A Few Things to Know When Coming to Canmore This Season 

Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, dissected by the Bow River, trickled with freshwater creeks and hiking trails, dotted with glacier ponds and golf courses, home to bears, moose, elk, and other species of the wild, Canmore is a destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers from around the world. No matter what your plans are for your mountain getaway, however, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you blend in with the locals and make the most of your time here.

1.) BUY YOUR KANANASKIS CONSERVATION PASS: When coming to Kananaskis country, Canmore, and the Bow Valley, vehicles need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park within the provincial parks and on public land. Only one pass per personal or commercial passenger vehicle is required. Day passes or yearly passes are available. Funds collected from the sales of the Conservation Pass help pay for conservation, public safety, services, and facilities. Purchasing your Conservation Pass helps to keep these areas beautiful and protected for the generations ahead. See All the Details and Purchases Your Pass.

2.) CANMORE IS A BIKING COMMUNITY: Canmore is extremely bike friendly with the town offering several Bike Maintenance Stands, trailways, and corrals.

In Kansas, there is the yellow brick road but, in Canmore, we have a red striped sidewalk! This red stripe path can be noticed adjacent to the grey concrete pedestrian sidewalks throughout town. The red path is for cyclists. As the days get warmer, the streets get more crowded with both walkers, drivers, and cyclists. It is important to recognize the path designations to avoid collisions and enjoy your trips throughout town.

3.) RIVERS ARE CATCH & RELEASE: GET YOUR FISHING LICENSE: Canmore, and the Kananaskis area, attract outdoor enthusiasts and fisherman from around the world. The rivers and ponds tend to be populated with various varieties of trout, as well as Artic grayling and mountain white fish. All Bow River fishing is catch and release. Fishing licenses are required. Wapiti Sports is a great resource for local fishing information, guided fishing tours, and for purchasing your fishing license.

4.) 2022 TRAIL and CLIMBING AREA CLOSURES. Unfortunately, this season some popular hiking trails and climbing areas will be closed to allow for work and restoration on trails, parking, and infrastructure. As unfortunate as this is for the 2022 summer season, this work will help to ensure the enjoyment of these areas in the years to come.

The trails that will be closed are: Grassi Lake Trail, Junkyard Trail, Ha Ling Trail, Miner’s Peak Trail, Goat Creek Trail, East End of Rundle Route, Reclaimer Mountain Bike Trail, Riders of Rohan Mountain Bike Trail, and Access to High Rockies Trail from Goat Creek

Climbing Areas that will be closed are: Grassi Lakes Climbing Area, Ha Ling Climbing Area, and the East End of Rundle Climbing Area.

View a map of the closed areas.

Yet, never fear. There are many wonderful hiking and biking trails that will be open this season. Check out the Douglas Fir Bench Trail, Grotto Mountain, Harvie Heights Ridge Traverse, the Legacy Trail, Highline, or Horseshoe Loop.

View an updated trail report from Alberta Parks

5.) BE BEAR AWARE: Being in Canmore makes you want to be outside. Active people of all ages and abilities come to the Bow Valley for outdoor adventures and that can often mean wildlife encounters. The Spring and Summer months are typically bear season, but it is more common to see elk. That is not to say that when in Canmore you are not amongst the bears. There are often sightings along the valley floor or crossing the Engine Bridge. Populated doesn’t mean free from wild animals in this town within the Rocky Mountains. It is important to respect the space and nature of the animals that you might see when hiking, riding, and recreating in Canmore. When startled, or scared, they may act aggressively. If they are Mamas with little ones, beware!

The best way to avoid any bear scares or elk encounters is to be knowledgeable, aware, & prepared.

1. Watch and obey posted warnings and notices about wildlife in the area.
2. Never try to feed, pet, or approach any wild animal.
3. Keep your pets on a leash.
4. Make noise and travel with friends when you can.
5. Carry bear spray, have it in reach, and know how to use it.
6. Leave No Trace that you were there.

I really like to walk in the woods and along the river, but I am from Maui, Hawaii, and we didn’t have bears there. So, sometimes when I am walking in Canmore, I found myself getting nervous, maybe a bit paranoid. I got myself bear spray but I either forgot it in the car or it was in my backpack, and the probability of me getting it out in time for when a bear is coming at me, is not in my favor. Then, I found a solution. I found a Scat Belt. I was already someone who wears a fanny pack so the Scat Belt was a good fit. My version has a phone holder, and small pocket for my lip gloss and keys! You can get one at Trail Sports before you head out on your next adventure at the Canmore Nordic Center.

As the weather warms up, both the River and Main St get fuller. The pace of Canmore grows faster as the days are longer. With more people, maybe even crowds, it is important to know some of the ways of the town and workings within it.

Be Safe. Be Adventurous. Be in the know. Have Fun in Canmore.