Some of the best of the Canadian Rockies’ best hiking can be found in Canmore, Alberta and surrounding Kananaskis Country. It’s got everything you want in the Rockies: dramatic mountain vistas, pristine rivers, streams, waterfalls and lakes, abundant wildlife… It’s perfect for your Canadian Rockies hiking vacation.
And when you’re done hiking, you’ll find plenty of great pubs, restaurants and lodging to regale you and prepare you for the next Canadian Rockies adventure.
One of the great things about this area is that there are a wide variety of hikes for all levels. Below, you’ll find the mountain man approved selection of “moderate difficulty” hikes. Also, be sure to check out the Canmore webcam to get a great view of the area!
Cougar Creek — Cougar Creek (let the jokes about mature women chasing young men begin) begins at the parking lot on Elk Run Blvd. and continues either up the mountain or along the canyon. Both choices will offer fantastic scenery and photo opportunities that are simply priceless. Watch out for the steep areas, and be sure to bring a hiking partner.
Gnassi Lakes — This 5k hike offers a lot to discover and see. Begin just after the Canmore Nordic Center at the bottom of Smith-Dorrian Spray Trail. Although the beginning is a fire road, a quick turn leads hikers through the luscious and peaceful forest. As the hike through the woods slowly begins to ascend a beautiful waterfall reveals itself. When hikers arrive at the summit they will be greeted by emerald green and turquoise-colored lakes. Additional pictographs can be spotted, and there’s a rock scramble to climb for a closer look.
Goat Creek — An 18k trail going from the top of Whiteman Pass to Banff Springs Hotel. The trail drops a fairly sharp 291 meters (957 feet), though to help ease the big up and big down the trail is mostly wise and smooth. It’s an ideal choice for mountain bikers, and the walk back up offers some incredible places to pause and soak up the scenery.