Post by Marissa
Discover the best things to do in Canmore, Alberta—from scenic hikes and lakes to top restaurants and day trips. Plan your perfect trip.
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.
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
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
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.
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! 📌
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.
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.
Use Canmore as a Base for Banff National Park
One of the smartest ways to experience Banff? Stay in Canmore.
You’ll be:
- ~20 minutes from Banff town
- Close to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
- Away from the busiest crowds
This lets you:
- Visit Banff highlights during the day
- Come back to a quieter, more relaxed base
👉 For full planning details:
Canmore Travel Guide
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.
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 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
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
We appreciate your support!
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase or book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! This helps keep the blog running so we can bring you more free travel & experience guides : )
We would love to have you onboard for our new posts! Subscribe below
Leave a Reply