Canmore has evolved into a traveller’s favorite destination with the amazing hiking opportunities, serene peaks and lakes. You can easily spend years in this charming town while enjoying the perfect mix of laidback nature trails and adrenaline pumping activities. Both summer and winter months offer picturesque sights as Mother nature takes center stage and paints the town of Canmore with the most beautiful hues.
If you are planning to visit Canmore anytime soon, then you have come to the right place. Let’s take a look at the best places to visit in the Canadian mountain town especially when you are short on time.
Canmore Engine Bridge
This iconic landmark of Canmore blends the best of natural beauty, historical significance and outdoor adventure. It was built back in 1891 primarily for coal transportation. Currently it serves the role of a pedestrian pathway on the Bow River Loop Trail and the Spur Line Trail. The celebrated bridge gained worldwide accolade after being featured in HBO’s The Last Of Us.
Fans of the show flock to relive the memories of their favorite show by walking through the Canmore Engine Bridge. While walking through this picturesque bridge located at a 15-minute walk from Downtown Canmore, you can see elk drinking water from the river below.
Grassi Lakes
Grassi Lakes is a popular trail among first time hikers coming to Canmore, Alberta. It offers breath-taking views of one waterfall and two glimmering lakes in a vibrant shade of turquoise. Close proximity to Canmore town opens up many options ahead of visitors who might head out to the town and explore its eateries.
The Grassi Lakes hike attracts a large number of visitors during weekends given its easy accessibility. You will find clear markings all along the 2 km long hike which gains an elevation of 200 meters along the way. The trailhead can be reached by driving 5 kilometers from Downtown or through Roam Transit during summer months.
Quarry Lake
This man-made lake sits atop an old coal mine. It is located at a distance of just five minutes from Downtown Canmore and is fed by an underground mountain spring. If you are searching for an easily accessible spot to relax in Canmore, then Quarry Lake can serve as your best choice. On reaching the Quarry Lake, you can take a 15 minutes stroll around the picturesque spot while basking in ethereal mountain views.
Here you can spot the majestic Mount Lady MacDonald, Little Sister, Ha Ling Peak, and the Rundle Range. Quarry Lake has won global recognition as one of the best picnic spots in Canmore. You will find plenty of picnic tables around the south and north shore of the lake. Visitors often try stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking in the Canadian Rockies. A lush forest separates the lake from the wall of Ha Ling Peak. If luck favors, then you might spot elks, deer and bears in this area.
Grotto Canyon near Canmore
Grotto Canyon is another easy hike in Canmore. You can access it year round. You can walk through the ice walk and frozen creek once the mercury drops. During summer months, you can enjoy the beauty of the narrow canyon. You can access the 4km long Grotto Canyon by foot. You will find Hopi pictographs ranging 1000 years on the left just before the falls.
The trailhead to Grotto Canyon starts at the Grotto Mountain Day Use Area. Here you will find a picnic area right next to a beautiful pond with long drop toilets, picnic tables, and trash cans. You just need to follow a well-marked trail starting at the car parking spot for reaching the Grotto Canyon.
Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk
The Big Head sculpture is the first spot you will visit on entering Canmore. A scenic 4km boardwalk starts from here along the Policeman’s Creek. This picturesque walk can help you make the most of nature’s offerings as you hum to the sweet melodies of birds while watching the majestic peaks nearby.
You will feel delighted to see the ducks swimming by as you lower your gaze a little bit. If luck favors then you might spot a deer or elk. There are multiple entry points next to the Big Head sculpture and you can choose one according to the distance you are planning to traverse. If you feel tired along the way, then there are numerous benches to take some rest.
