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City known for:
  • Crowd-free adventure
  • Small-town charm
  • Stunning scenery

A mountain town and the wild region surrounding it.

The Kananaskis region wraps around the town of Canmore, and together they satisfy any adventurous appetite. The area abounds with forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers and seemingly endless paths and trails.

Many pass through on their way to Banff National Park, but once you see the uncrowded streets and craggy peaks of Canmore and Kananaskis, your Wild Side will beg you to stay awhile.

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Canmore & Kananaskis highlights

Natural beauty under the radar

Part of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore and Kananaskis offer forests, mountains, lakes and rivers as beautiful as Banff’s but with fewer crowds.

Outdoor thrills in all directions

Access a playground of outdoor activities. From biking and camping to skiing and snowboarding, adventures await every season and skill level.

A man holding a framed picture.

Mountain community culture

Tour art galleries, shop locally made goods and attend traditional workshops before enjoying a night on the town with the locals.

A group of friends playing winter disc golf at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Family and friends roasting marshmallows over a campfire at Mount Engadine Lodge in Kananaskis Country
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Couple shopping in downtown Canmore with snow-capped mountains
Family of four cross country skiing with mountains in the background.
Canmore outdoor skating pond. Group of 4 friends putting their ice skates on
Person fatbiking in Canmore with mountains and blue sky in the background in Kananaskis Country
Exploring the caves with Canmore Cave Tours at Rat's Nest Cave. This experience has been recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience

What to do and where to stay in Canmore & Kananaskis

Stories from the city

People hike a trail through golden larches near a mountain lake in Banff National Park.
5 min read Guided Larch Hikes in Alberta’s Canadian Rockies

Each autumn, larch trees in Alberta turn the Canadian Rockies gold for a fleeting few weeks, and a local guide knows exactly where to find the show.

Two women cold plunging in a mountain lake on a snowy day at Canoe Meadows in Alberta's mountains.
9 min read 'Like a Fairytale:' Wild Cold Plunges in Alberta

Cold water exposure is nature’s greatest and most empowering dopamine hit. With plentiful glacier-fed lakes and streams, Alberta offers many opportunities to try a wild cold plunge.

A cyclist bikes across the Blackshale Suspension Bridge with evergreen forests all around and mountains in the near distance.
8 min read 7 Scenic Bike Rides that Show off Alberta at its Best

Explore Alberta's spectacular landscapes by bike or e-bike, from iconic Rocky Mountain routes to lesser-known trails. Rides and guided experiences are great for casual cyclists and seasoned adventurers alike.

Hearty vegetables and roast chicken beautifully plated, charcuterie with cured meats, cheeses, and a refreshing drink.
7 min read Where to Eat 10 of Alberta’s Most Iconic Foods

To truly know a place, you have to eat its food. Be sure to try 10 of the most iconic foods in Alberta when you’re here and learn why they’re unique.

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Two hikers pause on a cliffside overlooking a mountain lake.

Did you know?

Kananaskis has hosted some of the world’s top leaders. In 2002 and 2025, it was the backdrop for the G7 Summit.

Suggested Itineraries

Four friends and a guide in snowshoes looking up at the night sky featuring the forest, mountains and stars.
7 days
Canmore and Kananaskis: Winter Itinerary

Spend a week soaking up winter outside in Canmore and Kananaskis—think helicopter tours, dog sledding, snow tubing and cozy mountain meals.

Three people explore the waters of Quarry Lake on stand-up paddleboards.
3 days
How to Spent a Summer Weekend in Canmore and Kananaskis

Trust the locals: Three days in Canmore and Kananaskis is one of the best ways to enjoy Alberta's summer. Go hiking and paddling and ahve a great meal.

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Nearby cities to explore

A group of skiers and snowboarders walking across Banff Avenue, significant mountain view in the background, in Banff National Park
Banff & Lake Louise
A winter sunrise lights up the sky over Peace Bridge in Calgary.
Calgary
Snowboarding in Jasper
Jasper
A family of two parents and two children following a guide on a snowshoe tour across a snow covered valley in the mountains.
Waterton