Canmore Top Five
The mountain village of Canmore is central to one of the most majestic recreational areas in Alberta – the Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountains themselves are something to behold and should be seen first-hand to really get a sense of the majesty of this ancient range. These mountains have been the inspiration to wilderness photographers dating back to the late 19th century – one of the most notable being Byron Harmon, whose timeless photos seemed to capture the very essence of their spirit. In any case, Canmore is spot in the middle of all this beautiful recreational area. Here are five day-long excursions you can enjoy from your base-camp when staying in Canmore.
The Highwood Summit
Approximately 1.5 hours from Canmore along the TransCanada Highway east to Highway 40. When you hit Highway 40 you begin a rapid ascent as you make your way to Highwood Summit. Expect to see wildlife. This is the highest paved mountain pass in the Canadian Rockies and passes through the heart of some of the most remote wilderness in Western Canada. Please keep in mind that this section of Highway 40 is closed from December 1st to June 15th inclusively.
Moraine Lake and/or Lake Louise When the CPR came through here, the surveyors and designers recognized these two lakes as natural landmarks that would serve as idyllic way stations for people travelling out west. They are among the most beautiful lakes in Alberta and only about 1.5 hours from Canmore. You can get there on the TransCanada (Highway 1) or via the Bow Valley Parkway – considered by many to be the scenic route. Moraine Lake Road is closed to vehicle access during the winter and is then used as a cross country ski trail until the snow melts.
Field, B.C. ...is also approximately 1.5 hours away from Canmore. The many attractions to be experienced here include the Spiral Tunnels, designed by J.E. Schwitzer, one CP's Chief Engineers, to reduce the grade of descent coming down off the infamous Kicking Horse Pass; Takakkaw Falls - one of the highest measured waterfalls in Western Canada; and Emerald Lake, discovered by famed Canadian tracker, Tom Wilson, who aptly named it for it's milky, emerald colour caused by glacial sediment suspended in the water.
Calgary Built on the great plains of Alberta, Calgary is a mere 1.25 hours from Canmore. Simply get on Highway 1 and head east. Once you’re in Calgary, check the Calgary Stampede grounds, the Heritage Park, the Glenbow Museum, the Calgary Tower, and the Calgary Zoo. During the winter months you can catch the Calgary Flames playing at the Saddledome.
Kananaskis Lakes You get to Kananaskis Lakes on the TransCanada Highway heading east to Highway 40. Turn south on Highway 40 at Nakiska and travel approximately 30 minutes and you'll come to the exit for the Kananaskis Lakes Trail. This route is spectacular.