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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.

Family and friends roasting marshmallows over a campfire at Mount Engadine Lodge in Kananaskis Country
Hiker enjoying larch tress at Little Arethusa Trail
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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
Family of four walking out of the ski lodge with their skis in hand at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Canmore Nordic Centre

This year-round sports park provides lessons and rentals so you can try everything from cross-country skiing to fat biking to disc golf.

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Pedego Electric Bikes Canmore

Rent an electric bike and explore Canmore’s trail system or head to Banff on the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail.

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A couple ice walking and hiking through Grotto Canyon near Canmore in Kananaskis Country.

Grotto Canyon ice walk

Travel ten minutes from Canmore to hike past ancient etchings on canyon walls as you make your way to a waterfall.

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Stories from the city

A woman stands against the glass walls of her cabin, looking out at the Canadian Rockies at Skyridge Glamping in Alberta.
6 min read 9 of the Most Unusual Places to Stay in Canada are in Alberta

Want to stay somewhere unique in Canada? Travellers can rest their heads in a grain silo, medieval tent, clear-walled geodome and more at these welcoming and original retreats in Alberta.

A woman and a sled dog on a sunny winter day in Spray Lakes in Alberta's Kananaskis Country.
8 min read Why Winter in Alberta is Good for Your Health

Alberta’s crisp, bright winter and electric blue skies invite you outdoors to feel more alive, explore freely and discover the clarity you can’t find hunkered indoors.

A group of four people relaxing and taking in the panoramic mountain views, at the Cliffhouse Bistro on Mt. Norquay located in Banff National Park.
8 min read Discover Alberta’s Best Spots for Après-Ski

Alberta’s après-ski blends mountain hospitality with creative food and drinks in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. From intimate lounges to bustling breweries, each venue brings its personality to the post-slope ritual.

A skier rips down a slope at Lake Louise Ski Resort under a blue sky with the snow-capped Rockies in the background.
9 min read The Ultimate Guide to Downhill Skiing in Alberta

Find the best Alberta ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies, where deep snow, epic views and a welcoming vibe make every winter trip memorable.

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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

Embark on an invigorating winter adventure in the Canadian Rockies. Spend the week exploring the natural wonders—and culinary hotspots—of Kananaskis Country.

Three people explore the waters of Quarry Lake on stand-up paddleboards.
3 days
Explore Our Landscapes: A Summer Weekend in Canmore and Kananaskis

Enjoy a 3-day weekend in Canmore and Kananaskis, exploring the beautiful landscapes of mountains, forests and water.

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Nearby cities to explore

The main street of Banff in winter with lights on all the storefronts and a mountain in the background.
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Beautiful colours light the sky over Peace Bridge in Calgary.
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A group pause on a bridge pass over Pyramid Lake in winter.
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A guide and group of winter hikers walk on a frozen lake.
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