Regardless of hiking ability, don’t forget your hiking … Given it’s popularity, you can expect the snow to be nicely packed. It’s a small peak that sits right below Ship’s Prow and has no official trail or routes up to the top. Pictographs along the canyon wall. For a mild and easy climb, hike to the Lady Mac Teahouse! Flowing Water Interpretive Trail is a quick and easy trail 18 minutes East of Canmore. Want more hikes like the ones listed in this post? One of the peaks that watches over Canmore, Lady Mac is a favourite local hike, both for its proximity to town and the challenge it presents. 15 Easy Hikes Near Canmore 1. There are many beautiful easy hikes near Canmore. Banff National Park is a short distance from Canmore, Alberta and within an hour and a half of Calgary. Now visitors flock to the park on weekend summer days to swim and enjoy the warm weather. This should no be confused with Wind Pass which is a hike on the Smith Dorrien Highway. Grassi Lakes is one of the most popular Canmore hiking trails. Home » Regions » Alberta » 20 Fun Canmore Hikes from Easy to Hard. In the summer months, you’ll find wildflowers and birdlife, while it’s a great trail to spot larches in the fall. Here are the best winter hikes near Calgary. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won’t cost you anything extra. Trailhead Address on Google: VVF3+P4 Kananaskis Village, Alberta. Here are our favorite Canmore hiking trails starting with the easiest and working the way up to harder scrambles. That means there is plenty of room for exploration as a large network links the various neighborhoods, parks, Canmore Nordic Center, and points of interest. Warspite Lake follows the Black Prince Cirque Trail, 3 Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunts for Kids (+Free Printables), Indoor Playground for Kids at Home – The Swedish Ladder, The Ultimate Guide to Finding Kid’s Cross Country Skis. The loop follows a gravel path that leads along the Bow River and over the two pedestrian bridges. This trail took us about 5 hours, with LOTS of photo stops and a lunch break near the satellite tower. Canmore lodging ranges from Canmore rentals, Canmore condos and Canmore bed and breakfasts, now all that’s left is knowing where to hike. Canmore has about 70km of walking and hiking trails, with many easily accessible trailheads. Chances are you might even us see us on the trail as it’s our access into town from our home in the Three Sisters Mountain Village. . From what appears to be tantalizingly close to town of Canmore, Mount Lady MacDonald is much more of a challenge than either Ha Ling Peak or the East End of Rundle are. With a Bachelor degrees in Physical Education and Education, it is her mission to show families just how easy, fun and healthy it is to spend time outdoors. Erkunde die beliebtesten Routen in meiner Liste 'Canmore 2020 - easy hikes' und lasse dich von detaillierten Beschreibungen, Bewertungen und Bildern inspirieren. Raymond Wong Flickr cc by 2.0 Why it’s awesome: Relax in turquoise lakes and watch the climbers... 3. To reach the peak you climb over 1,700 meters or 5,600 feet and nearly 22km in a day. Insider Tip for Families: If your family is new to hiking and has little kids then consider an easier trail like the Mount Everest Expedition Trail first. East End of Rundle hike is easily one of the most popular hikes near Canmore. The trail connects the two paths, and several offshoots offer exploration. We carry ours in the neighborhood and bears have been known to stroll through town and busy parking lots. Cross-Country Skiing. Any time we set out for an objective I determine a time at which we need to turn around in order to arrive at the parking lot or campsite by dark. You can learn more on the about us page. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Canmore to the Stoney Trail Day Use Area where the hike begins This is one of the best Canmore winter hikes for families. Easy Winter Hikes Canmore. Pick an adequate hike for your fitness, plan for plenty of time, pack water and food, and don’t be afraid to turn around. There is a wooden boardwalk that runs through the creek, connecting the main road to a residential block. Grassi Lakes is a popular short hike near Canmore with two azure lakes, a waterfall, and ancient pictographs. Stretch your legs as you gain and lose 300 metres (984 ft) over 4 km (2.5 mi) on your choice of two trails. Your email address will not be published. There you can hear a waterfall but you cannot see it. (For those with a few Canadian Rockies hikes under their belt!). For beginner hikers, families, or a nice, easy walk around the Canmore town area, the Bow River Loop is the perfect hike. The Bow River Loop is a very relaxed 2 km loop that’s accessible from downtown, with the trailhead located by the bridge on Rundle Drive. 5 Beginner Friendly Hikes in Canmore & Banff June 22, 2018 by Amanda Kingsmith We’ve called the Canadian Rocky Mountains “home” for the last 4 years (plus the 7 years we lived in Calgary, which is just 1.5 hours away), and over that time , we have discovered a lot of great hiking! The locals of the town and its visitors are fortunate to have a wide selection of walks, hikes, and mountains to scramble. Troll Falls & Upper Falls, Kananaskis Village. The trail is open from June 15th to November 30th. After traveling the world for six years he settled down in the beautiful Bow Valley with Natasha. Purchase (Ebook) Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies here. Your email address will not be published. This one is also listed in the “best hikes” post because if you add Sarrail Ridge it gets even better,... 2. Don’t worry about mountain views as they’re plentiful, as with just about anything in Canmore. The 4.5 km (2.7 miles) and 250 metre (820 feet) climb up to Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive Trail are worth the effort. It’s open year-round perfect for witnessing the various seasons in Canmore. Please respect the closure for wildlife from December 1st to June 15th. Top Canmore Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of Hiking Trails in Canmore, Kananaskis Country on Tripadvisor. Tag Archives: easy day hikes Canmore. Insider Tip for Families: After the hike, walk past the outhouses and enjoy lunch alongside Upper Kananaskis Lake. A Canmore classic, the Grassi Lakes hike is perfect if you only have a few hours and you’re looking for something easy, accessible and beautiful. After that, larch enthusiasts, or “larch lurkers” as Laynni refers to them (and herself) should check out these hiking trails: 6 Best Larch Hikes Near Canmore. From there you’ll get a great view of both Mount Sparrowhawk and Reads Tower. Insider Tip for Families: Enjoy the hike while camping at the first come first serve Willow Rock Campground. I wrote a book! Windtower is located along the Spray Lakes Road and provides amazing views over Spray Lakes as well as over Canmore from the summit. To explore the Canmore area then try these 12 Easy Hikes Near Canmore. Adventuring does not end when you have children. Drive through downtown Canmore, then take the route to the Nordic Center and follow the signs to the Grassi Lake parking lot (at the base of the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail). One is marked easy, the other difficult. Insider Tip for Families: There is a sandy beach at Quarry Lake. Canmore – Top Hikes and Dog Sledding. A down jacket is an essential in the Rockies. The most pleasant experience would be to start from the Cougar Creek parking lot opposite the dog park. And the views from the top aren’t bad either. For long hikes, set a turn around time at the departure. Surrounded by incredible mountain views, the easy trail crosses over multiple bridges and covers 4.2 km (2.6 miles) and climbs only 100 m (328 ft). This is only a four hour round trip hike, but you do have the option to keep going past to scramble Mount Sparrowhawk for a more complete day. Rick McCharles Flickr cc by 2.0 Follow steep switchbacks over gravel, loose rock and roots to the... 2. The raised boardwalk along Policeman’s Creek is a scenic and quintessential Canmore walk that great for birding. It’s one of the best Canmore walks for everyone. You’ll hike in the treeline for the first 45 minutes or so until you reach West Wind Pass. West Wind Pass is one of the more challenging hikes mentioned. In the shadows of the more popular Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks, Canmore is a lesser-visited town in the Canadian Rockies. Even in the winter, this famous canyon with rock art is possible to walk along the frozen creek. Details. Hikers and scramblers can climb either the Big or Middle Sister of the famous Three Sister Peaks. Ken Richie Way, Canmore, AB (403) 762-1550 www.explorecanmore.ca. The Grassi Lakes hike is so enjoyable that we make time to do it almost every year. It’s also worth mentioning the extensive network of illegal trails (pirate trails cut through wildlife corridor) that cut through the wildlife corridor that makes it easy to get lost, although the main trail is largely self-explanatory. It includes a pair of picturesque, crystal-clear lakes surrounded by impressive rock faces. Forgetmenot Pond is a stunning, easy, 1.2-mile stroller-friendly loop located in the Little Elbow Recreation Area that follows the pond’s shoreline and crosses two bridges. The Grizzly Ridge hike shares a trailhead at the Highwood Pass parking area with the Pocaterra Ridge hike but the hiking experience is completely different. Lake Louise Shoreline Trail is a 4km (2.5 mi) out and … This article may contain affiliate links. The trail is a point to point with multiple options up and down this is explains the large variation for distance and time. Insider Tip for Families: Wedge Pond is a great place to bring a canoe and/or Stand up Paddle Board. If you’re looking for an easy, scenic family-friendly hike you don’t even need to leave Canmore. For most hikers, this 2-3 kilometer loop can be done in less than one hour. This family-friendly hike begins with a challenging climb and finishes with an easy loop in the alpine. There’s very little elevation change and you get rewarded with views of a stunning waterfall at the end. Trailhead Address on Google: 105, New exit from Highway 1 to New Roundabout. The low end of the times in this post is a constant fast pace uphill with little to no breaks and a brisk pace downhill. This 2.4 km hike is great for beginners or families with younger children. The easy trail gradually climbs up a wide trail that is stroller accessible. We think this is one of the most spectacular areas and the perfect place for an outdoor vacation. Here are a few of our favourite easy winter walks and hiking Canmore has to offer. Troll Falls is a popular kid-friendly hike located near to the Kananaskis Village that follows a trail to a stunning waterfall in both summer and winter. This day use area is located on Hwy 40 (Kananaskis Trail) just a few minutes South of Barrier Lake. It’s one of the best hikes in Kananaskis Country – and yet you probably won’t see many people. East End of Rundle hike is easily one of the most popular hikes near Canmore. It is only the Beginning. While Ha Ling peak may look daunting from Canmore the hike up the backside is not much more than a physical challenge. Find information about winter hiking tours, guiding services for Canmore, Kananaskis and Banff National Park. https://destinationlesstravel.com/easy-hikes-in-canmore-alberta Located near Mount Engadine Lodge this is a wonderful look hike. Get used to going uphill as it never really lets up once you start. LEVEL: EASY | ROUND TRIP: 2KM LOOP. As the trail moves alongside the river it passes several meadows, creeks, and forests. 12 Incredible Canmore & Kananaskis Hikes for All Levels Easy Hikes in Canmore & Kananaskis Bow River Loop. Those who choose to tackle this peak should come prepared for lots of scree and some hands-on scrambling. Even in the winter this is a hike that almost anyone will be able to do. Wondering if there are others around Canmore interested in 2 to 3 hour hikes/ outings with people like me: middle aged and of average fitness. Despite the elevation gain, there is not much for views outside of a few avalanche paths/gullies that look down on the trail. Best $2.50 (per month) ever spent! Because hiking and walking are such a beloved activity in the area, these trails are clearly marked and carefully maintained. I’d suggest downloading a GPX track to avoid confusion. Grassi Lake is one of our favorites and the one hike we’ve probably done the most in the Canadian Rockies as we live just down the road from the trailhead in Canmore. Moderate and Challenging Options. Below you will find 8 family friendly hikes from Jasper all the way to Canmore. The trail begins with a short climb through the forest, then descends and stays close to Johnston Creek all the way to Lower … The picture above is from Mount Allan looking down onto Wind Ridge. This makes it a great hike for those staying in Banff town. To reach the island interpretative trail, continue past the Engine Bridge along the Bow River. It’s a beautiful hike up that provides visitors with astonishing views over Canmore, the Bow Valley, and Ha Ling Peak. There are two trails at Grassi, both end at the same beautiful lakes, one is easy and one is more difficult. He has a passion for all things in the Canadian Rockies and loves to spend his time snowboarding, scrambling, camping, biking, and trail running. There are picnic tables on both sides of the lake to enjoy a day soaking up the views of the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Mountain. Moderate. Challenging. If the 3.4 km (2.1 miles) and 35 metre (114 ft) trail to Troll Falls are too easy, consider hiking up the left side of the falls to discover more waterfalls further up the trail. It’s also the best effort to reward in all of the regions with breathtaking views of Spray Valley and Ha Ling Peak. The town has around 70km of trails in town and is surrounded by a plethora of peaks that form the Bow Valley. 5 Easy Hikes in Kananaskis – Best Hiking Near Calgary Grassi Lakes. Then, keep driving up the Spray Lakes Road past the Ha Ling Trailhead, Highway 742, towards Mount Engadine Lodge for the night. The second bridge is the Engine Street Bridge, an old railway bridge used by the mining companies that has been converted to a pedestrian bridge. Although, just because East End of Rundle (or EEOR, or “Eeyore” as locals like to call it) is close to town doesn’t mean it’s an easy climb up to the summit. 1: Grassi Lakes. Here’s a look at some of best trails in the Kananaskis area, varying in difficulty from moderate to hard. Alberta Parks even invested in the trail with an extensive trail overhaul in 2019, that added steps and handrails. Look for the marked junction about 100 metres from the trailhead. Take a simple valley bottom stroll … Ha Ling Peak. There is also a good chance you’ll come across some elk as they’re plentiful, especially in the winter months. It’s a moderate to hard hike, with very little scrambling involved. Enjoy fabulous mountain scenery on this popular hike that leads to two emerald-hued lakes. The easiest part of this hike is to the helipad which lies on the shoulder just below the summit. Rating in the book Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies. It’s also the best effort to reward in all of the regions with breathtaking views of Spray Valley and Ha Ling Peak. 3 Johnston Canyon :: Banff National Park. One of my favorite spots in the city! Insider Tip for Families: Forgetmenot pond deepens quickly so use caution, pack a life jacket, and practice water safety. The more difficult route to the left is the Grassi Lakes Interpretive and climbs gradually through forested terrain before reaching a very steep section with excellent views of a waterfall and the town of Canmore. Enjoy hiking past a flowing river, marsh, beaver dam, while soaking up views of Mount Yamnuska. Hiking to Grassi Lakes: Choose Your Route . We completed this hike in four hours on a fantastic summer day and were rewarded with an epic sunset from the peak. Though there are other trails in the area, they’re clearly marked, and you’ll know to turn around when you’ve reached the impassably steep part. Pack a lunch and a change of clothes to enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic tables of benches to continue enjoying the surrounding mountain views. Stretch your legs as you gain and lose 300 metres (984 ft) over 4 km (2.5 mi) on your choice of two trails. Buy the paperback book Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies here. It’s one of the best Canmore hikes on this list and one of the best hikes in the Rockies. It’s also super important to know that there are limitations and to come prepared. Top 5 Larch Hikes Mt. In the summertime, it’s popular for families seeking to enjoy the narrow slot canyon and climbers looking to scale its walls. The 2.1 km (1.3 miles) loop climbs over 220 metres (721 feet) to spectacular views of Elk Pass and Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. I would recommend not hiking in the dark as it’s easy to get lost and it’s not fun in bear country. The Grassi Lakes hike is so enjoyable that we make time to do it almost every year. The two Canmore lakes are the most photogenic in the area. There are two ways to get to Grassi Lakes: the “easy” way (Grassi Lakes Upper), and the “more difficult” way (Grassi Lakes Interpretive). The 4.3 km (2.7 miles) covers over 200 metres (656 feet) of elevation making it one of the more challenging trails of these easy hikes. The loop can be completed in either direction, clockwise or counter-clockwise. Mainly because it is very easily accessible to individuals looking to do easy hikes in Kananaskis or Banff, it’s also super beautiful and worth the time! Bow River Loop. The Grassi Lakes hike is an easy 4 km hike. We love the walk with some coffee from Eclipse Coffee Roasters in downtown Canmore. However, the views at the pass are worth the effort. The trail offers only the occasional view of the mountains but ends at a stunning mountain lake. Quarry Lake Loop follows an easy, wide, stroller-friendly trail for 1.1 km (.68 miles) located in Canmore, Alberta. Insider Tip for Families: Sometimes locals have hidden trolls along the trail that you can enjoy spotting as you hike! 3. Take the “More Difficult” trail to enjoy an easy hike that leads you past a beautiful waterfall en route to two emerald coloured lakes. This means it’s family-friendly and suitable for most fitness levels. One of the most popular hikes in Canmore also makes a great winter hike. In winter, say goodbye to mosquitoes and crowds, and say hello to snow-capped peaks and ice falls! It’s also increased in popularity over the year so the path through the forest is easy enough to follow. Quarry Lake is the former site of the Canmore mine and a successful revitalization project that is beloved by the town’s residents. Bow River Loop Hike. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most hikers will stop their journey at the “teahouse,” but you can continue along to the true summit. Trailhead Address on Google: Ken Richie Way, Canmore, AB. In regards to times keep in mind your mountain fitness — different than the gym. Our travel counsellors have put together their favourite fall larch hikes in the Canmore Kananskis area. (Light Scrambling involved in most of these Canmore hiking trails). Its conveniently located on the freeway from Calgary to Banff. Although the hike is easy along the Opal Creek, there are some slopes you will need to maneuver if you want a good look at the falls. To hike Windtower you’ll want to start across the street alongside the road. 10 of the Best Hikes near Canmore, Alberta 1. The crux of the hike is the cliff-band up ahead The final approach to the summit One of the Canmore hikes that delivers a superlative view Getting back down into the trees but it’s still steep One of the Canmore hikes is right in town. Pack a shovel, pail, swimsuit, and life jackets to enjoy some time by the water on a hot day! This is our favorite walk in Canmore plus it’s a great option for bikes and runners. The Troll Falls and Hay Meadows loop is an easy winter hike in Canmore with a great payoff. Lake Louise Shoreline Trail . Hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails twist through the Canmore area’s rugged terrain, providing hikers with a wide range of options. Once you finally make it to the summit on’t get too close to the edge – it’s a straight drop off. Located in the heart of Bow Valley Provincial Park, Heart Creek Trail is only 13 minutes East from Canmore. There’s even an easy colour coding system to … Another rewarding and short hike on this list is Read’s Tower. This great picnic spot is also an ideal location for fishing as the ponds are stocked with rainbow trout. The book features full descriptions of each hike with maps! The trail up to Elbow Lake covers 3 km (1.8 miles) and 153 metres (502 feet) of elevation on a wide, old gravel road. It follows a steep 4.8 km (3 miles) trail up 390 metres (1280 ft) to a mountain pass. Summer and winter trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre can be accessed from many locations. Lorette Ponds. To conquer Windtower you have at least an hour and some change more of light scrambling and moderate incline to go. 1. It shows the correct trail way, elevation, and other hiker reviews. In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies. The Bow River Loop is a nice little trail that starts in Canmore town center, crosses the scenic Bow River Bridge and loops around along the Bow River. This one rewards with a tiny summit via a short ridge and a bit of easy scrambling. There is no shortage of cafés, pubs, or cozy restaurants where you can warm up at the end of your hike in town. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else. The Bow River Loop is a pleasant circular walk around the Bow River outside the center of Canmore. The Policeman’s Creek is a short hiking trail located very close to the main street of Canmore. All of these easy Canmore hikes are kid-friendly and featured in the guide book that is on pre-order called Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies. Now is your choice of what kind of length and time you want to be on the trail. The trail signed as “easy” follows an old road that would allow families to access the first lake with a Chariot or similar outdoor stroller. Hike to Grassi Lakes – Grassi Lakes is one of the most popular hikes in the Canmore Kananaskis area. Grassi Lakes is a popular hike located in Canmore and for good reason. There are a few alternatives to make the trail harder if you choose, but even the basic circuit offers beautiful scenery and a wilderness feel making Grassi Lakes the best of the easy Canmore hikes. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. Read’s Tower is a very rewarding hike for such low exposure and minimal scrambling effort. A Canmore classic, the Grassi Lakes hike is perfect if you only have a few hours and you’re looking for something easy, accessible and beautiful. And while tourists often frequent Canmore and Banff to go hiking, Kananaskis hikes are equally as beautiful and often quieter. Share: About; Events; Members; Photos; Discussions; More; Join this group. Grassi Lakes is one of the most popular Canmore hiking trails. Winter is here, and while it would be easy to stay inside and hibernate, you’d be missing out on some beautiful hiking. Insider Tip for Families: If you cannot make it to the destination then there is no need to worry. If you want to explore the Banff National Park area then try these 10 Easy Hikes in Banff National Park. However, the true summit requires some exposed scrambling along a narrow ridge. Length: 4 km (2.5 mi) to Troll Falls, 6 km (3.7 mi) to Upper Falls round trip Difficulty: Easy Troll Falls is the perfect family-friendly hiking trail. Trailhead Address on Google: WVP5+RC Kananaskis, Bighorn No. The more difficult trail follows a path alongside the mountain, is significantly steeper with some cliffs but also follows past a small waterfall. Most of the time, you won’t need anything other than a pair of winter boots unless the trail is especially icy. As you’ll find out, this town takes its festivals seriously, and they’re one of the most prevalent things to do in Canmore. The winter trailhead for recreational skiing is located just outside the north end of the Daylodge. To explore the Canmore area then try these 12 Easy Hikes Near Canmore. All trails can be accessed from this point. There is a real physical challenge involved and only a fraction of hikers make it to the true summit since it involves some easy scrambling up a cliff band a few meters from the summit. Canmore hiking is a great way to experience the outdoors and see some incredible scenery. . Before we did Smutwood, this was the best hike we had done in Canmore and, honestly, one of the best day hikes we’ve done anywhere in the world and is another of the amazing Kananaskis hikes. The trail takes you up to view the clear turquoise lakes. The Three Sisters Waterfall is a popular hike in the Canmore area. For beginner hikers, families, or a nice, easy walk around the Canmore town area, the Bow River Loop is the perfect hike. Views from Ha Ling are tremendous too as you receive some wonderful views down the Goat Valley and Spray Valley. For the best experience combine the trail with the Montane trail to make a loop. Lorette Ponds. Mainly because it is very easily accessible to individuals looking to do easy hikes in Kananaskis or Banff, it’s also super beautiful and worth the time! Located in Canmore, Grassi lakes is one of the first hikes we ever did together and is a classic Canmore location, so why have we included it on our list? For most hikers, this 2-3 kilometer loop can be done in less than one hour. If you choose Read’s Tower you have about a 45 minute to hour scree climb to the summit.