Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Canmore

"The scenic blue Lake Minnewanka has much to offer the outdoors recreationalist: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and booing. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is a nature photographer’s dream, with gorgeous scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bears, mountain sheep and elk."

"Close to Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka has been used by the First Nations Communities 10,000 years ago. Facing north, it's a very popular place to view the Aurora Borealis. My favourite views are the ones of Mount Inglismaldie."

"Sulphur Mountain overlooks the Town of Banff and while some may choose to hike it, we are taking the Banff Gondola. With boardwalks and observation decks at an elevation of over 2,000m, Sulphur Mountain is the perfect spot to take in the incredible beauty of the Rocky Mountains. You can learn more at the Above Banff interpretive centre, which also houses two spots to eat: the Northern Lights Cafe for more casual fare, and Sky Bistro - a sanctuary in the sky."

"The discovery of this natural hot spring on Sulphur Mountain, and desire to protect it, led to the creation of Banff National Park. Inside the cave you can admire the sparkling turquoise waters, while outside you can see a steaming thermal water basin."

"After exploring the Banff town, head to the Sulphur mountains. The Banff Sightseeing Gondola is located 5 minutes from the Town of Banff."

"The Vermilion Lakes are a trio of lakes just minutes from the town of Banff, and they offer awesome shots of Mount Rundle. There are many photography vantage points located on the side of the lake by the road, most of which will give a great shot of the mountain reflected on the water. That said, if you’re looking to get the absolute best shots of the Vermillion Lakes and Mount Rundle, I’d recommend staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs."

"This is one of the most popular spots for elopements and wedding photography in Banff. It’s 5 minutes out of town so it’s easy to cram in a quick shoot here between your wedding and your reception (if it’s in Banff). It also gets fantastic afternoon/evening light which tends to line up perfectly with your typical wedding schedule."

"Sitting at the foot of Mount Rundle and a 5-minute drive from the township of Banff, Vermilion Lakes are a series of 3 shallow lakes. To reach them, take Vermilion Lakes Road, a scenic 4.3-kilometre route. When the water is calm, the lakes provide a perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains."

"Only a short commute from downtown Banff, Bow Falls is an awesome spot to check on some frozen waterfalls. With only a small portion of moving water near the top, the remainder will likely freeze over during the winter. Some of the more shallow water freezes over too, allowing you to walk on top and get a closer view of the falls."

"One of the best things about the Bow River is its accessibility. A popular tourist attraction, the Bow Falls are one of the most loved natural attractions of the Banff National Park. Unlike the conventional waterfalls, the water doesn’t cascade from a great height; the Bow Falls are wide and short, powerful all the same!"

"Two spots to check out in this region are Grassi Lakes and braving the summit of Ha Ling Peak. You can also visit the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary and get up close in person with these amazing creatures."

"As one of the most popular hiking trails in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon is home to family-friendly hikes and sightseeing adventures. You have the chance to avoid the busy crowds if you visit this beautiful location over the winter. Enjoy a stunning hike just above the canyon to view the frozen Upper Falls."

"Day Four: Lake Moraine and Johnston Canyon Spend the day at Lake Moraine, the most beautiful spot in Banff National Park. Moraine is the most amazing color of blue that you will ever see. You will probably have a hard time believing your eyes."

"Starting from Stoney Trailhead, it’s only a 1.7 km hike into Kananaskis Country to visit the glorious Troll Falls. The trail is flat and comfortable for most beginner hikers. Over the winter these falls will completely freeze over, leaving you with an icy mass that you can climb onto."

"Troll Falls is not technically located in the Canadian Rockies, but in Kananaskis country. The short, relatively flat stroll to the falls is appropriate for families, especially those with small children, who will love the falls at the end!. What’s special about these falls?"

"I love natural playgrounds, and this one does a great job of blending into the stunning scenery. The playground features slides, a climbing wall, and several fallen trees and tree stumps for climbing. On the other side of the park, there’s a faux-mountain that kids can climb or run underneath (there’s a small opening in the middle)."

"Banff gets hip with a microdistillery to complement its microbrewery, plying spirits (gin, vodka and whiskey) and beer made from Alberta's foothills' grain. It all goes down perfectly with a mesquite beef hoagie,..."

"415 Banff Ave, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta CanadaItalian, Swiss, EuropeanLunch, Dinner, Late NightReservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service+1 403-762-3848http://www.ticinorestaurant.com"

"The in-house restaurant of the Banff Park Lodge, La Terrazza has all the trappings of a fine Italian restaurant, including fresh, delicious food homemade with local ingredients. Hotel restaurants get a bad rap, but La Terrazza is not just a place to feed overnight guests mediocre grub. It's the real deal, standing impressively on its own merit."

"Nestled inside the Banff Park Lodge in the heart of downtown Banff you will find La Terrazza. The Italian menu features an Albertan twist that is sure to leave your tastebuds wanting more. The panoramic windows and glass ceilings offer views that span from Sulphur Mountain to Mount Norquay."

"Featuring an indoor mineral swimming pool and spa services, this Banff hotel includes an on-site restaurant and lounge. Each room offers a 37" LCD TV and free WiFi. Banff Gondola is 13 minutes' drive away. A mini refrigerator and coffee machine with complimentary coffee is provided in each room at Banff Royal Canadian Lodge. A private bathroom includes bathrobes and free toiletries. Guests can enjoy locally sourced meals at Evergreen Restaurant and Lounge, or enjoy dining in the comfort of the room. A fitness centre is provided on-site. Ski and hiking trails, whitewater rafting, and natural hot springs are all within the area. Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is 2 km from the property. Sunshine Village ski resort is 20 minutes' drive away. Facilities at this hotel include sauna. Hotel rating: 8.2 (very good)"

"One of the best places to stay in Banff is the Royal Canadian Lodge. If you enjoy a side of elegance along with your outdoor adventures in Banff, the Royal Canadian Lodge offers luxury accommodation with many amenities to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. The boutique hotel is home to the Evergreen Restaurant and Lounge, where you can enjoy fine dining with extensive wine offerings and locally-inspired cuisine."

"The Willow Stream Spa in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is one of the most famous spas in the Canadian Rockies. They are proudly one of the 25 best spas in Canada, an award they won from the Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards. The focal point of the Willow Stream Spa is the rejuvenating waters that brought people to the iconic "Castle in the Rockies" 100 years ago."

"A haven of relaxation, next door to Banff’s Upper Hot Springs, The Rimrock Resort Hotel marries modern comforts with all the charm of a Rockies retreat. Clean architectural lines and dark wooden furnishings give rooms a sense of sophistication, with added luxury in the form of Zents Laszlo amenities, Bose Bluetooth speaker systems and signature welcome gifts. Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary bus service to downtown Banff and its ski connector service when heading to the slopes."

"The Rimrock Resort Hotel highlights the best feature of Banff National Park: the view. However, it’s also classified luxury for a reason. Guests have access to two restaurants, two lounges, a swimming pool and hot tub, fitness center and a stellar on-site spa (go for the facial!)."

"Set within Banff National Park, this hotel is close to hot springs, stunning views and hiking trails. It has a range of wellness amenities including a sauna, Jacuzzi and an indoor swimming pool. This four-star hotel has spacious rooms with luxurious facilities."