Over the years we have done a lot of hiking in and around Canmore. When we visit the Rocky Mountains, which we try to do at least once per year, we prefer to stay in Canmore instead of Banff or Lake Louise because it is quieter and closer to many of our favourite big hikes. However, for those days when you don’t feel like anything strenuous, there are also lots of outstanding easy Canmore hikes as well.
So if you are looking for a nice walk, some beautiful scenery, sure, but nothing that might leave you crying in the fetal position realizing your exhausted legs no longer have the power to get you to the bathroom, here is a list of easy hikes in Canmore and the surrounding area. And even though they aren’t the hardest, some of them are still among the best the Canadian Rockies have to offer.
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Most of these walks can be completed in a couple hours or less, which should leave plenty of time to get to other fun Canmore activities, like drinking beer on decks, eating happy hour chicken wings and shopping for just the right flannel shirt for every occasion.
Obviously, all lists like this are extremely subjective and I’m sure there are avid hiking locals that could easily add to it, especially considering my pre-trip research yielded a total of close to 100 hikes in the area. Needless to say, we haven’t hit them all just yet. There’s always next year.
Quick Links
Here are some other Canmore posts you might want to check out:
Easy Hikes – Kananaskis Country
While not part of the more famous national parks to the west (Banff, Yoho, Kootenay), Kananaskis Country may actually have more good hiking options than any of those. Certainly more trails that are easily accessible from the road.
Kananaskis Conservation Pass
Every vehicle parking at trailheads in Kananaskis Country or the Bow Valley Corridor needs to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass (with a few specific exceptions). The passes cost $15/day per vehicle or you can get an annual pass for $90 that covers 2 vehicles. Of course, this only covers the Canmore hikes in Kananaskis – for the hikes the national parks you will need to purchase a Parks Canada pass.
1. Rawson Lake
8km / 2.5 hrs (including lunch) / 400m elevation gain
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/rawson-lake-and-upper-kananaskis-lake-trail
This one is also listed in the “best hikes” post because if you add Sarrail Ridge it gets even better, and a lot tougher. But going at least as far as Rawson Lake is highly recommended and definitely one of the best easy Canmore hikes. The views of Sarrail are amazing and since it is in a sheltered bowl, both times I’ve been there the lake has been absolutely calm, providing some outstandingly picturesque reflections.
Yes, it is a bit of a climb but on our last visit we actually passed a tiny wiener dog with 2-inch legs. If he can do it, you can, too. It’s a dog friendly hike but make sure to keep your dogs on a leash.
2. Chester Lake
10km, 2.5 hrs, 400m (probably 1-2 km shorter if you stop at closest point on lake)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/chester-lake-trail
Very beautiful, and very popular. We did this easy Kananaskis hike in the Spray Valley Provincial Park on the spur of the moment on a Saturday morning and, oh boy, that was a lot of people. Even though it was snowing pretty hard (the first of the season) it still seemed to be the hike of choice for people who don’t do a lot of hiking, as we saw everyone from teenage girls in short shorts to families with toddlers bumbling along to elderly folks with canes instead of walking sticks.
Which was a bit strange because although it is not overly strenuous, it certainly isn’t that easy. I guess people really will go to great lengths to experience one of the better larch hikes around. Oh, yeah, did I forget to mention? Yellow larches, white snow, blue water, grey mountains.
Need I say more? How about “reflection”. Definitely check it out, just get there early or, even better, on a weekday. You can also avoid some of the crowds looking for a easy hike near Calgary by taking the slight detour trail showing on the AllTrails map.
3. Ptarmigan Cirque
4km / 1.5 hrs / 270 m gain
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/ptarmigan-cirque
This one was a pleasant surprise as a last-minute add-on after hiking to Rawson Lake. We were there right at the beginning of larch season and most places they had yet to change. However, with Ptarmigan Cirque being a couple hundred metres elevation higher than most in the area, the larches there were already a pleasingly fluorescent yellow, quite exciting for our first real larch foray.
It is still a great hike, though, and one of the better easy hikes near Canmore even if you’re not there for larch season. A pretty, lush valley, imposing cliff faces on both sides and some rugged rockfall at the top, but the best part is the ability to get expansive views of neighbouring mountains with a relatively easy climb making it a great easy Kananaskis hike.
Although the trail is steep, it is fairly short, providing impressive views to effort ratio. I actually continued on up the rockpile at the end of the valley for another 500 metres (and maybe 100m elevation gain) to see the lake at the top. It was mostly dry with just a couple patches of dirty snow in September but probably has its moments earlier in the season.
Easy Hikes – Banff National Park
Within the national park there are some great easy hikes near Canmore, or at least close enough to make an easy day trip.
4. Lake Louise – Lake Agnes
7.5 km / 2.5 hrs / 430m
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/lake-agnes-trail
This one shows up as a portion of two of the hikes that made it into our overall “best of” list – the Devil’s Thumb and Big Beehive. However, it is also possible, and strongly recommended, to go at least this far even if you aren’t up to those big climbs as this is the best of the easy hikes in Banff National Park.
The walk is steadily uphill but relatively gradual and shaded. Partway up you get some partial views of oh-so-blue Lake Louise, then pass a small waterfall and soon after reach the quaint little Lake Agnes teahouse.
The lake itself is calm and gorgeous, with steep slopes on three sides and a wide variety of flora surrounding its shores. It is definitely worth walking to the far end to get the very different views and the full effect of the reflections from that side.
Another quick, easy option while you are at Lake Louise is the short hike up to Fairview Lookout (2.5 km / 165m) – nice views of the lake and hotel for very little effort. Or you can walk along the flat path on one side of Lake Louise.
5. Moraine Lake – Larch Valley
7.5 km / 3 hrs / 430m
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/sentinel-pass-trail
Another one that was also part of our “best hikes” list, Larch Valley, a Moraine Lake hike, is right on the way Sentinel Pass. And, while the view from up there is something to behold, if taking on hikes with the ominous “pass” in their names isn’t your thing or the skies aren’t clear enough to make it worth the effort, you should still head up to Larch Valley.
First of all, yes, there are definitely larches everywhere, so if you happen to be visiting in larch season this one is practically non-negotiable. But even if you’re not, the views of Moraine on the way up, of Sentinel Pass in the distance, and the lush valley itself are still worth doing.
There is also an even easier path along Lake Moraine that is mostly flat and allows great views of the lake and mountains.
6. Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail
16 km / 5 hrs / 500m
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/lake-minnewanka-lakeside
Sure, this is a bit long and hilly to be called “easy”, but since it just runs alongside this beautiful lake and turns around at the first campsite you can make it as long or short as you want.
Even heading out a few kilometres and coming back will net you some great views and get you away from the crowds near the parking lot making it a great choice for an easy hike near Banff. The full Lake Minnewanka trail (to the very end of this long, skinny lake) runs a robust 57 km.
7. Tunnel Mountain
5 km / 1.5 hrs / 250m
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/tunnel-mountain-trail
This easy jaunt up to the lookout point atop Tunnel Mountain is very popular thanks in part to its handy location just on the edge of Banff townsite making it the best Banff short hike.
And rest assured, it is okay to be winded climbing 250m in such a short distance, so don’t feel bad about it even if you notice a surprising number of toddlers also making their way to the top. Hopefully you are at least a little less cranky about it, though.
8. Johnston Canyon
5km, 1.5 hrs, 250m gain (to Upper Falls)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/johnston-canyon-trail-to-upper-falls
One of the most popular trails in the entire Banff area, there is a good chance this will be the most crowded easy Canmore hike that you try during your visit. Still worth it, though. During the shoulder seasons the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to vehicles, limiting your options of how to get there.
Luckily we wrote an entire guide to Johnston Canyon: How to Visit. Personally, we have visited both by car (easy) and bike – a very smooth, easy 6.5 km ride (each way). Plus, cruising along all by ourselves on a perfectly paved and practically deserted highway felt a bit like a very tame, very dull apocalypse movie.
And during times when the parkway is closed, the falls are far less busy (the whole point of the policy, I guess). A nice, easy hike along a nice, quiet river to some nice, pretty waterfalls. What’s not to like? If you’re feeling energetic you can also add on another 5km to the “Ink Pots”.
Another very unique experience is to visit in winter, although you will need to be careful on the snow and ice.
Easy Hikes – Canmore & Area
If you don’t feel like driving too far and are just looking for something close and simple, there are some excellent easy hikes near Canmore town.
9. Grassi Lakes
4 km / 1.5hrs / 230m
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/upper-grassi-lakes-trail-loop
The Grassi Lakes trail is very popular due to both its close proximity to Canmore and the view of the startingly coloured lakes that can be achieved with very little effort. The two Canmore lakes are the most photogenic in the area.
There are a few alternatives to make the trail harder if you choose, but even the basic circuit offers beautiful scenery and a wilderness feel making Grassi Lakes the best of the easy Canmore hikes. It also seems to be the gathering point for the small handful of Canmore residents who are just starting to work themselves back into shape.
10. Grotto Canyon
7km / 2.5 hrs / 400m elevation gain
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/grotto-canyon-trail
For something very different and unique close to Canmore, you can’t go wrong with the Grotto Canyon hiking trail. The 7 km is a rough number since you can simply go up into the canyon as far as you choose and turn around at any point. The surprising part was how often the canyon changed – from narrow slot canyon to wide boulder plain to rugged dry creek bed.
Sunny/shaded, trees/cliffs, windy/calm. The path gets off to a bit of an inauspicious start alongside a loud, dusty mineral processing plant but as soon as you turn up into the canyon that will seem a world away. Keep in mind that you are constantly walking on rocks so it will be more tiring than the specific distance and gain numbers would lead you to believe.
Another cool feature of the Grotto Canyon hike is that it can be done year-round and is actually one of the best things to do in Canmore in winter. While the footing can get a bit slippery and you’ll need to bundle up, the chance to get up close and personal with some frozen waterfalls add even more drama to this impressive canyon.
11. Policeman Creek Boardwalk
4 km / 1 hr / flat
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/policemans-creek-boardwalk-trail
This one barely qualifies as a hike but should still be mentioned as it is fairly unique, even among the many nice easy walks in Canmore city limits.
This highly photogenic boardwalk runs right down the middle of the creek and is at its best in the soft, late-day light. This was our favourite of the easy Canmore hikes when we wanted to go for a walk without driving first.
12. Heart Creek Bunker
4 km / 1.5 hrs / 200m
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/heart-creek-bunker
Our friend with an Atlas Obscura fetish picked this one and it turned out to be a pretty fascinating little jaunt to a creepy cave with a strange, sordid history (a storage unit in case of nuclear war…) and some very weird piles of living spiders guaranteed to make your skin crawl.
Even more than the haunting pleas found in the strangely literal graffiti. It also smelled a lot like pot, but that may have been connected to the group of millennials on their way out. It is a good choice of the Canmore short hikes options.
13. Bow River West Path to Three Sisters Pathway
4 km / 1 hr / flat
This isn’t specifically detailed on AllTrails, although you can find the trail just by looking at their map and it is easy to find. This easy hike in Canmore starts in the town and then follows along the river. You can actually walk as far as you want on this one but you will at least want to take it from Bridge Road south through to the end of West Canmore Park along the Three Sisters Pathway.
You follow the river most of the way, pass some pretty swank houses and get a little different view of the mountains.
14. Bow River Loop
2 km, 30 min, flat
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/bow-river-loop–2
This is a great little circular route just a few blocks from downtown Canmore, better than you’d usually find right in a city. You go along the river for awhile, cross the very cool Engine Bridge and, if you’re worried about the difficulty level, rest assured you’ll pass more strollers than mountain climbers.
It is easily combined with the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk and/or the Bow River West Path.
15. Canmore Hoodoos Loop
5 km / 1.5 hrs / 250m
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/canmore-hoodoos-loop
Across the highway to the north, this one offers a little better workout than the others nearby, as well as some good views back over the town to the mountains behind. The hoodoos themselves barely qualify as plural, but there are, in fact, two hoodoos, so it’s hard to argue.
There are a few variations you choose between, some of which are pretty steep and slippery so, if you’re not really into that, be ready to adjust accordingly.
Canmore Easy Hikes Map
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More Easy Canmore Hikes
Another very scenic hike with optioins for distance and difficulty is the Elbow Lake hike, continuing up the valley to Rae Glacier. With a small glacier at the top, phenomenal views back down and the wonderfully clear and photogenic Elbow Lake is great for both campers and day trippers, and if you only go this far it definitely qualifies as an easy Canmore hike.
Another along the same lines is Wasootch Ridge. This beautiful ridge walk features 7 different peaks and it is fairly strenous to go all the way to the end and back. But the views are pretty great right from peak 3 so you can easily enjoy it as an easy hike if you choose.
Consolation Lakes are just a short hike from Moraine Lake and well worth the detour, especially if you’ve managed to get a shuttle reservation.
Once again, these are just a portion of all the possibilities in the area, many of which we haven’t yet gotten to. But we have heard good things about these others and you may want to look into them as well if you have time.
Then, of course, there are many other easy hikes near Canmore which we have heard about but not made it to yet, including these two that get rave reviews from local hikers.
West Wind Pass
Arethusa Cirque
What to Take
It is always important to be prepared when venturing out hiking, especially in the mountains. Obviously, long, challenging hikes require more advance planning and safety gear but even for short hikes you still need to be properly equipped.
Dressing properly will make the experience much more enjoyable and carrying useful safety supplies can ensure you are prepared in case mishaps take place (as they tend to). Here is a quick checklist of items we alway carry, wear or use while hiking:
A good day pack is essential. We have recently become big fans of Gregory packs and would recommend the Gregory Miwok 18 for short hikes or when your gear is split between two people. And the Gregory Optic 48 for longer hikes. I know 48L sounds big but it is a super-light and comfortable pack that cinches down smaller when it isn’t full.
Water is obviously important and we go back and forth between using a Camelbak bladder and just a couple of water bottles. We also keep a few Aquatabs with us at all times just in case we ever run low and want to treat some river or lake water.
They are tiny and every now and then come in quite handy. It is always a good idea to carry some snacks as well. It never hurts and sometimes hikes end up taking longer than planned.
Good socks! Everyone understands good shoes or boots are essential (my current favourites are Salomon Cross Hikes) but wearing good wool socks can make just as much of a difference:
Laynni always hikes in compression leggings that she swears by for the extra knee, hip and muscle support.
Layers, baby! You never know what kind of weather nature will throw at you so it pays to be ready for anything. Obviously, the forecast might change what you carry but if there is any doubt (and there almost always is in the mountains), bring extra.
Northface Canyonlands full zip fleece
And just in case we are so impressed by the scenery that we decide it’s worth a photo with both of us in it we always carry the tiny, extremely handy octopus tripod.
Of course, a comprehensive first-aid kit is key to make sure those “mishaps” are simply inconvenient and don’t ruin your whole day.
Other useful items that we sometimes carry and sometimes don’t, depending on the hike:
Hiker Hunger Aluminum trekking poles
Auhike Stainless Steel Crampons
Well, that probably covers most of it, although somehow we have even more to say on the matter in our Day Hike Packing List post. Check it out if you’re looking for even more detailed info.
Where to Stay in Canmore
We stayed at the Canadian Rockies Chalets and it was excellent – well-equipped, roomy and walking distance to grocery stores and downtown. A couple other good choices are Base Camp Chalets (next door) and the Lamphouse Inn, which is right downtown.
Mount Kidd RV Park is one of the best campgrounds in the Rockies and a great place to base yourself close to all the best Kananaskis hikes.
Trip Planning Resources
Here is a list of the most important resources we use when planning our travels, all in one convenient spot. Full disclosure, when you use any of these links to reserve or sign up for something, we receive a small commission which is greatly appreciated. However, your price does not change and we have only included products and websites that we can honestly recommend.
- We book the majority of our hotels on Booking.com. With frequent stay discounts, thousands of reviews and free cancellation, it is very rare for us to have a bad hotel experience these days.
- Wise is by far the best international multicurrency bank account we’ve found. We can now send and receive money in half a dozen different currencies, convert to dozens more with no exchange premium and pay or withdraw local currencies. Highly recommended.
- When travelling we always get SIM cards with data for our phones. Local SIM cards are sometimes a bit cheaper but if you have a relatively new smartphone (iPhone XR or newer, Samsung S20 or newer) you can just buy an eSIM online, get a QR code by email and you’re good to go. After extensive research we have found that Airalo sim cards have the best coverage and prices for most of our trips.
- If you’re interested in local guided tours, including everything from city tours to cooking lessons to adventure activities, check out the huge range of options at Get Your Guide.
Easy Canmore Hikes Summary
Canmore is a true hiking wonderland, so whether you are looking for a serious alpine challenge or an easy stroll in the park, you should be able to find the trail that fits. Hopefully this very subjective list of the best easy Canmore hikes will help you choose the right one for your mood.
Other useful articles you may want to check out:
Lake O’Hara: Your Complete Hiking and Camping Guide
Wasootch Ridge Hike: A Classic Kananaskis Trail
Floe Lake – Numa Creek Loop: An Epic Backcountry Adventure
7 Amazing Drumheller Hiking Trails
A Guide to the Drumheller Hoodoos
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