Itinerary: Five Days of Winter Family Fun

If your idea of a perfect winter getaway includes snowy adventures, crackling fireplaces, and plenty of quality time with the family, you’ll find it all in Canmore and Kananaskis. This five-day itinerary is packed with family-friendly fun—from skiing or tubing at the local resort to painting pottery and watching a local hockey game. Get ready to make memories that will warm you long after the snow melts.

Accommodation: Copperstone Resort

Settle into Copperstone Resort for your family-friendly trip to Canmore and Kananaskis. Choose from one- or two-bedroom suites that can comfortably sleep from four to eight occupants. Plus, its dog-friendly suites mean the whole family can join in on the fun. Copperstone Resort has all the amenities you need for an exciting winter trip to the Canadian Rockies, including an outdoor hot tub and BBQ and an indoor fitness centre.

Powder Turns

Kick off your winter adventure with a trip to Nakiska Ski Resort. Nakiska is filled with a variety of terrain for all ages and skill levels, including groomed Olympic-length runs and a designated beginner’s area. If you or the kiddos are new to skiing or snowboarding, Nakiska is a great place to start—book a lesson with its friendly instructors to hone your skills. Or if an exhilarating activity with zero learning curve is your preference, Nakiska also has a tube park for a low-effort thrill ride.

Après Ski at Grizzly Paw Pub

After a big day on the mountain, warm up with a hearty meal at the Grizzly Paw Pub. This family-friendly restaurant is known for its juicy burgers and pub favourites. Parents can sample the locally crafted brews and kids can sip on the house-made sodas while everyone digs into delicious comfort foods.

Morning Fuel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at Harvest Cafe. This charming cafe is tucked away in downtown Canmore, serving up a delightful selection of homemade muffins, breakfast wraps, and steaming hot coffee – not to mention the best cinnamon buns in town! It’s the perfect fuel for a day of winter adventures.

Huskies or Horses – Sleigh Ride

Immerse yourself in the magic of winter with a sleigh ride through Kananaskis. Your first option is an exciting dog sledding tour with Howling Dog Tours. Bundle up in the sled and let the team of trained dogs whisk you through the snowy landscapes. Alternatively, you can book a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Boundary Ranch, where you can cozy up under blankets and enjoy a tranquil journey through our unfiltered wilderness.

Family Game Night

For a fun-filled evening, head to CanGOLF for dinner and entertainment. Rent a golf simulator and enjoy a night of friendly-family competition, including virtual games like darts, cornhole, mini golf, skee ball, and more. The menu is filled with classic comfort foods complete with lots of selections for the little ones. There’s something for everyone!

Book Some Ice Time

Lace up your skates for a family lesson with MJ’s Bow Valley Ice Skating. A classic Canadian pastime, ice skating is one of the best family-friendly winter activities in the area. You can choose between indoor lessons at the Canmore Recreation Centre, or find one of the outdoor skating rinks to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Both beginner and intermediate skating lessons are available.

Pizza Party

After practicing your ice skating skills all morning, you deserve to refuel with a hearty lunch at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. This family-friendly restaurant serves award-winning pizza and handmade pasta made with fresh, organic produce. If you dine here on a Tuesday, the entire kids’ menu is half price. Bon appetite!

Come Play at Elevation Place

Spend the afternoon and evening at Elevation Place, Canmore’s vibrant recreation facility. Take a dip in the lap pool or hot tub or unwind in the sauna while the kids zip down the waterslide or swim in the lazy river. For something more low-key, grab a coffee at Eclipse Coffee Roasters and read a book in the local library or peruse the latest collection at the Canmore Art Guild. If the kids are bouncing off the walls, send them to the indoor climbing wall to burn off their energy. Elevation Place has it all!

Glide on Snowy Trails

On day four, head up to the Canmore Nordic Centre for a cross-country ski lesson with Trail Sports. The Canmore Nordic Centre was built in 1988 for the Olympic races, and remains a popular year-round destination for skiing, biking, and more. Create a memorable experience for the whole family by learning the basics of cross-country skiing in a beginner lesson or hone your skills with an intermediate or advanced lesson.

Discover Canmore’s Charm

After your ski adventure, warm up with a hot beverage and grab a fresh sandwich on Canmore’s Main Street at Beamer’s Coffee Bar or Bella Crusta. Once everyone’s bellies are filled, take some time to wander through downtown Canmore to explore the unique shops, galleries, and artisan boutiques. Pick up locally crafted souvenirs from Alberta’s Own Marketplace or Project A, shop for home goods at Stonewaters or The Tin Box, pick up a sweet treat at The Maple Station, or find Rockies-inspired attire for every family member at Big Bear Trading Co.

Paint, Performances, or Puck Drops

Canmore’s nightlife is surprisingly vibrant, with activities and events for all ages. For an evening of arts and crafts, pick your own ceramic piece to paint into a masterpiece at Crock a Doodle. If you’re looking for a night of entertainment, buy tickets for a show, live performance, or cultural experience at the Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue, artsPlace, or Stoney Nakoda Event Centre. For sports enthusiasts, cheer on Canmore’s local hockey team, the Canmore Eagles, and experience the excitement of one of the longstanding Canadian winter traditions.

Breakfast at The Bro’kin Yolk

On your final day, be sure to stop by The Bro’Kin Yolk for a Filipino-inspired breakfast. This family-owned restaurant wants you to feel like you’re right at home. Be sure to try something from their eggs benny bar, sample one of their breakfast classics, or dig into a mouthwatering breakfast poutine.

A Howling Good Time

Before leaving Canmore and Kananaskis, make one last memorable stop at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. Take a walk through the facility to learn about the history of the wolfdog and each of their rescue stories. Your tour helps support the non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of these majestic creatures.

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.