Itinerary: Five Days of Winter in Canmore and Kananaskis

Add a little wonder to your winter in Canmore and Kananaskis and experience the rugged serenity of the snow-covered mountains. Immerse yourself in the Canadian Rockies lifestyle with these must-do winter activities that will make you feel like a local and leave you with lasting memories.

Accommodation: Creekside Villa

Creekside Villa is one of Canmore’s best-kept secrets. The luxurious boutique property overlooks the valley and the charming, alpine-inspired décor makes you feel as if you’ve entered your own mountain oasis. Included is a complimentary continental breakfast with fresh, locally baked goods. 

First Stop: Communitea Café

Known for its natural, healthy fare, Communitea Cafe’s inviting ambiance will instantly make you feel welcomed into the community of Canmore. The vibrant atmosphere perfectly complements the bright colours found on your plate. Pair your meal with a tasty beverage to warm you up as you start fueling for your Canmore and Kananaskis adventure. 

Stargaze amongst the rock and ice in Grotto Canyon

Once you’ve settled into your cozy mountain lodge, it’s time to gear up for your guided evening ice walk in Grotto Canyon with Canadian Rockies Experience. You will be a VIP from start to finish, with transportation included directly from your accommodations, access to all the equipment you need, and insider knowledge of the ancient canyon from someone who calls these mountains home. Take this unique opportunity to witness the serene stillness of the mountains under the starlight and appreciate the quiet, untamed wilderness. 

Shred some powder at Nakiska Ski Resort

It’s time to hit the slopes! Whether you’re new to skiing and snowboarding or are a well-seasoned expert, there’s space for everyone at Nakiska Ski Resort. Over 1000 acres of skiable terrain includes perfect groomers for beginners, big mountain terrain for the daredevils, park features for the trickster and glades for those who want to enjoy getting lost in the trees. As the closest mountain to Calgary, there is no better place to embrace the crisp winter air surrounded by the beauty of Kananaskis Country.

Après ski at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.

After a day of adventure, nothing hits the spot quite like a handcrafted pizza in a traditional wood-fired oven from Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. Made from local and organic ingredients, their flatbreads put a decadent spin on your favourite flavours, making it the ultimate place to treat yourself to a tasty meal.  

Warm up with Eclipse Coffee

Start your day with a cup from Eclipse Coffee Roasters, a locally owned specialty roaster that has been roasting its own beans in Canmore since 2014. Their award-winning roasts range from bright and fruity to bold and chocolatey, so there is something for every taste. Drop into one of their cafes around town for a quality brew, and if a sip leaves you wanting more, the staff can walk you through the current selection and help you pick out a bag to take home.

Immerse yourself in downtown Canmore

With coffee in hand, it’s time to explore the quaintness of downtown Canmore. Need some extra layers? Stop by Canmore Sports Experts for a warm, knitted hat or Shoes t’ Boot for a pair of stylish winter boots. For art enthusiasts, local galleries like Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue are guaranteed to impress with their eye-catching pieces. If you’re still looking for that keepsake to bring home, make sure to drop by Stonewaters, Alberta’s Own Marketplace, or Mountain Mercantile to find the perfect memorabilia to remember your trip. 

Explore Canmore’s winter amenities

A classic Canadian pastime, ice skating is the perfect activity to get you moving in the frosty mountain air. Check out some of our favourite places to ice skate Canmore and Kananaskis. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair from Gear Up Sports and head over for an afternoon of fun.

Go from gliding on ice to dunking in warm water at Elevation Place, an inviting community space for all to enjoy. You can take a relaxing dip in the indoor pool or hot tub, reach new heights on the climbing walls, or get your blood pumping on the treadmill.

Experience the nightlife in Canmore

Get to know the Bow Valley’s craft scene with Canmore Brewery and Distillery Tours. Their guided tours take you behind the scenes at local breweries and distilleries, with tastings and stories along the way from a guide who calls these mountains home. Depending on the tour you choose, you might also come away with discounts at the stops along the way. Cheers to that.

Book a mystical dog sledding tour

Always a bucket list item, you will want to participate in a morning of magic dog sledding through Kananaskis Country. Get to know the friendly teams of sled dogs at Howling Dog Tours before being whisked away on a thrilling, authentic adventure you will never forget. Bundled up in a cozy sled, your new furry friends will take you through the snow-covered trails with lots of chances for epic photos along the way. 

Discover new ways to play in the Canadian winter

The Canmore Nordic Centre is the heart of all things winter. Built for the Nordic events at the 1988 Winter Olympics, it still draws top cross-country skiers and biathletes to train and compete. But you don’t have to be an Olympian to enjoy it. More than 65 km of groomed, track-set trails welcome cross-country skiers of all ages and skill levels, and Trail Sports, right at the Centre, offers rentals and lessons whether you are clipping in for the first time or sharpening your technique.

If you prefer wheels over planks, fat biking is another classic Canadian winter activity worth a try. Wide winter tires and sturdy frames let you roll right over packed snow, and you can rent a fat bike from the same on-site shop before heading out to explore the trails.

Indulge at Iron Goat Pub

Good food and great service await at The Iron Goat Pub. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by views of the vast mountain ranges that encircle Canmore. Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or solo, prepare to be impressed by the local flavours and variety of menu options. From game meats to vegan dishes, there is something for everyone.

Snuggle in a horse-drawn sleigh

You simply can’t leave the Rocky Mountains without enjoying an old-fashioned sleigh ride. BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket!) and snuggle up while the horse-drawn sleigh from Boundary Ranch swiftly carries you along the snow-covered trails. The serene winter oasis will leave you feeling awe-struck. Optional s’mores over a crackling bonfire at the end of your ride are guaranteed to complete your winter wonderland experience. 

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.