Itinerary: Five Days of Gentle Summer Exploration

Sometimes the best adventures don’t require breaking a sweat – they just ask you to slow down, look around, and savour each moment. In Canmore and Kananaskis, gentle exploration leads to astonishing adventures that nourish your soul. This itinerary outlines a peaceful escape from the daily grind and allows the mountains to work their magic.

Accommodation

The Paintbox Lodge is more than just your average stay – it’s an adventure in itself. With only five suites, this intimate lodge is the perfect space to enjoy a relaxing stay. Each room is thoughtfully designed with handcrafted furniture and mountain-inspired artwork. Not to mention, the Paintbox Lodge is centrally located in downtown Canmore, well within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and walking and biking paths.

Morning bites

Start your first day in Canmore with breakfast or brunch at Uprising Bake Shop + Espresso Bar. Just a short walk from your accommodation, this local bakery makes all their bread and pastries each morning, so each bite is guaranteed to be fresh and delicious. Sip on a handcrafted latte and indulge in a sweet crepe or French toast – it’s the kind of mellow morning sure to set the tone for a day of gentle exploration.

Get the lay of the land

Get the inside scoop on Canmore’s local heritage and recommendations straight from a local guide. Whether this is your first time in Canmore or your seventh, booking an afternoon with Canmore Walking Tours is a great way to orient yourself in the town, learn something new about the surrounding mountains, and get to know the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems.

Afternoon picnic and paddle

Spend the late afternoon at Quarry Lake Park. Rent to soak in the sun’s rays and some incredible views. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak from BeHappy Adventours, Bow Valley SUP and Surf, or Green Tongue Adventures, or plan to picnic by the shoreline and dip your toes in the water. Nourish your soul by the calm lake current with the staggering Rocky Mountains as your backdrop.

Soar through the skies

You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to experience staggering mountain peaks. Take to the skies with Alpine Helicopters for a breathtaking perspective of the Canadian Rockies. This exhilarating tour gives you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a bird’s eye view of iconic peaks like the Three Sisters as well as alpine rivers, meadows, and glaciers.

Find your appetite for exploration

In the afternoon, it’s time to dig into Canmore’s surprisingly diverse culinary scene. Depending on the level of adventure you’re looking for, we have a few options to choose from:

• Pedal your way to the best restaurants in town and get a VIP experience with Food Bike Tours Canmore. Work up an appetite as you glide on a bike or e-bike along attractions like the Bow River to top food venues in Canmore.
• Book an experience with Alberta Food Tours and take a self-guided tasting journey through Canmore’s downtown restaurants.
• Canmore Brewery and Distillery Tours offers a behind-the-scenes look at how our local brews and spirits are made. Transportation to all the locations is included!

Catch a show

Check out what’s happening in town on our events calendar. You may be lucky enough to experience a live performance at the Carter Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue, see a concert or comedian at artsPlace, or witness an unforgettable performance at the Stoney Nakoda Event Centre. You’re sure to find something to spark your interest!

Drift down the Bow

Start off day three with a relaxing float down the Bow River with Canmore Raft Tours. Listen to the soothing sounds of the water as the gentle current carves through dense forests and staggering peaks. You may even be able to spot some of the local wildlife on your journey!

Lunch break

After your river float, grab lunch at Bella Crusta, and Italian-inspired cafe known for its artisan sandwiches and pizzas made with in-house focaccia bread. Don’t forget to save room for their amazing gelato – it’s the perfect sweet treat to complete your meal.

Wander through town

Take the rest of the afternoon to wander down the streets of downtown Canmore. Main Street is closed to vehicle traffic from May to October, making it a relaxing space for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy. Find the perfect souvenir to take home from one of the boutique shops, pick up some new gear from a locally owned outdoor retailer, or find a new piece of art at one of the many galleries. If you’re here on a Thursday, don’t miss the Mountain Market at Elevation Place. This must-visit event features artisan goods showcasing the region’s creativity, as well as food trucks, fresh produce, and live music.

Tee off

Hit the links at one of the scenic golf courses in Canmore or Kananaskis. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and rolling fairways, it’s a chance to enjoy the scenery while playing a laid-back game. After your round, most resort clubhouses offer excellent restaurants where you can grab a post-game meal and soak in the mountain views from their outdoor patios.

Book a spa day

After an invigorating morning round of golf, dedicate your afternoon to relaxation and recovery at Bodhi Wellness or One Wellness. Indulge in a deep tissue massage treatment and take advantage of rejuvenating amenities including hot pools, steams rooms, saunas, and more. Let the tension dissolve as you nourish your mind, body, and soul in this Rocky Mountain paradise.

Bathe in paradise

Connect with the tranquility of the mountains on a guided forest bathing experience with Forest Fix or Original Path Guiding. These immersive walks encourage you to slow down, engage your senses, and experience the healing power of nature. Unplug from the daily hustle and bustle of life and deepen your connection to the natural world.

One last stop

On your drive back to Calgary International Airport, be sure not to miss stopping by the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. This rescue facility provides a safe space for the majestic part-dog, part-wolf, and gives you a close-up look into their lives. Your visit helps support the important work in wolfdog rescue and education and is a great way to spend a gentle afternoon outdoors.

In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.