Post by Marissa
Discover the best things to do in Canmore, Alberta—from scenic hikes and lakes to great restaurants, mountain views and more.
🏔️ Best Things to Do in Canmore at a Glance
Short on time? Here are my top things to do in Canmore:
🥾 Best easy hike: Grassi Lakes
🚲 Best easy outdoor activity: Bow River Pathway
🛍️ Best for exploring: Downtown Canmore
🍽️ Best for foodies: Eat your way through Canmore
🚗 Best scenic drive: Spray Lakes Road
🏖️ Best summer spot: Quarry Lake
🌅 Best for views: Sunrise or sunset over the mountains
⛰️ Best challenging hike: Ha Ling Peak or East End of Rundle
Table of Contents
If you’re planning a trip to Canmore, you’re in for one of the most scenic (and honestly, more relaxed) alternatives to Banff.
With mountain views in every direction, easy-access hikes, incredible food, and a quieter pace, Canmore is the kind of place where you can stay busy—or slow right down.
This guide covers the best things to do in Canmore, whether you’re visiting for a day trip or building out a full itinerary.
1. Hike to Grassi Lakes (Best Easy Hike in Canmore)
If you only do one hike in Canmore, make it this one.
Grassi Lakes is one of the most accessible hikes in the area, but the payoff feels anything but basic. The bright turquoise water and mountain backdrop make it one of the most photographed spots near town.
There are two route options:
- An easier, wide path (great for families)
- A slightly steeper trail with better views along the way
👉 I break down everything you need to know (parking, route choice, timing) here: Grassi Lakes Hiking Guide
2. Walk or Bike the Bow River Pathway
For something slower-paced, the Bow River pathway is one of the easiest ways to take in Canmore’s scenery.
You’ll get:
- Mountain views the entire time
- Access to multiple bridges and viewpoints
- A flat, easy trail perfect for walking or biking
This is a great option if you:
- Don’t feel like hiking
- Have limited time
- Want something low-effort but still scenic
3. Explore Downtown Canmore
Downtown Canmore is compact, walkable, and actually enjoyable to wander without a strict plan.
You’ll find:
- Local shops and boutiques
- Cafes and bakeries
- Patios with mountain views
It’s worth setting aside time to just explore—especially in the morning or early evening when it’s quieter.
4. Eat Your Way Through Canmore (It’s Better Than You Expect)
One of the most underrated things about Canmore? The food scene.
Compared to Banff, you’ll often find:
- Better value
- Less crowded restaurants
- More local feel
Some standout options:
- Bridgette Bar
- The Sensory
- Crazyweed Kitchen
- Communitea Cafe
👉 I’ve put together a full list here:
Best Restaurants in Canmore
Pin these for later! 📌
5. Take a Scenic Drive (Without the Banff Traffic)
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Canmore is how quickly you can escape the crowds.
A few scenic routes worth doing:
- Spray Lakes Road (towards Kananaskis)
- Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail)
These drives give you:
- Unreal mountain views
- Lakes and pull-offs
- Far fewer people than Banff
If you’re staying overnight, I recommend checking hotels in Canmore here.
6. Visit Quarry Lake (Best Spot to Relax in Summer)
If you’re visiting in summer, Quarry Lake is one of the best places to relax.
It’s ideal for:
- Swimming (on warm days)
- Picnicking
- Easy walking trails
This is more of a “slow down” stop, but it balances out the more active parts of your trip.
👉 For full planning details:
Canmore Travel Guide
7. Go for a Sunrise or Sunset View
You don’t need a major hike to get a great view in Canmore.
Some of the best moments are simply:
- Early morning light on the mountains
- Sunset over the Three Sisters
Even a short walk or drive can give you incredible views.
8. Try a Longer Hike (If You Want a Challenge)
If you’re looking for something more challenging than Grassi Lakes, there are plenty of options.
Popular choices include:
- Ha Ling Peak
- East End of Rundle (EEOR)
These hikes are more demanding, but the views are next-level.
How to Plan Your Time in Canmore
If you’re spending a few nights in town, read about my stay at The Malcolm Hotel before deciding where to stay.
One of the best things about staying in Canmore is that you can easily use it as a base for exploring Banff National Park. Banff town is only about a 20-minute drive away, so you can spend the day checking out Banff’s biggest attractions and come back to a quieter, more relaxed base at night. If you’re planning to explore both Canmore and Banff, I’d personally choose Canmore as my home base—it gives you easy access to the national park while still letting you enjoy everything Canmore has to offer.
If you’re not sure how to fit this all together:
1 day in Canmore:
- Grassi Lakes
- Lunch + downtown
- Bow River walk
2–3 days:
- Add Quarry Lake
- Scenic drive
- Banff day trip
👉 For more help planning your stay, check out my 3-Day Canmore Itinerary.
Final Thoughts: Is Canmore Worth Visiting?
Yes—and for a lot of people, it ends up being the better choice over Banff.
You still get:
- The same mountain scenery
- Easy access to major attractions
But with:
- Fewer crowds
- Better value
- A more relaxed overall feel
If you’re planning your trip, start here:
👉 Canmore Travel Guide
👉 Grassi Lakes Hiking Guide
👉 Best Restaurants in Canmore
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