Things to Do in Canmore, Alberta: Where to Eat, Sleep & Explore
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Canmore doesn't get as much attention as Banff, and honestly, that's part of what makes it so great.
It sits just outside Banff National Park in the wider Bow Valley, which means the mountain views here are spectacular in every direction. More peaks visible, more sky, more of that wide-open Rocky Mountain feeling. No park pass required. Prices are a little more reasonable. And a town with its own genuine character. Boutique shops, pretty parks, and a pedestrian main street you actually want to wander.
Our honest take? You gotta do both. Canmore and Banff are different experiences and they complement each other perfectly. From our Calgary pickup location, Canmore is your first mountain stop and a great way to ease into the Rockies.
What to Do In Canmore
Hiking
Canmore is surrounded by incredible trails for every level. The wider valley means you get big mountain panoramas almost immediately. Ha Ling Peak is one of the most popular and rewarding hikes in the area. Grassi Lakes is a shorter option with beautiful turquoise pools and looking at climbers on the mountain side. And if you want to go deeper into the backcountry, Canmore is the gateway to Kananaskis Country, one of our absolute favourite places in all of Alberta.
Canyoning with West Canyon
If you want to do something a little different from hiking, canyoning is genuinely one of the best experiences you can have in the Rockies. Banff Canyoning runs guided canyoning tours through the area and they're worth every minute.
What sets them apart: They are one of the only operators in the region boasting consistent 5-star reviews across all platforms, a testament to their world-class service.
Beyond the thrills, Banff Canyoning is defined by a rigorous commitment to safety; they strictly adhere to international guiding standards.
Ask them directly about exclusive offers for New Age renters.
Rock Climbing
Canmore has a strong climbing culture and plenty of accessible routes for beginners and experienced climbers alike. The area around the Three Sisters and Grotto Canyon are popular starting points.
Walk the Main Street
Canmore's main drag is pedestrian-only and genuinely lovely to walk. Boutique shops, local galleries, good coffee, and a relaxed pace that's a bit different from the tourist bustle of Banff Avenue. Give yourself an afternoon here with no particular agenda.
Rainy Day Option: Elevation Place
If the weather turns, which happens, Elevation Place is our go-to recommendation. It's Canmore's recreation centre and it's excellent having a hot tub, a full climbing wall, pools, and a gym all under one roof. A great way to spend a rainy afternoon before heading back out when the sun returns. Check current hours and rates at the Town of Canmore website.
Picnics in the Parks
Canmore has some lovely green spaces along the Bow River that are perfect for an afternoon with nothing on the agenda. Pack something from Rocky Mountain Bagel Company, find a bench with a view of the peaks, and just sit with it for a while. One of the best things you can do in the Rockies costs absolutely nothing.
Where to Sleep
Canmore’s campgrounds are a great base for exploring both the town and the surrounding area.
A quick reminder: a Parks Canada pass is not required within the town itself, but a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is needed for nearby provincial parks and campgrounds. Luckily, all New Age Travel and Services campervans are already registered, so you won’t need to pay anything extra.
Wapiti Campground
Right in the northwest end of town, Wapiti is the most central camping option in Canmore. It's located off Bow Valley Trail next to the Travel Alberta Information Centre, with sites for campervans and tents, electrical hookups, showers, fire pits and a dump station. Easy walking distance to restaurants and shops. Reservations are first-come, first-served between May and October.
Bow River Campground
About 5 km east of town in Bow Valley Provincial Park, the Bow River Campground sits right along the Bow River with beautiful mountain views and well-treed sites. A good option if you want a slightly more natural setting while still being close to Canmore. Reservations can be made 90 days in advance through Alberta Parks.
Bow Valley Provincial Park
A larger campground about 30 km east of Canmore, Bow Valley Provincial Park has a wide range of site options from unserviced to power and water, plus plenty of hiking, biking, fishing and paddling right on site. A great choice if you want more space and a full park experience. Also on the Alberta Parks reservation system.
Where to Eat
Canmore has a genuinely good restaurant scene for a town its size. Here are our personal favourites:
Beaner's
The go-to for good coffee in Canmore. A local staple, unpretentious, and exactly what you want before a morning hike.
Cacao 70
This one genuinely surprised us. Cacao 70 is a chocolate café with hot chocolate in more varieties than you knew existed and after a day of hiking and burning through calories in the mountains, you have absolutely earned every sip. Our personal favourite stop in Canmore.
Rocky Mountain Bagel Company
Well-priced, filling, and good at any time of day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner with a bagel from here is a solid move. Great for packing something to take on the trail too.
Grizzly Paw
The Grizzly Paw has an amazing patio for a cold beer after a long day outside. They brew their own beer in Canmore and the atmosphere is exactly what a mountain pub should feel like. Perfect end to a big day.
Crazy Weed Kitchen
A Canmore institution with great food and a relaxed vibe. Good for a proper sit-down dinner after a day of adventures.
Bridgette Bar
Worth knowing about, but also worth knowing: parking near Bridgette Bar is tricky. Leave the van at your campground and walk or grab a ride. The food is great and worth the minor inconvenience.
Getting to Canmore from Calgary
Canmore is about 100 km and roughly an hour from our Calgary pickup location. Your first taste of the mountains and an easy, beautiful drive.
We're a Calgary-based company and Canmore is one of our favourite stops to recommend to renters. If you’re ready to explore your campervan options, follow the link below to start planning your adventure. See you soon.
