Embark on an invigorating winter adventure in the Canadian Rockies. Spend the week exploring the natural wonders—and culinary hotspots—of Kananaskis Country.
This itinerary is great for nature lovers, local culture buffs and anyone who wants to explore the Rockies without ever strapping on a pair of skis.
At a glance
- 7 day itinerary
- 218 km (135 mi) total distance
- 3 hrs 6 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Canmore
Downtown & Bow Valley Trail Walking Tour
Learn about Canmore’s history and explore must-see sights, attractions and sculptures on this 5 km (3.1 mi) audio-based sightseeing tour. Use your phone as your tour guide as you walk a portion of the Bow Valley Trail & Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk before heading downtown.
Sightseeing Tour with Alpine Helicopters
Head to the Canmore Municipal Heliport and board a flight with Alpine Helicopters. Choose from tours ranging from 35 to 55 minutes, featuring breathtaking views of Kananaskis, from the Marvel Pass and Continental Divide to the Three Sisters and Mount Assiniboine. You've never seen the Rockies like this.
Dinner at Rustica Steakhouse
End your day dining fireside at Rustica Steakhouse. Known for stunning mountain views, local specialties like Alberta beef and bison, and a conscientious approach to seafood and vegetarian options, Rustica offers a sophisticated spin on a classic steakhouse experience. Find it in the Silvertip Resort.
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Your Alpine Helicopters tour can be cancelled or rescheduled if conditions are not safe for flying.
Ice Canyoning with Bow Valley Canyon Tours
Lower yourself into one of Kananaskis's magnificent canyons with the help of an experienced guide. This full-day adventure will have you hiking, scrambling and rappelling through an icy world full of frozen waterfalls and into a slot canyon frozen mid-stream. Pick-up, drop-off and all technical equipment included.
Dinner at Grizzly Paw Pub
The Grizzly Paw offers classic pub fare alongside unexpected takes on oven-baked brie, Korean cauliflower and Mediterranean-style flatbread. Thirsty after all that rappelling? Order a sampler and taste-test all four of Grizzly Paw Brewing's signature beers—or try one of their popular house-made sodas.
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Book your canyoning tour ahead of time online.
Snow Tubing at Wanidu Tube Park
Not a skier? Not a problem. Whether you're young or young at heart, snow tubing is an exhilarating way to enjoy the mountains in a safe and fun environment. Sail down three tubing tracks at Wanidu Tube Park at the Nakiska Ski Area—all equipment provided. Suitable for children three years and older.
Dinner at The Ridge
The Ridge at Stoney Nakoda Casino is an all-day, family-friendly restaurant—the perfect place to relax and refuel after a day of hurtling down the slopes! Try the elk or bison burger, order a pizza for the table or enjoy a hearty kettle bowl. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available.
Stargazing Tour with Kananaskis Outfitters
Set out through a starlit forest in search of the Milky Way. Bring your camera and tripod to take advantage of the unparalleled view of the night sky from the open meadows of Kananaskis. This two-hour guided tour leaves from Kananaskis Village. Snowshoes will be provided as conditions warrant.
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Warm winter gear, including snowpants and boots with a good grip, are recommended for all snow tubers.
Unleash the Musher with Howling Dog Tours
Step into the boots of a musher with Howling Dog Tours. Leash up a team of friendly Alaskan, Siberian and Seppala Huskies, then steer your sled through the wilderness of Spray Lakes Provincial Park with the help of an experienced guide. Snacks, hot beverages and transportation to and from Canmore provided.
Canmore Brewery Tours
Imbibe the best Kananaskis Country has to offer with Canmore Brewery Tours. Hop on the Mountain City Brew Bus starting at 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday, or take the Liquid Valley Self-Guided Tour anytime after 1 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Both tours include discounts as well as a $25 gift certificate.
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Taking the Liquid Valley Self-Guided Tour? Remember to designate a driver or arrange for alternate transportation.
Grotto Canyon Ice Walk with Canadian Rockies Experience
Explore the frozen creek bed and crystalline waterfalls of Grotto Canyon with Canadian Rockies Experience. Allow local lore and ancient history to enhance your experience of this natural wonder as your guide leads you through the canyon’s past and present. Pick up from Canmore.
Dinner at The Iron Goat Pub & Grill
Experience casual mountain dining in an unforgettable setting. Put your Iron Goat gift certificate toward an evening of good food and great service, surrounded by vast mountain ranges in a magnificent timber frame restaurant. For a taste of Alberta, try the game meatloaf and Saskatoon berry crumble.
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Winter hiking boots, mittens, a toque (knitted hat) and warm layers are essential for your tour of Grotto Canyon.
Explore Rat’s Nest Cave with Canmore Cave Tours
Experience wonder underground on the two-hour Explorer Tour. You'll come across piles of prehistoric bones, marvel at ancient mineral formations and learn first-hand about local geologic history. Come prepared for a 30-minute hike, and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep on the route to the cave entrance.
Dinner at Mineshaft Tavern
Celebrate your return to the surface with dinner at Mineshaft Tavern. Nestled in the community of Spring Creek in the heart of Canmore, Mineshaft serves simple pub food featuring locally sourced fresh ingredients. Try the Mineshaft Burger or the Scotch Pie, or catch one of the daily specials ($3 tacos anyone?).
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Bring your own vehicle and form a convoy with your guide at the Canmore Cave Tours office.
Clue Solving Adventure
Download the Cluesolvers Adventures app and embark on a puzzle-solving scavenger hunt to discover the secret history of Canmore. Sync your walking adventure across all the mobile devices in your group, or take off with a buddy to see which team can solve the mystery first. Teams of 2-5 players recommended.
Lunch at BLAKE Brewhouse and Distillery
BLAKE offers an award-winning, Albertan spin on international fusion. Enjoy Asian-inspired dishes, local ice cream, in-house spirits and house brewed beers on tap. The restaurant has a great kids' menu, vegan and gluten-free options, and the chic converted garage always has room for walk-ins.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary Interactive Tour
Encounter the mysterious beauty of the wolfdog at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. You'll have a chance to observe pack behaviour firsthand, interact with wolfdogs who are comfortable approaching humans, and learn about the complex nature of this magnificent but vulnerable animal. Book in advance.
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Domesticated dogs, including service dogs and dogs in vehicles, are strictly prohibited at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary.
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