Canmore transforms into a winter wonderland as a thick layer of snow starts to blanket it. Many travel to this charming town for enjoying its natural beauty with the jagged peaks of Canadian Rockies standing out in the backdrop. Whether you wish to enjoy solitude in nature, hike up iconic peaks or skate through frozen lakes, Canmore has something for everyone.
Let’s check out amazing things to do in Canmore in winter…
Go Hiking To Grassi Lakes
Grassi Lakes is a popular Canmore hike which attracts a large crowd during summer. But the winter scene is an exact opposite. Very few people come here especially during winter weekdays making it ideal to enjoy solitude in the lap of nature. A round-trip hike covers 3.8 kilometres with 200 meters of elevation gain. The twin emerald-green lakes remain beautifully framed by snow-capped peaks during winter.
Try Ice Fishing
Want to enjoy the snowy Rockies in its winter beauty? Try ice fishing near Canmore. One of the top spots for ice fishing is Spray Lakes Reservoir which can be reached following a 25-minute drive from Canmore. The best thing about Spray Lakes Reservoir is its high population of lake trout which attracts fishing enthusiasts. You can also go fishing at Lower or Upper Kananaskis Lakes having a rich reserve of rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and bull trout.
Capture The Three Sisters In Your Camera
Faith, Hope, and Charity—popularly known as The Three Sisters—stand as iconic mountain peaks in Canmore. Photography enthusiasts often try to capture their ethereal beauty with their cameras. The mountains look the most breath-taking during winter making it the hotspot for photographers. For a better view you can go to The Three Sisters Photo Viewpoint which is just five-minute’ walk from the off-leash dog park on Bow valley Trail. Mornings and evenings are considered the best for winter photography.
Try Ice Skating In Canmore
For a magical winter experience, try out ice skating at Canmore’s Town Pond. This lovely winter hub gets tremendous footfall between December and March. Alberta Parks look after the maintenance of Canmore’s Town pond. Whether you are a seasoned skater or a novice, you can enjoy a safe skating experience here. Once it gets dark, the floodlights turn on and let you skate under the glistening stars. There is a wooden gazebo nearby where you can warm your hands in between laps. If you aren’t carrying skates, then you can rent them from the numerous shops.
Go Hiking At Ha Ling Peak
Seasoned hikers can get their adrenaline rushing by hiking to Ha Ling Peak in icy conditions. You can reach the trailhead following a 15 minute drive from Canmore. Throughout the hike you will experience an elevation gain of 800 meter as you travel 4 kilometre uphill. The hike gets challenging during winter months but you will still find heavy traffic making navigation easier.
The visibility level reduces during this time and the trail gets highly slippery. Wear warm clothes, micro spikes, and carry an ice axe to stay safe. When you reach the top, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the Bow Valley.
