Five Can't-Miss Things To Do in Canmore and Kananaskis This Winter

Kananaskis Country and the picturesque town of Canmore are home to some of the best scenery and experiences in the Rockies. Situated among the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, the only thing missing are the crowds of its famous neighbours. With endless ways to spend your time, don't miss these top five things to see and do in winter.

Unplug and unwind at Mount Engadine Lodge

Sometimes you just need to unplug and relax, and  Mount Engadine Lodge is the place to do it. It's one of the only backcountry lodges accessible by car. You'll find Mount Engadine approximately 41 km (25 mi) from the town of Canmore. Situated in Spray Valley Provincial Park, the lodge has no cell service, in-room TVs or WiFi. But don't worry, you won't need it. It's time to get outside and play.

Mount Engadine looks onto a breathtaking meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Choose to stay in the main lodge, cozy cabins, a yurt or winterized glamping tents. Endless hiking trails lie just outside the front door. Winter at Mount Engadine is the perfect time to strap on snowshoes, go cross-country skiing or try fat biking. And just wait until you try the food! The afternoon charcuterie and nightly family-style dinner aren't to be missed.

Indulge at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Hot, warm, cold, rest, repeat. That's the motto to remember at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. Situated at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, the spa offers nearly 5,000 square metres (50,000 sq ft) of pure relaxation. The alpine sanctuary is an indulgent retreat complete with amenities like hydrotherapy pools, winterized hammocks and the Two Trees Bistro. It's a popular spot, so plan ahead to avoid the waitlist. Better yet, book a spa package for guaranteed access.

Find pictographs in Grotto Canyon

One of the best things about Canmore is how close the town is to easy – but still seriously good – hiking trails. Grotto Canyon is no exception. You’ll find it about 12.8 km (8 mi) from town. The water that runs through the winding canyon freezes solid come winter. This means you can walk along the creek bed, taking in the winter wonderland the canyon becomes under a blanket of snow. This wonderland includes unbelievable frozen waterfalls. If you’ve never experienced an ice walk before, head out with a trusty guide. Companies such as Discover Banff Tours offer guided hikes through the canyon, and provide cleats for your boots to explore safely. They’ll also help you spot the ancient pictographs throughout the canyon and share stories about Indigenous history in the Bow Valley.

Climb a frozen waterfall

Speaking of frozen waterfalls, why not climb one while you’re in the area? It’s easier than it sounds – it’s like climbing a ladder, just with ice axes and crampons attached to your feet. The pros at Yamnuska Mountain Adventures will show you the ropes and get you climbing in no time. The Canadian Rockies offer some of the best frozen waterfall climbing in the world. You definitely don’t want to miss this. Choose from half-day or full-day lessons between December and mid-March when the sport is at its best.

Hike to Grassi Lakes

This is easily one of the most popular hikes in Canmore. During the summer, you can choose from a difficult route up or an easier one. In winter, however, only the easy route is open. This is a good hike for all ages, and it's about 4 km (2.5 mi) from start to finish. The gentle incline of the trail takes you through a picturesque forest that leads to a pair of deep turquoise lakes. The top of the hike also offers incredible views of Canmore and the Bow Valley below. Don't forget your camera.