The Perfect One Day in Canmore Itinerary: Top Things to Do in This Charming Mountain Town

Canmore is just a quick 25-minute drive from downtown Banff, making it a convenient and worthwhile stop during your trip.

Whether you’re visiting for just the day or using Canmore as your base, this charming mountain town has a lot to offer in its downtown area and nearby.

Canmore is a popular area to stay while visiting Banff as it is significantly cheaper than staying in downtown Banff.

In my opinion, Canmore felt quieter, less crowded, and more residential than the town of Banff.

If you’re planning to spend one day in Canmore (which I highly recommend), here’s a detailed Canmore itinerary to help you make the most of your time.

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One Day in Canmore Itinerary

If you only have one day in Canmore to explore, here is how I recommend spending your time to experience the highlights.

While there’s much to do in Canmore, this itinerary focuses on the must-see sights to make the most of your visit.

Utilize this Google Maps below which has all of the things to do in Canmore that are mentioned in this blog post!

The view of the snow covered mountain peaks surrounding downtown Canmore which is a 25 minute drive from Banff.

The view of the snow covered mountains you can see from downtown Canmore as you are walking along main street full of restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Check out my 7-Day Banff itinerary to help you plan your trip and make sure you hit the best sights in Banff National Park!

Breakfast at Rocky Mountain Bagel Company

I recommend starting your day with a yummy breakfast at Rocky Mountain Bagel Company.

They are well-known for their bagel sandwiches, yummy baked goods, and specialty coffee drinks.

I got their Original with Smoked Turkey bagel sandwich and the Iced Caramel Macchiato, which were both delicious!

They have plenty of indoor seating, but it does get busy here, especially in the mornings.

If the weather is nice, I recommend sitting outside to enjoy the beautiful mountain views!

Explore Downtown Canmore

You can spend an hour or two exploring downtown Canmore by walking along Main Street and checking out the local shops, boutiques, and art galleries.

My favorite store was Stonewaters! It was pricier than a normal souvenir shop, but I got a super cute sweatshirt here.

They also had unique home decor and other cool items. I loved browsing in this store!

Walk Over the Canmore Engine Bridge

Just a short walk from downtown, you can walk to the historic Canmore Engine Bridge which offers beautiful views of the Bow River and surrounding mountains.

It is an easy walk with stunning views.

From the bridge, you can continue along the Bow River Loop which is a scenic flat trail that follows the river. It is an easy walk for all ages and fitness levels.

Here is the AllTrails route with directions to get there.

The view of the ginormous Canadian Rockies mountains you can see from the iconic Canmore Engine Bridge as you are walking around during your one day in Canmore.

The view of the Bow River and Canadian Rockies mountains you can see while walking along the Canmore Engine Bridge and Bow River Loop which is a popular thing to do in Canmore.

Lunch at The Wood Restaurant & Lounge

The Wood Restaurant & Lounge is a great place to stop for lunch in Canmore.

Their outdoor patio offers amazing mountain views to enjoy while you’re eating your food.

Their menu has a wide variety of food options such as chicken wonton nachos, poutine, burgers, and more.

Hike Grassi Lakes Trail or Another Hike

In the afternoon, I recommend doing the Upper Grassi Lakes Trail which is a very popular hike near Canmore.

This 2.1-mile round-trip trail brings you through the forest, past a waterfall, and up to two beautiful turquoise lakes.

It is an easy-to-moderate hike with a gradual incline, and it takes about 1.5 hours.

Note: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for this hike since it is located within the provincial park in the Kananaskis Country and Bow Valley region. This pass is, separate from the Canada Discovery Pass needed for Banff. The day pass costs $15 and can be purchased online here. You only need the pass if you’re driving and parking there.

Parking is available at the trailhead, but it fills up quickly.

If the main lot is full, there is an overflow parking lot which requires a longer walk to reach the trailhead.

This could also be done earlier in the morning to beat the crowds and make finding parking easier.

Here are some other hiking options in or near Canmore as well:

Three Sisters Pathway – This is more of a walk than a hike. It is a flat, 2.8-mile (one-way) trail and offers incredible views of the iconic Three Sisters peaks and the surrounding Rockies. It is a family-friendly trail and good for all ages.
Ha Ling Peak – The perfect hike if you’re looking for a challenge. Ha Ling Peak is a steep hike that offers stunning panoramic views from the summit. The trail involves an elevation gain of 2,477 feet and typically takes around 3 hours to complete. Be prepared for a workout, but the views along the way and at the top are well worth the effort! You will need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park here.

Dinner at Crazyweed Kitchen

I recommend ending your day with dinner at Crazyweed Kitchen.

It has a unique and diverse menu, ranging from lamb curry to wood-fired pizza.

Sunset at Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk

If there is still daylight, I recommend watching the sunset while walking the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk.

It is 2.5 miles out-and-back and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. But, you don’t have to do the whole thing if you’re short on time.

If you’re planning to walk during sunset, then I recommend wearing a headlamp so you aren’t walking in the dark.

Here is the AllTrails route and directions to get there from downtown Canmore.

Looking for a Hotel?

Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!

Go to Booking.com

Need a Rental Car?

For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!

Go to Expedia

Guided Tours/Activities

When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!

Go to Get Your Guide

Helpful Information to Know Before Visiting Canmore

Where to Park in Canmore?

There are both free and paid parking options available in Canmore.

We parked along 7th Avenue near Mallard Alley which was free, but the free spaces do fill up quickly, so it is best to arrive early.

Here is the parking map I used to find areas to park in Canmore.

Places to Stay in Canmore

If the accommodations in Banff don’t fit your budget, consider staying in Canmore as the accommodation options are usually significantly cheaper.

Canmore is still close to all the major attractions in Banff National Park and has a decently sized downtown area full of restaurants, stores, and coffee shops.

Here are some great places to stay in Canmore:

Blackstone Mountain Lodge – spacious rooms & outdoor heated pool
The Malcolm Hotel – short walk to downtown Canmore
Falcon Crest Lodge – condo style units if you want more space & outdoor hot tubs
Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide – free breakfast, pets allowed at an extra cost, & there is a pool with a waterslide if you’re coming with kids!

Use this interactive map below to find even more accommodations in Canmore and the surrounding area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Canmore, Alberta Worth Visiting?

Yes, I highly recommend visiting Canmore during your Banff trip.

It is a charming mountain town that offers beautiful scenery, great outdoor trails, and a more relaxed atmosphere than Banff due to less crowds.

Whether you’re just visiting Canmore for a day or staying longer and using it as your base, it is a great destination that shouldn’t be missed!

Why is Canmore so Popular?

Canmore is so popular due to its proximity to Banff, making it a popular place to stay if you’re seeking more affordable accommodations.

They also have more Airbnbs to choose from if you’re looking to stay with a larger group of people.

It is a quieter alternative to Banff while still offering great mountain views and plenty of dining options.

Can You Get Around Canmore Without a Car?

Yes, you can walk around the town of Canmore without a car.

There are also several trails you can reach just by walking from downtown Canmore, such as the Canmore Engine Bridge to Bow River Loop and the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk.

However, you should have a rental car during your trip to Banff so you can see the rest of the iconic sights in Banff National Park like Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Johnston Canyon, and so many more.

We got our rental car at the Calgary International Airport (YCC), where you will most likely fly in for your trip to Banff.

The drive from the Calgary Airport to Banff takes about 1.5 hours.

We rented our car through Budget which is located on-site at the airport.

I always use Expedia to find the best rental car deals and highly recommend.

What to Pack for Canmore?

Bear spray – I would recommend bringing bear spray if you decide to walk along some of the trails mentioned in this blog post. We rented our bear spray from Snowtips Bactrax in downtown Banff for the entirety of our trip, but multiple places in Banff and Canmore have bear spray rentals.
Comfortable Shoes/Hiking Boots – depending on the trails you want do
Collapsible Backpack – We brought this backpack with us to carry the things we needed during the day. It is lightweight and collapses down into a small bag making it easy to pack in a suitcase.

Check out my blog post where I share my Banff Summer Packing List and everything I brought with me for my trip to Banff in late May and early June!

Conclusion

Canmore is a great place to spend a day, with its outdoor activities and scenic views.

Whether you’re visiting as a day trip from Banff or using it as your base, this Canmore itinerary covers the highlights to help you make the most of your time.

I hope this guide makes planning your trip to Banff easier and helps you enjoy everything Canmore has to offer!

I have plenty of other blog posts about my trip to Banff if you’re looking for more resources to help plan your trip!

Helpful Tips For Planning Your Trip to Banff

Recommended Activities: I highly recommend checking out the Banff Gondola, Via Ferrata, White Water Rafting, and Lake Minnewanka Cruise.
Best Hikes in Banff: Plain of Six Glaciers, Little Beehive & Big Beehive, Johnston Canyon, Peyto Lake, Tunnel Mountain – read more on my best hikes in Banff blog post!
Where to Stay in Banff: I loved our stay at the Banff Inn and would 100% recommend! The Canalta Lodge and Moose Hotel & Suites are great options too.
Rental Car: If you’re wanting to get a rental car in Banff, I recommend using Expedia or Rentalcars.com for the best deals!
Flights: Look for the best flight deals using Aviasales.
Airport Transfer: Use the Banff Airporter to get you from the Calgary Airport to your hotel in Banff if you don’t have a rental car.
No Rental Car: If you don’t have a rental car, consider using the Hop-On and Hop-Off Bus or joining a guided tour of the most popular sights.