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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.

Hiker enjoying larch tress at Little Arethusa Trail
Family and friends roasting marshmallows over a campfire at Mount Engadine Lodge in Kananaskis Country
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A couple walks through Canmore's vehicle free downtown zone
Family of four cross country skiing with mountains in the background.
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A family floats down the Bow River with Canmore Raft Tours as the sun flares over top of the mountains in Canmore.
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

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.

Friends enjoying the Edmonton Folk Music Festival with downtown Edmonton in the background.
6 min read Legendary and Quirky Summer Festivals You Can Attend in Alberta

Alberta’s summer festival season is jam-packed with rodeos, live music, tasty food, performing arts and cultural experiences. Learn more about the summer festivals in the province and what makes them stand out.

Two people roast marshmallows at Pine Creek Retreat in front of an A-frame cabin.
7 min read Your Guide to Planning a Glamping Getaway in Alberta

Enjoy the great outdoors with an updated take on classic camping. Glamping combines time in nature with modern amenities and comfort, and this guide will help you plan your Alberta glamping trip.

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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
Explore Our Landscapes: 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 pano shot of two hikers overlooking the view of Banff from Tunnel Mountian.
Banff & Lake Louise
A group of buoyancy-aided friends leisurely float down Calgary's Bow River on inner tubes, passing under the iconic Peace Bridge. Lush tree-lined riverbanks create a serene backdrop, with the distant cityscape adding to the carefree summer atmosphere.
Calgary
A woman dives off a dock into Fisherman's Bay at Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.
Jasper
Scenic Trail Ride overlooking the town of Waterton.
Waterton