19 Can’t Miss Hidden Gems in Canmore

Canmore is one of the most popular mountain towns in Alberta, thanks to its spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountain views and proximity to Banff National Park. It boasts world-class skiing resorts, pristine mountain lakes, fascinating natural cave networks, and some fantastic art galleries and craft breweries.

If you like to venture away from the crowds when you travel, you might be curious about Canmore’s lesser-known sights and activities. Here are 19 hidden gems to seek out on your next visit.

1. Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station

• Website: banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola
• Address: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff

There’s lots to explore in Banff National Park, but Sulphur Mountain is one of the area’s lesser-travelled peaks. Take the gondola up to the summit for exceptional views of Bow Valley, the Canadian Rockies, and the town of Banff.

2. Play Ice Hockley at Cougar Creek Ice Rink

• Website: canmore.ca/your-community/recreation/outdoor-recreation/rinks
• Address: Elk Run Blvd, Canmore, Alberta

Cougar Creek is a popular outdoor ice rink that’s dedicated to hockey. Join a practice or watch a match to experience this wholly Canadian sport. This is a great alternative to the Pond — a popular outdoor ice skating rink.

3. Canmore Fishing Adventures

• Website: canmorefishingadventures.com
• Address: 1727 Mountain Avenue, Canmore, Alberta

There’s fantastic fishing to be had in the rivers and lakes of Kananaskis Country. Canmore Fishing Adventures offers a range of guided fishing trips on Bow River and the nearby lakes and streams.

4. Stargazing Snowshoe Tours

• Website: kananaskisoutfitters.com/tours/stargazing-tour
• Address: 1-279 Mt. Sparrowhawk Crescent, Kananaskis, AB

The clear skies over the Rocky Mountains are perfect for watching the stars, particularly in winter when the unique light paints the sky in magical colors. The best stargazing is had in remote areas, such as out near the Three Sisters Mountains or within Banff National Park. A great way to see the night sky is by joining a Stargazing Snowshoe Guided Tour in Kananaskis Village.

5. Horseback Riding at Boundary Ranch

• Website: boundaryranch.com
• Address: AB-40, Kananaskis, AB
• Opening hours: 9 am – 5.30 pm

If you want a change from hiking and biking, consider exploring the rugged wilderness on horseback. Boundary Ranch welcomes riders of all abilities and offers other fun experiences like winter sleigh rides, whitewater rafting, and dog sledding, so you can easily spend the full day here.

6. McGillivray Creek Canyon

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the likes of Johnston Canyon and Grotto Canyon, opt for McGillivray Creek Canyon, which lies between Dead Man’s Flats and Lac Des Arcs. The trail carries you up to “Chock Rock,” a huge boulder suspended between the canyon walls.

7. Canmore Mountain Market

• Website: canmore.ca/your-community/arts-culture-and-heritage/farmers-market
• Address: Elevation Place, 700 Railway Ave, Canmore Alberta
• Opening hours: Thursday 10 am – 6 pm between May and October

Canmore Mountain Market is a popular farmers market that runs on Thursday mornings throughout spring and summer. You can pick up tasty local produce, artisanal cosmetics, handcrafted clothing and jewelry, and freshly prepared dishes from resident food trucks.

8. The Kananaskis Vault

• Website: www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/heart-creek-bunker
• Address: Mt. McGillivray, Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada

You might be familiar with the Canmore cave tours of Rat’s Nest Cave, but there are yet more caves in this region that were once earmarked as vaults for Cold War documents. Work began on an ambitious underground bunker system in the 1960s, but the plan fell apart when funding couldn’t be secured. Now, all that remains are shallow caves which can be accessed via a hiking trail that starts by Heart Creek.

9. Banff Springs Hotel

Banff Springs Hotel is a majestic Scottish Baronial-style property known as the Castle in the Rockies. It was originally built in 1888 but underwent dramatic renovations in the early 1900s, when an 11-story tower was added. The hotel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be sure to visit it on a day tour of Banff.

10. Wildlife Discovery Tours

There’s an abundance of wildlife in the Rocky Mountain region, including black bears, grizzlies, and bighorn sheep. If you plan to take a day trip to nearby Jasper, consider joining a Wildlife Discovery Tour to get the best chance to see some of the region’s native species.

11. Moraine Lake

If you’ve already visited Lake Louise and the Grassi Lakes, try the lesser-known Moraine Lake. From its shores, you can enjoy stunning views of the Ten Peaks.

12. Rundle Forebay

Rundle Forebay lies just west of the town and is accessible by car or on foot. Start at Riverside Park, cross the Engine Bridge, and follow the trails towards Canmore Nordic Centre. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available if you want to make a full day of it.

13. Rafts & Crafts Tour

• Website: canmorerafttours.com/rafts-crafts
• Address: The Raft Shack, 829 8 St, Canmore
• Opening hours: Thursday – Saturday from 2 pm

The craft brewery scene in Canmore is renowned, and a fun way to experience it is with a Rafts & Crafts Tour. You’ll take a thrilling raft ride down the Bow River before taking the hop-on-hop-off Mountain City Brew Bus to explore the local breweries and distilleries at a pace that suits you.

14. Canmore’s Public Artworks

Canmore’s natural beauty has served as inspiration for many artists, and the town is home to several galleries. Downtown Canmore is also home to many public artworks and murals commissioned by Canadian artists who live in Bow Valley or nearby. A great way to explore the town is by searching for its artworks. Here are a few highlights to get you started:

• Ceannmõre (Big Head) on Main Street
• Swan Mural on the back of ArtPlace on 8 Ave
• Altered Ground on Fairholme Drive at the Spur Line Trail
• Touchstone at Elevation Place on Railway Ave
• Portal XII near the Trans Canada Underpass

15. Canmore Highland Games

• Website: canmorehighlandgames.ca
• Location: Centennial Park, 5 Ave, Canmore, Alberta

Based on the Highland games that have taken place in Scotland since the 11th century, the Canmore Highland Games are designed to celebrate Scottish and Celtic ancestry and culture. It takes place on the first weekend of September and attracts visitors and competitors from across North America.

16. Canmore’s Spas

Intersperse your outdoor adventures with much-needed rest and relaxation when visiting one of Canmore’s spas.

Bodhi Wellness

• Website: bodhicanmore.com
• Address: 1818 Mountain Ave, Canmore, Alberta

Treatments include massage therapy and reiki, and there are outdoor hot tubs with mountain views.

Verde Day Spa

• Website: verdedayspa.com
• Address: Blackstone Mountain Lodge, 170 Kananaskis Way, Canmore, Alberta

Pure, organic ingredients are used to provide luxurious treatments in a tranquil environment.

Fairmont Hot Springs and Spa

Address: 5225 Fairmont Resort Road, Fairmont Hot Springs
Opening hours: 8 am – 9 pm daily

It’s a four-hour round trip to Fairmont, but you can expect exceptional spa treatments and opportunities to soak in three natural hot springs surrounded by stunning views.

17. Spring Creek

Policeman’s Creek Trail is one of Canmore’s best-known easy hikes, particularly for first-time visitors who want to get a feel for the area. Spring Creek is accessible just off this trail – it’s a new neighborhood packed with beautiful homes, retail outlets, restaurants, galleries, and more.

18. Kananaskis’ Fat Biking Trails

Biking is a year-round activity in the Rockies when you rent a fat bike in winter. Fat bikes have wide tires, bulky frames, and hand warmers, which makes them a practical alternative to mountain bikes in snowy conditions. The following trails are perfect for fat biking in the winter:

• Bow River Loop from Downtown Canmore
• Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park trails
• Highline Trail is accessible via the Quarry Lane Parking Lot
• Goat Creek Trail off Spray Lakes Road

19. The Smith Dorrien Trail

The Smith Dorrien Trail is a scenic gravel road offering spectacular views of Canmore and the surrounding mountains. You’ll likely use this route to access popular hiking trails such as Ha Ling Peak and East End of Rundle. Even if you’re not much of a hiker, it’s still well worth a drive for the epic sights.

Explore Canmore’s Secret Sights

There are plenty of popular sights and outdoor activities to keep you busy on a trip to Canmore, but this list proves there are plenty of ways to beat the crowds. Now you’re clued up on Canmore’s hidden gems; you can plan a sightseeing itinerary that lets you see a different side of this scenic town.