The Complete Guide to Hiking in Canmore and Kananaskis

Canmore and Kananaskis are a dream destination for visitors who want to hike in the Canadian Rockies. The region is shaped by dramatic peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and forested valleys that invite exploration in every season. With hundreds of trails to choose from and terrain suited to every skill and experience level, it’s easy to find a rewarding trail that will make your trip to Canmore and Kananaskis unforgettable.

Wildlife safety

Wildlife is abundant in the Bow Valley, including bears, elk, moose, and more. Encounters are possible on the trails, so it’s important to know how to reduce risk and respond safely. For guidance, explore our wildlife safety tips for hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

Plan ahead

Purchase your Kananaskis Conservation Pass: If you’re hiking in Kananaskis Country or in the Bow Valley Corridor, a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for your vehicle. Learn more about the Kananaskis Conservation Pass and purchase your annual or day pass online before venturing out onto the trails.

Check trail conditions: Trails can close unexpectedly due to many factors, including trail maintenance, bear warnings, and poor conditions. Always check the Alberta Parks website before leaving for your hike so you are aware of current trail conditions. If the trail you’re looking for is closed, swap it for another nearby hike – there is no shortage of options for a great hike in Kananaskis!

Check the weather report: Mountain weather doesn’t mess around. A bluebird morning can shift to a thunderstorm by afternoon. Before setting out, always check the forecast and bring layers, no matter what time of year it is. Weather in the Rockies can take you through all four seasons in a day!

Bring a map (or download one): Cell service is unreliable in many parts of Kananaskis. Save trail maps and other essential information so it can be used offline when you don’t have reception. Alternatively, you can drop by a number of retail shops in town to pick up a printed trail map. You may then also get some pointers from local experts to help navigate you through the mountain ranges.

What to pack

Here’s a quick, non-exhaustive checklist of gear to pack for the hiking trails in Canmore and Kananaskis:

• Minimum 1L of water
• Bear spray (you can rent or buy it from many local retailers)
• Snacks and/or a meal
• Trail map
• First aid kit
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
• Poles

What to wear

Looking for outfit inspiration? Here are a few essentials to help you dress for the mountains and changing conditions:

• Shoes or boots with good grip and ankle support
• Breathable layers and a windproof shell
• Warm mid-layer (yes, even in summer)
• In winter: gloves, insulated jacket and hat, shoe traction (microspikes), and gaiters

Where to get gear

If you’re visiting from out of town or just looking to pick up some new gear, check out our retail and rental shops for all your outdoor adventure needs.

• Canmore Sports Experts
• GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals
• Sports Garage Consignment
• Kananaskis Outfitters
• Trail Sports

Know your limits

Hiking isn’t about conquering a mountain. It’s about being smart and staying safe—and taking the time to enjoy the views! Part of the mountain lifestyle is know your physical and mental limits. Keep tabs on when it’s best to turn around before risking injury, exhaustion, or panic. Communicate with members of your group if you’re feeling uncomfortable and make sure others in your group feel safe before venturing out and as you go. Be sure someone outside of the group knows your route, destination, and projected return time.

Share the space

You may encounter other hikers, runners, cyclists, or even horseback riders. Be considerate of other trail users and give way to others when necessary. Avoid playing music so you can enjoy the natural sounds of the unfiltered wilderness (and not to disturb others in the area). Leaving the speaker at home will also help you be more aware of your surroundings and avoid any unwanted wildlife encounters.

Stay on the trail

Shortcuts and off-trail routes damage plant life and increase erosion. Stick to marked paths to protect the landscape.

Keep your dog on a leash

Dogs are welcome on many trails, but they must be always leashed. It keeps them safe, protects the vegetation, and prevents negative wildlife encounters.

Leave no trace

It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway – don’t leave litter on the trail! Pack out your waste and dispose of it properly when you return from your hike. Likewise, preserve the heritage of the natural landscapes by only taking souvenirs from shops.

Take your commitment to protecting these natural spaces a step further by signing the Pledge to the Peaks. 

Choose your own adventure

Your hike of choice will depend on the season, your comfort and skill level, and what time of day you’re setting out. Luckily, Kananaskis offers options from mellow beginner trails and family-friendly jaunts to intense steep ridge routes and scrambles for seasoned hikers. Looking for inspiration? Start with these curated trail collections:

• A self-guided walk around Canmore
• Top hiking trails for summer
• Family-friendly hikes
• Hikes to alpine lakes and waterfalls
• Favourite early season hikes for spring
• Best fall hikes to see golden larch trees
• Winter hikes and snowshoe trails

Book with a local guide

If you’re heading into unfamiliar terrain or want to build confidence on the trail, consider joining a local guide. There are several operators offering guided hiking experiences in the Canadian Rockies, with options for all ability levels:

• • Canadian Rockies Experience: Luxury, year-round guided tours and custom hikes in Canmore and Kananaskis, complete with transport, meals, and local guides.
  • Buffalo Stone Woman: “Indige-scape” hikes with Heather Black that blend scenic walks with Indigenous cultural insights in the Rockies.
  • Kananaskis Outfitters: Survival-style hikes to teach outdoor skills and bushcraft in the backcountry.
  • Rocky Mountain Adaptive: Breaking down barriers for visitors with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities to experience the great outdoors.
  • Soul of Miistaki: An Indigenous-led non-profit dedicated to creating welcoming outdoor experiences that celebrate diverse communities.
  • Paramount Guides: Offer Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ADMG)-certified guided experiences ranging from easy hikes to technical scrambling.
  • Yamnuska Mountain Adventures: A long-standing mountaineering school in Canmore delivering ACMG-certified courses in hiking and mountaineering.
  • Nick Fitzhardinge Photography: Provides guided photo tours around Canmore, helping visitors capture epic landscapes off the beaten path.
  • White Mountain Adventures: Guided hiking and snowshoeing experiences in the Canadian Rockies.
  • Get Outside: A local- guided adventure group offering personalized outdoor experiences.

Multi-day hikes

Looking to extend your adventure? Read our backcountry camping guide to start planning a multi-day hiking trip in Canmore and Kananaskis.

In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.