There are more adventures than one can do in a lifetime in the thousands of square kilometers of protected parks surrounding Canmore.

 

Hiking: There are more trails and more vistas than one can do in a lifetime in the thousands of square kilometers of protected parks surrounding Canmore. There are hikes leaving right from Grandview’s doorstep! Your hosts are very familiar with great destinations, and have a wealth of books and maps to go through (also available at Café Books). Or you can use a number of guided adventure companies found at  CanmoreAlberta.com. Perhaps a relaxing hike or yoga hike with Ronna? You can also try the Via Ferrata at the Norquay Ski area.

Mountain biking: Singletrack abounds in Canmore on both sides of the valley for outstanding mountain biking. This includes the Canmore Nordic Centre, which has an excellent mix of cross-country riding. Events include Canada's National Cup cross-country races and many others. There are singletrack routes all over Kananaskis, and some in Banff. Your Grandview hosts know all the best ones! You can also get a shuttle to Goat Creek for a very scenic 19km (mostly) downhill ride into Banff on an old fire road. Ask us about mountain biking the new HIgh Rockies Trail that has recently opened (80km long!) - we can help you pick which portions to ride.

Road biking includes the Legacy Trail, a 27 km paved pathway between Canmore and Banff, that links up with a couple of great road rides in Banff National Park (Lake Minnewanka, or Mt Norquay). Cycle to the top of Highwood Pass - Canada's highest paved road (2206m or 7239 feet). Or shuttle to the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park for an outstanding road ride to Lake Louise and back (100 km). At this time, the first 15 km of the Parkway are closed to cars during spring and fall! Bikes are available to rent from Rebound Cycle, Outside Bike & Ski, Trail Sports, and Gear Up. Various tour operators, such as Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours, offer multi-day guided trips. Guided mountain or pathway bike tours and coaching are offered at Rebound Cycle, along with fat bike rentals for winter, stand up paddle boards for summer and other activities. They also have group rides on Wednesday's at 6 PM for anyone to join and explore the single track. 

Sight Seeing: A chairlift takes you to gorgeous vistas at the Norquay Ski area. The Banff Gondola takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain (or walk up and ride down). You can take a bus up to the Sunshine ski area and walk into alpine meadows. Various bus tours take visitors to the Ice Fields, or the Glacier Skywalk. Take a boat tour of Lake Minnewanka. Or just drive to a myriad of breath-taking areas. Your Grandview hosts can suggest some great road tours.

Horseback Riding: A half of dozen operators are located in Canmore, Kananaskis and Banff. They vary from a couple of hours, to backcountry stays in beautiful lodges. Near Canmore: Cross Zee Ranch, Boundary Ranch, Banff Adventures, Brewster Adventures.

Golfing: There are three golf courses in Canmore, including the very exclusive Stewart Creek and Silvertip courses, and the Canmore Golf & Curling Club. There is also the nearby Fairmont Banff Springs course, and the newly re-opened Kananaskis Country Golf Course.

Fly Fishing: The Bow River is a world class trout river, and there are a few outfitters in Canmore for guided float trips or walk & wades: Wapiti Sports, Canmore Fishing Adventures, or Banff Fishing Unlimited. Or walk 10 minutes from Grandview and try your luck on your own.

Paddling: Rent stand up boards, or canoes and paddle on your own in spectacular scenery. Book a rafting trip on the very fun Kananaskis River, or the Bow River out of Banff (Canadian Rockies Rafting, Kananaskis Whitewater Rafting, Rocky Mountain Raft Tours). Standup paddle boards available at Bow Valley Stand Up Paddleboarding. We have excellent SUP’ing on the Forebay Reservoir 5 minutes away.Your Grandview Hosts know the nice spots to spend the day on the river, or a variety of lakes.

Sport Climbing: Excellent sport climbing exists in a variety of locations in Banff and Kananaskis, including at Grassi Lakes, right here in Canmore (see Kananaskis.com). Practice on the cool climbing walls at Elevation Place.

Mountaineering and Ice Climbing: Guides are available for more adventurous climbing types, or take courses from Canada’s top mountain school here in Canmore (Yamnuska Mountain Adventures). Ice climbing is world-class in this area.

Helicopter Tours: Various tours are available out of Canmore for sight-seeing (Alpine, Rockies Heli Canada), and flights into backcountry lodges such as Assiniboine Lodge.

Skiing: There are 4 major downhill ski areas in Banff and Kananaskis including Sunshine, Lake Louise, Norquay, and Nakiska. Lessons and rentals available at each area. The world-class Canmore Nordic Centre  is 5 minutes away from Grandview Chalet, and offers 65 km of groomed and natural trails for classic and skate skiing. Trail Sports, at the Centre, offers rentals, sales and lessons. Cross-country skiing is also available in many other nearby locations, that vary from groomed to naturally track-set. Alpine touring is very popular for those more adventurous. Guided tours and courses available through Yamnuska Mountain Adventures. 

Snowshoeing: There are many popular trails used for snowshoeing in Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country. Rentals at Gear Up. Guided snowshoeing adventures available in Canmore, Banff (Nature in Focus) and Lake Louise.

Dog Sledding: Three dog sledding companies operate out of Canmore as the conditions warrant. See Howling Dog Tours , Mad Dogs & Englismen, or Snowy Owl.

Skating: The Pond in Canmore is a popular 100m X 60m natural area that is maintained daily. Its open until 10 PM under lights (weather dependent). Lake Louise is a wonder to skate on, amongst ice carvings in front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Or try the ice behind the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Canmore Kananaskis tourism website: http://www.tourismcanmore.com/ This site takes you to a myriad of activities, and fun ways to spend the day.

EQUIPMENT AND RENTALS