Five Great Hikes Near Canmore!

Five Great Hikes Near Canmore!

One of the best things about living in the Bow Valley is all of the amazing trails and hikes near Canmore. If you’re like me, there is nothing more rewarding and enjoyable than getting out on the trail for a full day on adventure. Today let’s explore five of my favourite hikes and walks you can do right near Canmore, ranging from easy to challenging.

1. Policemans Creek
2. Grassi Lakes
3. Ha Ling Peak
4. Lady Macdonald
5. East End of Rundle

1. Policeman’s Creek – Easy Walk In Canmore

Take this scenic trail across and through Canmore year-round. This is a lovely, easy and family-friendly walk perfect with your morning coffee. It is also a great way to see some nature as you cross downtown Canmore. Policeman’s Creek is home to ducks and other birds, and many nice benches and places to sit and relax.

Length: 3.9km
Elevation Gain: 78m
Approx. Time: Very quick connector trail – time depends on how long you relax for!
Traffic Level: Light, with more traffic in Summer.
For more info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/policemans-creek-boardwalk-trail

2. Grassi Lakes Trail – Hikes Near Canmore

This is a favourite for both locals and visitors to Canmore alike! Hike up a gentle incline to beautiful blue-green coloured lakes and gorgeous valley views! I prefer to visit during the late fall, winter, and early spring to avoid the crowds. If you plan to do this hike on the weekend, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon and carpool to get a parking spot. There is a washroom at the trailhead and this hike is dog-friendly (on leash only). About 100m into the hike, the trail splits off into “easy” and “hard” trails. The easy route is definitely the best way up, as it is much wider and can accommodate larger groups. For a loop, take the “hard” route down (when open) for a bit more of a challenge, heading down the steeper rocky face with a waterfall.

Length: 4.3km
Elevation Gain: 233m
Approx. Time: 2-3 hours.
Traffic level: Can be high on weekends and in Summer.
For more info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/upper-grassi-lakes-trail-loop

3. Ha Ling Peak – Hikes Near Canmore

A true classic Canmore hike! This is one of the more accessible Bow Valley peaks, so leave early and carpool to ensure you get parking on busier summer weekends. This steep out-and-back hike rewards you with amazing views over the Bow Valley and Canmore, plus excellent vistas of the Spray Valley. Hiking poles are recommended as this Canmore hike can be quite steep, and you should always pack bear spray. Recent renovations to this Canmore trail have improved its accessibility and lessened human impacts on nature.

Length: 7.9km
Elevation Gain: 759m
Approx. Time: 3-5 hours
Traffic level: Can be high on weekends and in Summer.
For more info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/ha-ling-peak

4. Lady Macdonald – Hikes Near Canmore

This is a beautiful out-and-back trail on the “Sunny Side” of Canmore. Hiking poles are recommended and its best to go with someone who knows their way, as there can be some route finding! Starting from Cougar Creek, hike up through the woods out into open air where there is a defunct heli-pad. Continue on for another 1-2 hours to the summit for truly breathtaking views of the valley!

Length: 9.8km
Elevation Gain: 1,303m
Approx. Time: 6-8 hours
Traffic Level: Moderate on weekends and in Summer; less so heading up to the summit.
For more info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/mount-lady-macdonald-trail

5. East End of Rundle (EEOR) – Hikes Near Canmore

The East End of Rundle (or “EEOR”) is a steep, scenic, hard hike near Canmore! Though this hike includes a lot of scrambling, the overall trail length is much shorter than the Rundle Mountain trail from Banff. This is because of the convenient access from the Spray Valley road. Sturdy hiking shoes and poles are recommended due to the amount of scree. Route finding can be hard on the scramble, but stick to the visible pathways and subtle markers and you will be rewarded with stunning high-level views of Canmore and the Bow Valley!

Length: 5.6km
Elevation Gain: 877m
Approx. Time: 5-7 hours
Traffic Level: Can be high on summer weekends.
For more info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/east-end-of-rundle-eeor

Hiking Canmore, Banff, and throughout the Bow Valley

Always remember to hike in groups when possible, pack bear spray, and dress in layers! Weather in the Canadian Rockies can change from hour to hour, and we will often see every season in a day. Make sure you have a trail map or saved images of your route, as there is not always cellphone service in all areas. Be sure to pack out any garbage you bring in with you, and to take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints.

Feel free to give me a shout any time you need a hiking partner – Cheers!

Like this post? Check out some of my other articles to learn more:

Can you own a home in Banff?

Retiring in Canmore – What to Know