The Creeks: A 2.2 Km Easy Walking Loop 

This short walk features the two spring-fed creeks that run though Canmore’s main townsite, Policeman’s Creek and Spring Creek. Both creeks merge at the south end of Spring Creek Mountain Village (SCMV) and then flow into the Bow River. If you relish quiet strolls next to tree lined babbling creeks and incredible Rocky Mountain views, then this loop is for you.

The use of land of today’s Spring Creek Mountain Village has evolved dramatically over the last one hundred years, from a dairy farm, to a work camp for Trans-Canada Highway construction workers, to a recreational vehicle and mobile home park, to today’s European style Spring Creek Mountain Village.

This loop showcases the environmentally responsible design and operation of Spring Creek Mountain Village. Features include geothermal heating and cooling of all buildings, irrigation from groundwater, solar panels on new buildings, high quality and quantity of landscaping focused on native plants, and short- and long-term bicycle parking. The village is designed with walking in mind and includes beautiful coal-mine-inspired pedestrian bridges across the creeks, peaceful pathways next to the calming waters of Spring Creek and Policemen's Creek, wide sidewalks and separate cycle tracks, and roads designed to reduce vehicle speeds.

From the Big Head, cross the street and walk south along Spring Creek Drive’s wide sidewalks. Once you reach The Malcolm Hotel veer right to the Spring Creek pathway and follow the creek past the three striking pedestrian bridges.

At the third bridge, turn left between two buildings and through the green space to the spectacular centre of Spring Creek Mountain Village. The village centre features the Alder Cafe, a restaurant, and a pond with a fountain in summer and a skating rink in winter. Benches and pond-side seating provide a fantastic place to grab a drink or snack and people watch or simply enjoy the Rocky Mountain scenery.

From the Spring Creek village centre pond, meander down Spring Creek Dr. and pop into specialty stores along the way. Red Gables Deli offers specialty foods, Art Country Canada is a feast for the eyes showcasing fine art originals from some of Canada's best, Mineshaft Tavern is great for a beer and some LIVE music on Friday's, and Hillary & Co can always help you feel & look your best.

From there you will see the Opera House and the Policeman’s Creek bridge. Head North and continue upstream along the Policeman’s Creek pathway up Spring Creek Drive. Once at Main Street, visit the Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) Barracks,
established in 1893, then back to the Big Head.