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If there’s one thing you need to know about the beautiful mountain town of Canmore, it’s that there is a never-ending list of places to explore right outside its door. We’ve compiled a list of a few of our top recommendations for quick day trips from Canmore, Alberta to visit during your stay, that you and your family are sure to love.

Lake Louise

This destination is a must-stop on your mountain vacation. Approximately a 50-minute drive from Canmore, Lake Louise is a bucket-list destination for travellers around the globe all year round. In the winter, it feels like a winter wonderland, right out of a fairy tale. Visitors can enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake, right outside the Fairmont Hotel. The surrounding walking trails are also perfect for an afternoon stroll, snowshoeing or even a horse-carriage ride. At the end of the trail, you might even encounter ice climbers scaling frozen waterfalls. Lake Louise Ski Resort is another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy a variety of activities like snowshoeing, tubing, and sight-seeing the breathtaking mountain views on the gondola. 

Lake Louise - Day Trips from Canmore Alberta
Photo by Andrew Seto from Pexels 

Banff National Park

Arguably one of the most famous mountain towns in Canada if not the world, Banff is known for stunning vistas, vibrant lakes, and scenery that attracts tourists and visitors from all over the world year-round. Located just 25 minutes by drive from Canmore, Banff and the surrounding area is a perfect day trip to make during your stay. There are numerous hikes and outdoor activities to choose from in both the winter and the summer months. Take a ride on the Gondola, relax in the Banff Hot Springs, or stroll through the many shops and galleries and museums in town.

Banff, Day Trips from Canmore Alberta
Photo from Adobe Stock

Johnston Canyon

Approximately 25 km from the town of Banff, Johnston Canyon is a great spot for hikers of all experience levels. The trail and pathways are maintained in the winter so visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the canyon walls. The Lower Falls trail is perfect for beginners, taking about 1 hour round trip and about 1.2 km each way. The Upper Falls is a little further at 2.5 km each way and takes about 2 hours to complete. Along the way you’ll see the swirling hot pools, local wildlife and potentially some ice climbers scaling the frozen falls.

Johnston Canyon, Day Trips from Canmore Alberta
Photo by Meredith McNulty

Kananaskis

Also known as “Alberta’s Mountain Playground”, there are over 4000 kilometres of mountain trails, lakes and parks for you to discover. Kananaskis Country is the perfect place for any adventurous traveller to experience the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can explore the area by skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing and more. Some popular destinations are Grassi and Spray Lakes. If you’re feeling like a hot cup of afternoon tea carry on to Mount Engadine Lodge. You can also choose to indulge in a luxurious spa treatment at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa who offer massage, hydrotherapy and more.

Kananaskis, Day Trips from Canmore Alberta
Photo by Simon Berger from Pexels

We hope that you have the best time exploring Canmore and the surrounding areas during your stay with us. If you’re ready to book your next mountain adventure, take a peak at our available listings of spacious and high-end vacation rentals in one of our three luxury buildings, the Tamarack Lodge, White Spruce Lodge or Rundle Cliffs Lodge.

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