Raring to conquer the majestic peaks and breathtaking views of Canmore?
If you are, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know, from the where and when of hiking to essential trail etiquette and safety tips for this particular spot.
We’ll even dish out some insider knowledge on the best trails for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. Basically, everything we’ve learned since going hiking in the area ourselves!
Table of Contents
Where should you hike in Canmore?
There are many hiking trails that you should try in Canmore including the Grassi Lakes trail and the Ha Ling Peak trail. These two are some of the most highly recommended for hikers, especially those who love panoramic views.
Other than this, Canmore still has a lot of hiking trails suited for both amateur adventurers and experienced hikers. We’ll take you through the trails later!
When should you hike in Canmore?
In general, you should hike in Canmore during the prime hiking season, which usually starts in late May and ends in early October. During this season, the weather is warmer and the trails are more accessible.
However, don’t let the colder months deter you, as winter hiking in Canmore can still be an enchanting experience on the snowy trails. It just requires a little more care and preparation due to the weather challenges.
Popular Hiking Trails in Canmore for Beginners
For beginner hikers seeking a gentle trail to explore in Canmore, the Bow River Loop is an excellent choice that offers stunning views of the Bow River and the surrounding mountains, and it should definitely be at the top of your list of trails to explore.
And if you’re craving more adventure, Canmore has got you covered.
Check out our list of beginner-friendly hiking trails that are sure to leave you feeling like a seasoned hiker in no time. So grab your backpack and let’s hit those trails!
1. Bow River Loop
Map: Bow River Trail
Type of trail: Loop
Difficulty level: Extremely easy
Elevation: 54m
Distance: 2.1 km loop
Time: 30 min.–1 hr.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and easy walk, we believe that the Bow River Loop is perfect for you. The trail is easy to navigate and offers stunning views of the river and its surroundings.
As you walk along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by nature’s beauty, with the sounds of the river and the fresh air rejuvenating your soul. We highly suggest taking a detour along the eastern bank of the river instead of following the Spur Line Trail east into town.
Take a peaceful detour along the eastern bank of the river for even more scenic beauty, and finish feeling revitalized and refreshed.
Other Things to Check Out in the Bow River Loop
There’s more to Bow River Loop than just hiking – take your adventure to the next level with a range of exciting activities. There’s something for everyone in this stunning destination.
2. Policeman Creek Trail
Map: Policeman Creek Trail
Type of trail: Out and back
Difficulty level: Extremely easy
Elevation: 81 m
Distance: 4.2 km out-and-back
Time: 1.5 hours or less
Permits and fees: Free access
If you’re searching for a peaceful and scenic walk with breathtaking mountain views in Canmore, you’ll find it all on the Policeman Creek Trail.
This renowned boardwalk trail winds along the charming Policeman Creek, providing gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape throughout the year.
At 4.2 kilometers long, the trail can be completed in full or accessed at several points throughout town for a shorter walk. The raised boardwalk makes for an easy and enjoyable walk for all ages and fitness levels.
For the most popular route, start at Main Street and stroll down to Spring Creek. This short walk is a great way to spend 20 minutes, take some photos, and spot some of the local birdlife.
Other Things to Check Out on the Policeman Creek Trail
Policeman Creek Trail offers more than just breathtaking views – with a variety of activities to enjoy, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to experience more than just a hike.
3. Three Sisters Viewpoint
Map: Three Sisters Viewpoint
Type of trail: Loop
Difficulty level: Very easy
Elevation: 22m
Distance: 0.8 km out-and-back
Time: 20 minutes
Permits and fees: Free access
If you’re looking for a picturesque hiking trail in Canmore, the Three Sisters Viewpoint is worth checking out. The trail is relatively easy, and the view of the three distinctive peaks of the Canadian Rockies is breathtaking.
We suggest starting your hike from the off-leash dog park near the helipad on the Bow Valley Trail. Follow the marked trail, and in about five minutes, you’ll reach the photo point.
The Three Sisters Viewpoint is a great place to visit in any season, but be sure to bring your camera, as it’s a popular spot for photography.
Other Things to Check Out in the Three Sisters Viewpoint
Looking for more than just scenic views on the Three Sisters Viewpoint trail? This stunning trail also offers opportunities for adventure. Get ready to pack your bags and explore all that this trail has to offer!
4. Larch Island Trail
Map: Larch Island Walking Path
Type of trail: Loop
Difficulty level: Very easy
Distance: 3.5 km loop
Time: 1 hour
Permits and fees: Free access
We highly recommend checking out the Larch Island Trail when you’re in Canmore. It’s a picturesque walking trail that’s perfect for everyone, including families with kids!
As you make your way along the creek and Bow River shoreline, you’ll be surrounded by larch trees that give the trail its name. To reach the interpretive trail on the island, simply keep walking past the Engine Bridge along the Bow River.
The trail is serene and tranquil, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. So lace up your walking shoes and come see for yourself why the Larch Island Trail is one of Canmore’s best-kept secrets.
Other Things to Check Out on the Larch Island Trail
There is a lot more to experience and explore on the trail, including spotting wildlife and discovering nearby camping and backpacking sites.
5. Benchlands Ridge Trail and Canmore Hoodoos
Type of trail: Loop
Difficulty level: Very easy
Elevation: 195 meters
Distance: 4.0 km
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Permits and fees: Free of charge
We’ve found one of the most panoramic hikes in Canmore – the Benchlands Ridge Trail. Although it can be accessed from Downtown Canmore, we suggest starting from the Cougar Creek parking lot across the dog park for a more enjoyable experience.
As we walk along the large bench, the trail offers us panoramic views across the Bow Valley to the Three Sisters. Though we hear some road noise since it passes over the TransCanada, it’s well worth it for the stunning vistas.
At the end of the ridge, we discovered a few small hoodoos that are definitely worth checking out. For an even more extensive hiking experience, we recommend combining the Benchlands Ridge Trail with the Montane Trail to make a loop.
Other Things to Check Out on the Benchlands Ridge Trail and Canmore Hoodoos
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you’ll love exploring the Benchlands Ridge Trail and Canmore Hoodoos. Plus, there are other exciting things you can do on this trail.
6. Quarry Lake Loop
Map: Quarry Lake Park
Type of trail: Loop
Difficulty level: Very easy
Elevation: 40 m
Distance: 1.1 km loop
Time: 15 – 30 minutes
Permits and fees: $10 park fee (two hours in peak season, and $2.50/hr in non-peak season)
The Quarry Lake Loop is one of our favorite spots for a leisurely walk or jog in Canmore. The trail is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the sparkling Quarry Lake.
It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, and it’s suitable for all ages. In the summer, you can cool off with a dip in the refreshing waters of the lake, or in the winter, you can enjoy ice skating.
Once you’ve finished the loop, you can explore the other nearby trails, like the Highline, which extends out into the surrounding neighborhoods. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as Quarry Lake is a popular spot for photography and capturing the natural beauty of Canmore!
Other Things to Check Out on the Quarry Lake Loop
Take your adventure to the next level with Quarry Lake Loop. In addition to its scenic hiking trails, this destination offers other exciting activities.
7. Three Sisters Pathway
Map: Three Sisters Pathway
Difficulty level: Very easy
Elevation: 100 meters
Distance: 1 km – 15 km
Time: 1 km – 15 km
Permits and fees: Free of charge
The Three Sisters Pathway is a gem that we love to frequent in Canmore. It’s a popular route among locals and visitors alike, and it’s not uncommon to see familiar faces from the Three Sisters Mountain Village.
This well-maintained pathway offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is perfect for a smooth ride or run. It’s also a family-friendly option, as it’s wide and has minimal elevation gain.
The Three Sisters Pathway is easily accessible from downtown Canmore and connects to other trails in the area. This makes it a convenient and enjoyable option for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Canmore.
Other Things to Check Out on the Three Sisters Pathway
Beyond its stunning mountain views, the Three Sisters Pathway is home to a variety of unique activities that are not to be missed.
Popular Hiking Trails in Canmore for Experienced Hikers
Do you want to take your hiking skills to the next level?
Check out our list of popular hiking trails in Canmore for experienced hikers. From the challenging terrain of Ha Ling Peak to the stunning views of the East End of Rundle, these trails are sure to satisfy your thirst for adventure.
1. Grassi Knob
Type of trail: Loop
Difficulty level: Moderate
Elevation: 758 meters
Distance: 6.4 km
Time: 2–3 hours
Permits and fees: Free to access
If you’re up for a challenging hike with incredible views of the Three Sisters, then we recommend heading over to Grassi Knob. This small peak is a secret find that offers arguably the best view of the Sisters in Canmore.
While there’s no official trail to the top, experienced hikers will find the climb to the peak both exhilarating and rewarding. The most popular access point is from Three Sisters Creek to the Highline Trail – just be prepared for a steep ascent!
But the stunning panoramic view of the Three Sisters from the top of Grassi Knob is absolutely worth the effort. So if you’re up for a bit of an adventure and want to soak up some of the best views in Canmore, we highly recommend making the trek up to Grassi Knob.
Other Things to Check Out in the Grass Knob
Beyond its scenic vistas and challenging terrain, the Grass Knob Trail also boasts opportunities for wildlife watching. Read on to discover more exciting things to do on this hiking trail in Canmore.
2. Wind Ridge
Map: Wind Ridge Trail
Type of trail: Out and back
Difficulty level: Moderate
Elevation: 775 meters
Distance: 13.9 km
Time: 4–6 hours
Permits and fees: A conservation pass is required for certain areas
This is one of our favorite hikes in the area and for good reason. As you make your way through the West Wind Valley, you’ll be treated to incredible views of Mount Lougheed and the surrounding area.
This route is known to be challenging, but the views make it worth it. We recommend allowing around 5 and a half hours to complete the hike. The trail is popular among hikers, snowshoers, and runners, so don’t be surprised if you run into other people along the way.
If you’re planning a trip to Wind Ridge, we suggest visiting from June through October, when the weather is milder and the trail is less likely to be snow-covered. And if you’re bringing your furry friend along, dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash.
Other Things to Check Out in the Wind Ridge
Experience more than just breathtaking views on the Wind Ridge trail. Get ready to discover other exciting activities that will make your adventure unforgettable.
3. Ha Ling Peak
Map: Ha Ling Peak
Type of trail: Out and back
Difficulty level: Moderate
Elevation: 790 meters
Distance: 7.9 km
Time: 1.5–4 hrs
Permits and fees: Free of charge
Ha Ling Peak is a Canmore classic that every local has tackled at least once. We always recommend it to hikers looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning views of Goat Valley and Spray Valley.
Even though the trail has recently been improved with steps and handrails, don’t be fooled by its appearance. The hike up the backside is still a test of endurance that will leave you breathless – but trust us, the panoramic views from the summit are worth the effort.
Indeed, if you’re up for the challenge, add Ha Ling Peak to your hiking bucket list.
Other Things to Check Out in the Ha Ling Peak
Are you ready for an adventure on Ha Ling Peak? This hiking trail offers more than just awe-inspiring panoramas. Check out our list of other things to explore while you’re there.
4. Read’s Tower
Map: Read’s Tower
Type of trail: Out and back
Difficulty level: Moderate
Elevation: 855 meters
Distance: 6.8km
Time: 3–5 hrs
Permits and fees: Free of park fees and permits
We recommend checking out Read’s Tower for a shorter but equally rewarding hike to enjoy stunning views of Spray Lakes. The four-hour round trip makes it a great half-day option, and the trail starts off in the forest before gradually gaining elevation.
Once you reach the open area, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Mount Sparrowhawk and Read’s Tower. For those up for a challenge, you can continue on to scramble up Mount Sparrowhawk for a full-day adventure.
But if you’re content with the views from Read’s Tower, expect a tough uphill climb and a 45-minute to hour scree run down to the summit. Despite the uphill climb, the scree run is a blast and definitely worth the effort.
Other Things to Check Out in the Read’s Tower
Read’s Tower is not only a place for hiking enthusiasts–it offers more than that. Keep your eyes open, and don’t miss out on what awaits you.
5. East End of Rundle
Map: East End of Rundle
Type of trail: Out and back
Difficulty level: Moderate/Difficult
Elevation: 877 meters
Distance: 5.6 km
Time: 1.5–6 hrs
Permits and fees: Free of park fees and permits
This hike is a must-do in Canmore, offering breathtaking views of the Spray Valley and Ha Ling Peak from the summit.
But don’t be fooled by its downtown location – this challenging climb tests your physical abilities, with only a few hikers making it to the true summit involving some scrambling up a cliff band just meters away.
However, the stunning panoramic views are worth the effort – once you reach the summit, celebrate with a well-deserved beverage and sign the registry. And keep an eye out for other hikers, as the trail sees heavy foot traffic.
Other Things to Check Out in the East End of Rundle
Experience more than just a challenging hike on the East End of Rundle trail. Look out for unique wildlife and consider taking a guided tour to enhance your adventure.
6. Grotto Mountain
Map: Grotto Mountain
Type of trail: Loop
Difficulty level: Difficult
Elevation: 1,352 meters
Distance: 8.9 km
Time: 2.5–7 hrs
Permits and fees: Free of charge, but a valid park pass is required to park at the trailhead
We know firsthand that Grotto Mountain may seem like an easy hike from afar, but it is more technical than it appears. The climb to the summit is challenging, with a significant elevation gain and plenty of screen to navigate.
However, once you reach the top, the stunning panoramic views of Canmore and the surrounding prairies make it all worth it.
Those who are up for the challenge will need to be prepared for a lot of hands-on scrambling, especially as they near the top. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for experienced hikers, Grotto Mountain offers a rewarding adventure that is worth the effort.
Other Things to Check Out on Grotto Mountain
Discover more than just hiking on Grotto Mountain! With opportunities for wildlife viewing, camping, and backpacking, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure on this trail.
7. Middle Sister
Type of trail: Out and back
Difficulty level: Difficult
Elevation: 1,521 meters
Distance: 17.1 km
Time: 3.5 – 8 hrs
Permits and fees: Free of charge, but there might be parking fees
We’ve hiked the Middle Sister trail in Canmore, and we can tell you that it’s not for absolute beginners. The hike features a scramble section and uneven terrain that can be quite challenging, even for experienced hikers.
As you ascend the trail, the weather can be unpredictable and harsh, so be sure to bring appropriate gear. We’ve experienced strong winds and rain during our hikes, which can make the ascent even more challenging.
But the sense of accomplishment you feel when you reach the top is unbeatable. When you get to the base of the Sister’s Bowl, you might be tempted to stop and rest at the Middle Sister faux summit.
But don’t be fooled – the real summit is still a long way off!
Other Things to Check Out on the Middle Sister
Get ready for an adventure on the Middle Sister trail in Canmore. In addition to the breathtaking views, there are plenty of other things to check out, from wildlife sightings to nearby camping opportunities.
And that’s a wrap on our ultimate guide to hiking in Canmore!
We hope you’re now equipped with all the knowledge you need to explore this stunning region safely and confidently.
Don’t forget to show Mother Nature some love by leaving the trails better than you found them.
Now, all that’s left to do is embark on a hiking adventure and create unforgettable memories. Happy hiking!
