Top 10 Things To Do, Activities 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."

"When I lived in Calgary, I regularly ate my body weight in chicken shawarma wraps. Jimmy’s has the best chicken shawarma in Calgary of course, but I also loved my regular visits to Falafel King and Cedars Deli. Moving from Calgary to Canmore was amazing, but I was saddened when I discovered that there was no chicken shawarma restaurant in Canmore."

"Formerly known as the Bow Valley Grill, the restaurant at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel underwent a huge renovation a couple of years ago and rebranded as the Vermillion Room. We used visit the Bow Valley Grill all the time, but since the renovations, there’s significantly less variety in what’s on offer at the buffet and we’ve visited less. Having said that, it is the Fairmont, and the food that they do produce is extremely high quality."

"If you’re looking for something extra special, the grandeur and elegance of The Vermillion Room will sweep you off your feet. Nestled in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, The Vermillion Room offers a bustling atmosphere, effortless charm, and an extravagant brunch. Breakfast is served daily, but Sunday offers a Build Your Own Brunch feature that you won't want to miss."

"This aesthetically pleasing sports pub is all timber and river rock and has space to socially distance. Elk and Oarsman’s frozen cocktails taste best in the summer on the rooftop patio with 360-degree views of the mountains, while its specialty coffees, such as the Irish, are perfect by the wood-burning, stone fireplace. It also offers three kinds of sangria – very berry, just peachy and rose – and the kitchen slings burgers, bar snacks and pizza."

"You’ll hardly notice a difference between the Elk and Oarsman and any Rockies ski lodge. Canadian decor, stone fireplace, and a high-ceilinged timber interior all exude the cozy après feel. In the summer, you can enjoy a drink with 360-degree views from their rooftop patio."

"Located upstairs with a crow's-nest view of Banff Ave, this is the town's most refined sports pub, with a decent lineup of beers on tap and live music; the kitchen will fix you up with some good food if you so..."