Family Day weekend is approaching and what better way to celebrate family than spend quality time together in the mountains! A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to escape with your family and explore Canmore. From riding with sled dogs and biking snowy trails to skating and exploring caves, there are endless mountain activities and experiences to enjoy with family. Here are 6 ways to celebrate time together as a family to the backdrop of the mountains.
Remember to prepare well for any outdoor adventure and stay aware and respectful of wildlife while playing in the Bow Valley.
Walks & Hikes
There are numerous, scenic trails and pathways throughout Canmore and in close proximity. Within Canmore, venture along Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk, Quarry Lake Loop, Bow River Loop, West Canmore Park to Three Sisters Pathway, Canmore Creek Trail, or the Bow River Trail. Some of these trails connect to one another and also offer parks, playgrounds, and dog parks along or near the route. Within minutes of Canmore, explore stunning lakes, frozen waterfalls, ancient pictographs, a Cold War era bunker, and more. Visit Grassi Lakes Trail, Grotto Canyon Trail, Heart Creek Trail, and Heart Creek Trail Bunker for easy hikes full of adventure.
Skating
Enjoy a game of shinny hockey or gliding across ice to the backdrop of the mountains! There are multiple, outdoor ice surfaces and boarded ice rinks throughout Canmore. Indoor public skating and shinny hockey is also available at the Canmore Recreation Centre. If weather conditions align, skating mountain ponds and lakes is a bucket list experience for the entire family! For skate rentals, visit Gear Up Mountain Sports in Canmore.
Sled Dog Tours
Get whisked away by a team of sled dogs through the natural splendour of the Spray Valley near Canmore. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours offers a variety of tour adventures for the whole family. Meet the Husky heroes that will be your sled dog team and savour the experience of riding or driving your sled with your family.
Cave Tours
Explore a wild, undeveloped cave under Grotto Mountain with Canmore Cave Tours! Inside Rat’s Nest Cave, you’ll climb, crawl, wiggle, and slide your way through water-worn passages. Your route will lead to the Grotto with a crystal clear pool and walls covered in stalactites and stalagmites. The whole family will enjoy this exciting and unique adventure near Canmore!
Elevation Place
With a climbing gym, swimming pool, fitness rooms, art gallery, and cafe, Elevation Place has something for every member of the family to enjoy. The Canmore Public Library is also located inside Elevation Place and offers a beautiful space to curl up and read a book as well as computer and internet access.
Canmore Nordic Centre
Take the family out to the Canmore Nordic Centre to cross-country ski or fat bike. Whether your family are beginners or would like to advance their skills, there are ski and fat bike lessons available for a variety of ages and skill levels at the Nordic Centre. Play a round of winter disc golf, enjoy the outdoor ice rink, snowshoe loop, or sledding hill at the centre. Contact Trail Sports at the Canmore Nordic Centre for equipment rentals and sales as well as lessons.