Your Ultimate Guide to an Epic Summer in Canmore and Kananaskis

Book your bucket-list trip

The past two years have given us ample time to reminisce on past travels and dream up our next epic adventure. Now, it’s time to make those dreams a reality. To book that bucket-list trip with your squad. To set your alarm for that magical summit sunrise. To enjoy your favourite places, with your favourite people.

Canmore and Kananaskis have long been a destination for dreamers and adventure seekers. (After all, that is why we were voted one of the Best Destinations in Canada). As our beloved mountain town works to reopen for the summer season, we’ve put together a list of things to do and places to stay and dine that are guaranteed to make your long-awaited vacation one for the books.

 

Adventure Awaits

When it comes to epic adventures, no one does it quite like Canmore and Kananaskis. Looking to get out on the water? Kananaskis Outfitters offers canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals for use at nearby lakes and rivers. We’d recommend a paddle around Barrier Lake or Wedge Pond in Spray Valley Provincial Park. Or you could embark on a scenic raft tour with Canmore Raft Tours — an excursion fit for the whole family.

For a true one-of-a-kind experience, try your hand at an Adventure Dog Carting Tour with Boundary Ranch. If you’re looking to get up and away, a sightseeing tour with Alpine Helicopters will boast bird’s-eye views of the Bow Valley that you’ll never forget.

Regardless of the adventure you choose, it’s always important to keep wildlife safety in mind when exploring the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Check out these 4 Wildlife Safety Tips before heading out to explore the great outdoors.

Summer Sips & Epic Eats

You’re bound to work up an appetite after all of that exploring. Lucky for you, Canmore and Kananaskis are home to some of the most delicious eats and craft beverages the Canadian Rockies has to offer. Summer heat calls for cold, crisp brews and The Grizzly Bear Brewing Company. More of a spirit fan? Stop by Wild Life Distillery for a spirit-tasting flight or a craft cocktail. 

For foodies, patio season is the highlight of summertime and our local restaurants tend to agree. The Drake Pub dishes up mouthwatering Alberta-style barbecue on three elevated patios all season long. Looking for dinner with a view? Catch up with friends at the Stirling Grill & Lounge where they serve up comfort food at its finest — all while boasting impressive views of Spring Creek and the Three Sisters Mountain Range from their large patio.

Support Local this Summer

Watching downtown come to life is always a telltale sign that summer has arrived in Canmore! To increase mobility and safe physical distancing, Main Street (between 6th and 8th Ave) has transitioned to a pedestrian and cyclist-only space from mid-May to mid-October. This means you can safely soak up the sun while strolling between shops and supporting local businesses.

Pop by Rebound Cycle to get hooked up with equipment for any outdoor adventure. Looking to bring a token of the Rocky Mountains home with you? Pay a visit to Alberta’s Own Marketplace for a vast selection of locally crafted goods. If you happen to be visiting Canmore on a Thursday, a special surprise is in store for you. Visit over 60 vendors offering an extensive range of locally produced foods and unique artisanal products at the Canmore Mountain Market — located in the parking lot and main plaza at Elevation Place every Thursday.

Book a Room with a View

Heading to your accommodations for the evening doesn’t mean you have to stop taking in the breathtaking rocky mountain views. Why not book a stay at A Bear and Bison Canadian Country Inn? The family-owned establishment blends bed-and-breakfast hospitality with boutique hotel luxury and boasts panoramic mountain views. Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino is the perfect family-friendly escape — featuring premier casino gaming for the adults and a mountain resort playground for the little ones. Looking to stay in the heart of the action? Canmore Downtown Hostel is a modern hostel offering affordable accommodations, just steps from Canmore’s best cafes and restaurants.

Get ready — we can’t wait to welcome you to your favourite places, with your favourite people in Canmore and Kananaskis!