Canmore is situated in one of Canada’s best adventure areas. There are countless options for those who wish to get outdoors, breathe in the fresh air and get their heart rate up. Not to mention take in the many incredible Rocky Mountain views and to step where few people have been before. Some joke that Canmore has two seasons, Winter and a blend of Spring-Summer-Fall. Yes, Winter is the longest of seasons in the Rockies, but Canmore’s summers are fantastic! Hot days and cool evenings make for a great balance. No matter what activity you enjoy, Canmore has a fantastic option for you.
The question is, which sports are most popular in Canmore? We have tallied a list of adventures that locals and visitors enjoy the most. It always makes us chuckle when we ask what brought someone to the Bow Valley. More often than not, the person responds with, “What everyone else is here for, I think,” alluding to the fact that everyone has a bike (or four!), skis, running shoes, and a pair of hiking boots. The adventure awaits in Canmore. It’s also worth noting that Banff, Icefields Parkway and Kananaskis Country offer equally great options for each activity.
Top 7 Sports Activities To Do In Canmore
1. Hiking
As soon as anyone reaches the Rocky Mountains, a sense of awe comes over them as they look out at the mountain ranges. This never goes away, no matter how many times you have visited Canmore. The daydreaming follows that awe, the dream of getting into the mountains, exploring the trails and seeing what is on the other side of each mountain – views that few have had. The most accessible way to explore the mountains and the trails is to hike. Canmore has many trails to explore no matter what experience level and fitness one has. All you need is a pair of hiking boots and an adventurous spirit – the trails await.
2. Mountain Biking
As mentioned earlier, one bike is rarely enough for anyone living in Canmore. No matter the adventure, there is a bike for that. We have five bikes and counting. The most popular bike is, fittingly, a mountain bike. The season typically starts in March or early April, depending on how dry the trails are. The season runs through the summer and until the snow begins to fly in November. The key is to dress appropriately, as mountain weather can change instantly.
Road biking is also a popular option. The road biking season is typically in April, once the town has swept the gravel off the roads – no one wants a punctured tire. Most riders bike the Legacy Trail into Banff. Once in Banff, there are a few options, maybe some hill repeats at Mt. Norquay or Tunnel Mountain. Another great option is the 1A Highway, which Banff Parks closes in the summertime. For those impatient for the roads to be cleared of gravel, you will see some Gravel bikes out and about, especially those looking to go long distances on logging roads.
An increasingly popular bike is the Fat Bike. This is an ideal bike option for those cyclists who love getting out in the wintertime. Fat bikes turn snowy trails into a fun adventure. It’s much like the equivalent of skiers who love ski touring or an alternative to cross-country skiing. Fat bikes are a ton of fun on those blue sky winter days!
3. Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
Winter and Canmore are synonymous with downhill skiing. There aren’t many ski resort towns in North America that offer great skiing and bluebird winters. The Rockies provide light powder snow because these mountains are on the eastern side of the continental divide – have less moisture as the BC mountains get most of the moisture, little is left in the clouds. British Columbia receives far more snow, which is heavier and can get slushy during Spring skiing. Canmore’s downhill skiing and snowboarding options are fantastic with Lake Louise Ski Resort, Sunshine Village Ski Resort, Nakiska, and Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. Don’t forget that the options don’t end with backcountry skiing and split boarding out the back door and throughout the region. Each ski resort offers its own strength. Nakiska attracts a lot of Calgary day-trippers as it’s the closest ski hill to the city of Calgary. Lake Louise is home to the World Cup of Skiing, and it’s common to have bluebird ski day here. The terrain is also awesome. Sunshine Village is a popular spot for visitors to Banff and Canmore due to the proximity to either town. You can take a town bus from Banff and Canmore to the hill. Mt Norquay is the local’s closest hill. An ideal spot for families looking to get the kids into lessons and racing. It’s not uncommon to find the kids doing laps after school on a Friday afternoon. Note: pow days make the town a lot quieter. Getting first tracks is a commitment many people in Canmore take seriously.
4. Cross Country Skiing
Canmore is home to the National Nordic Ski team, so it’s no wonder that cross country skiing is a big deal here in town. Many of our friends who have skied for the National team say that the Canmore Nordic Centre has some of the best trails and snow conditions in the World. Winters can be long here in Canmore. Getting into winter activities is essential to make it through the cold weather and keep your fitness up. It’s such a healthy sport, and it can take you a long way down the trail system. Some nordic skiers will sky from Canmore to Banff; yes, that’s a commitment! Jackrabbits is a great kid’s lessons after-school program. Many of the instructors are former national athletes. You will see many national team athletes training on their roller skiing near the nordic centre in the summertime. It’s a pretty awesome sport whether you choose classic or skate skiing.
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5. Trail Running
If you have explored our neighbourhood guides, you will have a good sense of how many trails are easily accessible out everyone’s backdoor. All you need is a pair of trail shoes, and you can head off into the mountains. It’s worth investing in a pair of Goretex shoes for the Winter and spring, and these will keep your feet dry and a little warmer. If you want to traverse the alpine trails getting a sturdy pair of shoes with a stiffer flex will help. We highly recommend Ski UpHill – Run Uphill for all of your running (and ski touring gear.)
6. Rock Climbing
One of the major reasons Ryan first visited Canmore in the early 2000s after university was to climb. Nothing has changed, except that that pull meant it was time to move here. Canmore is home to the Canadian Alpine Club and attracts the whos who of climbers. New routes are created each year. The most challenging objectives are tested. And those who love getting out into mature to climb some limestone have endless options. Climbers can train at Sonnie Trotter’s bouldering gym in the off-season, the Canmore Climbing Gym. Canmore offers some of Canada’s most accessible climbing. Just be sure to bring a helmet. Alpine rock climbing means there can be plenty of falling rocks.
7. Ice Climbing
Canmore is arguably the number one ice-climbing town in the World. Yes, Ouray is big, as is Chamonix. But, what do those two towns lack? Well, it’s simple, Canmore has accessible climbs through the area. Many of the best ice climbers are a short walk from the highway. Some of the best routes in the World are here in the valley. Also, dry tooling is big on those training days leading up to ice climbing season. We highly recommend Sean Isaac as an ice climbing guide, and he is one of the best ice climbers in Canadian climbing history.
Local’s Tip:
Always pack of pair of spikes for your shoes or boots. It’s common to have an icy walk even through downtown Canmore. In late Winter, the freeze-thaw can be treacherous for anyone, no matter how coordinated and balanced one is! Another local tip is to always carry bear spray whenever you are out on a trail.
By no means is this list exhaustive. You can literally do what you want here in Canmore. But can you surf? Yes, you can actually surf in Canmore. There is a standing wave not far away. Be sure to bring a dry suit; it’s cold! We hope you get out there and live the life you dream of. After all, it’s easy here in Canmore.
