Trying to cover the beautiful town of Canmore within just one day might be a bit hectic for travellers. But if you are running on a tight schedule, then we have the perfect itinerary to enjoy Canmore to the fullest. We have covered everything from gastronomic happiness to hiking, shopping till you drop and visiting some local lakes. Keep reading to learn more about spending a highly fulfilling day exploring Canmore.
Start your morning with a Healthy Breakfast
If you don’t want to eat at your hotel, you can visit any of the local eateries for a fulfilling breakfast. We recommend going to The Rocky Mountain Bagel Company for piping hot coffee and sumptuous bagels. You can also pay a visit to Eclipse for specialty coffee and indigenous artisan roasts.
Visit Canmore Engine Bridge
Ask your breakfast eatery for coffee in a paper cup and walk up to the Canmore Engine Bridge. This famous spot was constructed in 1891 and has surged in popularity since The Last of Us show. Get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning views of Mount Rundle and Ha Ling Peak as you walk across the bridge. Occasionally travellers spot elks grazing by the river’s shores.
Hike to Grassi Lakes Canmore
If you plan to hike to Grassi Lakes then you need to obtain a Kananaskis Conversation Pass. During this hike you will pass through a properly maintained trail offering majestic views of the bright green lake. The USP of Grassi Lake is its bright turquoise hue allowing you to see the waterbed. The hike to Grassi Lakes takes around 45 minutes from the trailhead. You can choose among the two trails, one easy and another difficult according to your level of expertise.
Hike to Grotto Canyon near Canmore
While you can enjoy the Grotto Canyon hike throughout the year it is recommended during winter. Once the mercury dips, you can walk along the frozen creek while basking in the beauty of frozen waterfalls. It’s advisable to be equipped with microspikes for your winter hike.
Go on a Shopping Spree
Once you complete your morning hikes, you can head out to the Main Street as most shops will be open by now. You can visit The Tin Box, Project A, Stonewaters and Alberta’s Own Marketplace for local crafts and souvenirs. Art lovers can visit the Jason Carter Gallery for a canvas print.
Take a Lunch Break
There are countless eating joints in Canmore. For a a quick meal you can try the healthy spread at Communitea, sandwich lovers can go to Bella Crusta while Ramen Arashi serves the best ramen in the locality. Many of the Canmore eateries like The Wood and The Tavern feature an outdoor patio for dining in nature.
Go for an afternoon dip in the Lake
Canmore is home to multiple water bodies which can offer you a relaxing swim. You can reach the Quarry Lake through a 9 minute drive from Canmore town. Tourists can take their paddleboards to Rundle Forebay for a lovely swim.
Take a walk around Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk Trail
It takes around 1 hour to complete the walk around Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. This 4km long trail has next to none elevation. Hikers of varying levels can walk through this well maintained trail. While walking through the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk Trail you can enjoy some amazing views of lush forests, Mount Rundle and the Three Sisters mountain range.
Have a Hearty Dinner at Canmore
You can enjoy a lovely dinner at the Bridgette Bar or 4296. It’s best to make a reservation in advance so that you can enjoy fabulous cocktails and other dishes without any worry. The Grizzly Paw is a popular Canmore eatery offering both indoor and outdoor dining options. Here you can enjoy some finger licking pub food like burgers, fish and chips, and more.
Enjoy a Live Show
Once the sun goes down at Canmore, it isn’t necessarily bedtime. You can head out to the Carter Ryan Gallery and enjoy various shows and plays it hosts around the year.
Conclusion
The charming town of Canmore is located at a distance of 20 minutes from Banff. However, it receives fewer footfalls than Banff making it a popular spot among tourists who like to avoid crowded places. But if you want to spend an amazing day filled with adventure in the lap of nature then Canmore needs to be on your bucket list.
