of the unique things to do in Canmore Alberta, according to the locals.
The Grizzly Paw Pub and Micro-brewery
If you are craving a local craft beer and an incredible burger, look no further than The Grizzly Paw Pub and Micro-brewery.
They specialize in hand-made burgers, salads, fish and chips, and smoked brisket sandwiches, in addition to the on-site brewery.
Final Thoughts
When travelling to the Canadian Rockies, there are so many incredible things to do in Canmore Alberta, that you really do need to include it in your itinerary.
And it doesn’t matter what time of the year you travel, and whether or not you are visiting Canmore with kids, you are sure to have an incredible experience.
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