Experience Canmore This Winter: Outdoor Fun and Local Highlights
- marketingbodhicanm
- Jan 29
- 5 min read
Cross‑Country Skiing at Canmore Nordic Centre
Canmore Nordic Centre is your top spot for winter activities! It features over 65 km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. Beginners can start on easy loops, while seasoned skiers can challenge themselves on advanced courses. Night skiing is also available on illuminated trails until 9 PM. Gear rentals, lessons, and guided tours are all available onsite, making it easy to hit the trails and experience Canmore’s winter landscape.
Grotto Canyon Ice Walk
Follow the frozen creek bed through narrow limestone canyon walls to reach the stunning ice falls. This 4 km round-trip route offers dramatic winter scenery and glimpses of ancient rock art, making it a must-see for outdoor adventurers.
For a safer and more informative experience, guided tours are available. Guides provide ice cleats, hiking poles, and expert knowledge about the canyon’s geology, history, and local wildlife. Learn more and book a tour here.
Experience a Cave Guided Tour
Explore the underground world of the Rockies with guided cave tours in Canmore. These tours offer a unique winter activity that is both physically engaging and educational, with guides providing all necessary safety equipment and expert knowledge on local geology and cave formations. Learn more and book a tour here.
Snowshoeing around the Bow Valley
The Bow Valley offers numerous snowshoeing trails through snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and mountain meadows. Trails range from gentle beginner routes to more challenging backcountry options, giving everyone a chance to explore the winter landscape at their own pace.
For a guided experience, Kananskis Outfitters provides snowshoe tours that include equipment and resources into the local wildlife and natural history. This is a great way to explore the area safely and learn more about the region’s winter environment. Learn more and book a tour here.
Hit the Slopes!
Canmore is perfectly located for downhill skiing and snowboarding, with several world-class ski hills just a short drive away:
Banff Mount Norquay – Family-friendly with runs for all skill levels, night skiing, and ski school programs for beginners.
Sunshine Village – Offers over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, including challenging bowls and long groomed runs, plus stunning panoramic mountain views.
Lake Louise Ski Resort – One of the largest ski areas in North America with over 4,200 acres of varied terrain, from beginner slopes to advanced bowls, and plenty of backcountry access.
All resorts offer rentals, lessons, and guided experiences, making it easy for visitors of any skill level to hit the slopes and enjoy the Rockies’ winter landscape.
Fat Biking on Canmore’s Trails
Fat biking is a fast-growing winter sport in Canmore, offering a fun and challenging way to explore snow-covered trails. The Canmore Nordic Centre maintains designated fat bike trails that are separate from ski tracks, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone.
Wide-tire fat bikes make navigating snow and packed trails easier, and rentals are available onsite, along with trail maps and safety tips. Fat biking is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, and it’s a great way to combine exercise and winter adventure while taking in the Rockies’ spectacular scenery.
Centre Yourself with a Hot Yoga or Pilates Class at Canmore Hot Yoga
After all that outdoor fun, ease tension and stretch out sore muscles with a rejuvenating hot yoga or pilates class right in town. Canmore Hot Yoga offers a variety of heated sessions and movement-based classes including foundational hot yoga, pilates, PiYo (pilates + yoga blend), and more. Their classes suit all levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners, and help calm the mind while warming the body. Learn more and book a class here.
Warm Up With Nourishing Food & Drinks at Communitea Cafe
Nestled in downtown Canmore, this beloved cafe is the perfect winter stop to recharge after skiing, hiking, or yoga. Communitea Cafe serves wholesome breakfast and lunch options, loose leaf teas, and seasonal offerings in a cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re craving a warming bowl, an energizing tea, or plant-based comfort food, it’s a local favourite for refueling and relaxing.
Discover Local Breweries, Distilleries, and Cideries
After a day outside, warm up with a local brew at one of Canmore’s craft beer spots:
Canmore Brewing Company - A highly‑rated brewery and taproom with a rotating lineup of core beers, seasonal releases, pilot brews, and even beer cocktails. They also offer brewery tours on Saturdays for a behind‑the‑scenes look.
The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company - A Canmore brewing institution with three locations: the Grizzly Paw Taproom, The Grizzly Paw Pub, and the brewery itself. Each location offers a wide selection of craft beers, seasonal taps, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of winter activities.
Sheepdog Brewing - A microbrewery with locations in both Canmore and Banff. They offer a rotating selection of small-batch beers, casual vibes, and frequent live events, making it a great spot to enjoy a pint after skiing, hiking, or biking.
Wild Life Distillery - A local Canmore distillery specializing in small-batch spirits. They offer tastings, guided tours of the distillery, and craft cocktails at their bar. Visitors can learn about the distillation process, sample seasonal spirits, and take home bottles from their shop.
Core Values Cider - Canmore’s cider house produces a variety of apple-based ciders, including limited seasonal releases. Guests can enjoy tastings, flights, and tours to see how the cider is crafted, and purchase bottles or cans to enjoy at home.
Visit the Canmore Museum this Winter
The Canmore Museum features exhibits on the region’s mining heritage, mountain environment, and Indigenous and settler stories, giving visitors a deep understanding of the Bow Valley’s past. Interactive displays and guided tours are available, making it a great activity for families, history buffs, and anyone curious about the Rockies’ cultural and natural history. The museum also hosts special events and seasonal exhibits, so there’s always something new to discover.
Winter Camping in the Bow Valley
For a true winter adventure, the Bow Valley offers winter-friendly campsites that let you enjoy the snowy landscape while staying comfortable:
Mount Kidd RV Park – Located near the Canmore Nordic Centre, this site offers powered RV hookups, heated washrooms, and winter amenities. It’s ideal for those who want a cozy winter camping experience without giving up modern conveniences.
McLean Creek Campsite – A quieter, more remote option for tent or RV camping in Kananaskis Country. Facilities are more rustic, but the site provides a peaceful winter escape surrounded by mountains and forest.
Both sites are popular for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hikes nearby, making them perfect bases for outdoor adventures.
After‑Winter Restoration at Bodhi Wellness
After a day of skiing, snowshoeing, and exploring Canmore, give your body the care it deserves at Bodhi Wellness. Each session is tailored to your body’s needs, helping you release tension, restore mobility, and recharge your energy for your next adventure.
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