Canmore becomes a peaceful retreat during winter months allowing you to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you are travelling solo or with family, this cosy mountain town offers experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime. You might want to soar down ski slopes or go on tranquil walks through snow enveloped wilderness.
Check out the different things you can try out in Canmore once the mercury starts dipping.
Try Fat Biking at Canmore
Adrenaline junkies can try fat biking as an exciting way of exploring snowy trails on specially crafted bikes. Just as the name suggests, these bikes feature oversized tires that deliver greater stability and traction on snow-packed paths. There are numerous fat biking trails in Canmore such as the Quarry Lake recreation Area, Bow River Loop, Horseshoe Loop, Goat Creek Trail, etc. Those who are new to fat biking can take advantage of its guided tour options for exploring winter wilderness up close.
Ice Skate on Goat Pond or Spray Lakes
Spray Lakes and Goat Pond are popular destinations attracting winter visitors on the lookout for a wilder skating adventure. You’ll have a great time skating on its natural rinks while enjoying the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. However, since these rinks aren’t maintained, make sure to check the ice thickness before skating. Ideally, the ice should be at least 4 inches thick before venturing out.
Take A Stroll Around Quarry Lake
Quarry Lake is a beautiful spot located a few minutes’ drive from downtown Canmore. Its 1 kilometre loop trail circles around a frozen lake and is best suited for first time hikers. You can enjoy the majestic beauty of Ha Ling Peak and Three Sisters while taking a relaxed stroll around Quarry Lake. The trail remains well-groomed throughout the year and is perfect for photography as the surrounding forests and meadows get dusted with snow. However, you should refrain from walking or skating on the frozen lake as the ice is pretty thin.
Try Snowboarding At Nakiska or Mt. Norquay
Snowboarding enthusiasts can rejoice as Canmore stands in close proximity to two top-tier ski resorts. Both Nakiska and Mt. Norquay offers ample activity choices for people of all skill levels. Mt. Norquay also features a tube park targeted at non-skiers. Nakiska resort gets tremendous footfall during weekends as it is very close to Calgary.
Go Snowshoeing To Chester Lake
You can reach Chester Lake following a short drive from Canmore. This peaceful snowy landscape can take your breath away with breath-taking mountain scenery. A round-trip snowshoe hike takes around 8 kilometres and provides slight elevation gain making it perfect for intermediate snowshoe enthusiasts. The lake remains frozen during winter months creating a postcard perfect scene. The trail can get icy in some spots, so wear micro spikes and carry trekking poles to stay safe.
Venture into Grotto Canyon, Canmore
Grotto Canyon transforms into a winter wonderland once the mercury dips. The entire hike is 4 km long and it starts with a soft incline through forest. Next, it descends into the canyon. Here you can walk along a frozen creek bed that remains lined with sky high rock walls. As you go deeper into the hike you will encounter frozen waterfalls glistening under winter sunlight. Don’t miss the faint indigenous pictographs along the canyon walls showcasing the deep cultural history of the region. It is best to opt for a guided tour for making the most of everything Grotto Canyon has to offer.
