[2025 Calgary Attraction] Travel Guide for Bow River (Updated Apr)

Canmore, a town nestled in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, is like a pearl treasured by time, exuding a charming and unique allure. It is not only an ideal gateway to explore the Canadian Rockies, but also a wonderland where the soul can rest and have an in-depth dialogue with nature. Itinerary • Day 1: First Arrival in Canmore - Encountering Natural Beauty: After arriving in Calgary, rent a car and drive to Canmore (about a 1-hour drive), enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Canadian Rockies along the way. After checking in, hike to Grassi Lake. This trail is about 2 hours round trip and is relatively easy, making it perfect for beginners. Along the way, you can enjoy the emerald green lake, unique rocks, and a distant view of the Three Sisters Mountain. In the evening, return to the town, stroll along the Bow River, admire the beautiful scenery of the sunset shining on the river, and feel the tranquility and peace of the town. • Day 2: Challenge the Peak - Overlooking the Magnificent Mountains and Rivers: After breakfast, head to Ha Ling Peak. This is a challenging hiking route, which takes about 4–6 hours for a round trip, but when you reach the top, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Canmore and the surrounding mountains, making all the effort worthwhile. If you find Ha Ling Peak too difficult, you can also choose Policeman's Creek Boardwalk, stroll along the boardwalk, and enjoy the streams and surrounding natural scenery in a relaxed and pleasant way. In the afternoon, visit the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre to learn about the town's history, culture, and geological changes. In the evening, enjoy dinner in the town and experience the local cuisine. • Day 3: Winter Carnival - Enjoying the Fun of Ice and Snow (Recommended in Winter): Canmore in winter is a paradise for ice and snow enthusiasts. In the morning, head to the Canmore Nordic Centre, which was the venue for the 1988 Winter Olympics and offers various skiing and biathlon activities. Whether you are a beginner or a ski expert, you can find your own fun here. In the afternoon, you can try ice climbing, challenge the vertical ice wall under the guidance of a professional coach, and feel the excitement. In the evening, return to the town, take a hot bath, and relax. • Day 4: Exploring the Surroundings - Discovering More Surprises: Head to Kananaskis Provincial Park, which is not far from Canmore and has abundant natural landscapes and outdoor activities. You can choose to hike, ride horses, and admire the beauty of alpine lakes and forests in the park. You can also go to the Kanaskis Nordic Spa to enjoy a relaxing spa service and give your tired body a full rest. Return to Canmore in the evening, buy some souvenirs, and prepare for the return trip. Transportation Guide • Plane: First arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is about 81 km from Canmore. From the airport, you can choose to rent a car or take a bus to Canmore. • Car Rental: There are many car rental companies at Calgary Airport. Renting a car and driving yourself can give you more freedom to explore the surrounding attractions. The scenery along the way is beautiful and it is a highly recommended mode of transportation. • Bus: Rider Express, Red Arrow, and other bus companies operate routes to Canmore, but the number of buses may be limited, so you need to check and book in advance. Food Recommendations • Iron Goat Pub & Grill: Offers a variety of classic Canadian dishes, such as burgers, steaks, and fries, in generous portions and at affordable prices. Their specialty is a variety of craft beers, which can be enjoyed with the food for a unique flavor. • Crazyweed Kitchen: Focuses on healthy food, with many vegetarian and gluten-free options. Their salads, wraps, and freshly squeezed juices are recommended, with fresh ingredients and a refreshing taste. • Gaucho Brazilian Barbecue - Canmore: Friends who like barbecue must not miss this Brazilian barbecue restaurant. There are various cuts of grilled meat here, and the waiters bring large pieces of meat to the table to slice, allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of eating meat to your heart's content. Accommodation Recommendations • Blackstone Mountain Lodge by CLIQUE: A four-star hotel with spacious and comfortable rooms, some with balconies offering beautiful mountain views. The hotel also offers facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, and hot spring, with attentive service. • Mtn House by Basecamp: A very cost-effective accommodation option with clean and tidy rooms and complete facilities. The hotel is conveniently located, close to the town center and various shops and restaurants. In Canmore, every breath carries the breath of nature, and every moment can become an eternal memory. Pack your bags, come here to start a date with nature, and let your soul find a resting place among the mountains, rivers, and lakes.

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies lies a fairy tale-like town - Canmore. Like a canvas painted with nature's finest strokes, every scene exudes captivating charm, drawing countless travelers to explore its mysteries. Majestic Mountains: Nature's Magnificent Masterpiece Canmore is surrounded by the towering Rocky Mountains, with endless peaks reaching into the clouds, their snow-capped summits gleaming with sacred radiance in the sunlight. These peaks come in various forms - some like swords piercing the sky, others like giants guarding the land. Mount Grotto is one of Canmore's iconic peaks, attracting many hiking enthusiasts with its imposing presence and spectacular views. As you climb up the winding trail, the scenery constantly changes. From lush forests to craggy cliffs, to the breathtaking views at the summit, every step brings new surprises. Standing at the peak, overlooking the town and vast mountain ranges below, you'll feel an overwhelming sense of triumph. Dynamic Waters: Serenity and Vitality in the Blue Waters The Bow River winds through Canmore like a blue ribbon. The crystal-clear water sparkles in the sunlight. Along the riverbank lies a peaceful and beautiful wetland where various bird species nest and breed. In the early morning, when the first rays of sunlight hit the water surface, birds' cheerful songs break the morning silence like nature's symphony. In summer, the Bow River becomes a paradise for water activities. You can rent a kayak to paddle through the waves, feeling the rush of water and gentle breeze. Or find a quiet spot by the river to fish, enjoying the peace and leisure. In winter, the frozen river transforms into a skating paradise, where people glide gracefully on the ice amid laughter and joy. Four Seasons: A Beautiful Canvas for Every Season Canmore's four seasons are like four distinct paintings, each with its unique charm. In spring, melting ice and snow signal nature's awakening. Mountain wildflowers bloom in abundance, dotting the valley with colorful blossoms. Birds sing joyfully, squirrels scurry through the woods, everything bursts with life and energy. Summer is Canmore's busiest season. Warm sunshine bathes the land as people venture outdoors to embrace nature. Hiking, mountain biking, camping, and other outdoor activities become everyone's favorites. The town hosts various festivals and events, filling the atmosphere with joy. Fall is one of Canmore's most beautiful seasons. Mountain slopes turn golden and crimson with maple leaves, as if nature has spilled its palette. Driving along mountain roads, the scenery on both sides is like poetry come to life. Winter transforms Canmore into a snow-covered fairy tale world. Snowflakes drift down, blanketing the town and mountains. Ski resorts bustle with activity as skiers zoom down slopes, enjoying the thrill of winter sports. In town, warm lights shine through windows onto the snow, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Town Character: A Blend of Warmth and Art Canmore's town center radiates warmth and artistic charm. Colorful cabins and shops line the streets, each with its unique style. Here you'll find various handicraft shops, galleries, and cafes. Handicraft shops display exquisite works by local artists, from woodcarvings to pottery and jewelry, each piece full of creativity and craftsmanship. Galleries showcase various styles of artwork, from realistic landscapes to abstract pieces, offering endless visual delights. Cafes provide perfect spots for relaxation, where you can savor rich coffee while admiring snow scenes or street views through windows, experiencing the town's tranquility and beauty. Culinary Experience: Rocky Mountain Flavors Canmore's culinary culture combines Canadian traditions with international flavors. Local restaurants offer various delicacies, particularly famous for fresh seafood and local meats. You can enjoy juicy steaks, grilled salmon, and other dishes, perfectly paired with local wines or beers. Additionally, Canmore offers many specialty snacks like maple products and french fries, allowing you to experience Canadian culture through its cuisine.

Today we’re going to show you how to unlock the hidden gem of the Canadian Rockies – Canmore, Alberta! 🇨🇦 It has the same snow-capped mountains and lakes as Banff, but with half the number of tourists! Hiking, hot spring bathing, and wildlife watching are all possible here, and the CP value is super high! ✨ 📍【Itinerary】 Day 1: Lake and mountain scenery + town walk 1⃣ 8:00 Three Sisters Mountain Observation Deck Canmore postcard angle! The best time to take photos of snow-capped mountains in the early morning when the clouds and mist are lingering⛰ Remember to wear a bright-colored jacket for better photos 2⃣ 10:00 Grassi Lakes Hike 1.5 hours easy route, you will see the Tiffany Blue Glacial Lake! 💧 You may encounter elk on the road🦌 3⃣ 15:00 Strolling and eating on the main street Recommend the maple latte at "Communitea Café" and the smoked salmon bagel at "Rocky Mountain Bagel"🥯 Day 2: Adventure 1⃣ 7:00 Sunrise at Spray Lake The mirror-like lake reflects the snow-capped mountains, and it is even more tranquil than Moraine Lake! Photographers must bring a tripod📷 2⃣ 10:00 Canmore Cave Adventure Wear a headlamp to climb wild limestone caves, and the guide will tell you super exciting gold rush stories💎 3⃣ 14:00 Bow River Rafting 2 hours of moderate rafting, bears often appear on both sides of the river🐻 📍【Must-visit attractions】 💎 Grassi Lakes (Tiffany Blue Lake) 🏔 Three Sisters Mountain (Canmore Landmark) 🛶 Spray Lake (Beautiful sunrise) 🦅 Canmore Nordic Spa (Snow Mountain View Hot Spring) 🍽【Food Recommendation】 🍁 Maple whiskey ice cream 🥓 Alberta AAA Steak 🍺 Grizzly Paw Craft Beer 💡【Tips】 1⃣ Transportation: 1 hour drive from Calgary Airport 2⃣ Accommodation: Recommended "Solara Resort" suite with kitchen 3⃣ Safety: Bear spray is required when hiking (available for rent) 4⃣ Season: June to September is the best time to visit, and October is the best time to see golden pine trees Canmore really is the perfect alternative to Banff! You can get the same snow mountain blockbuster without crowding with others. Sisters, please take this nanny-level strategy~💕

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent #FebruaryTravelSupportEvent I'll tell you about a free parking lot near downtown Banff. 📍Bow River trail You can park for free in the parking lot along the Bow River. It's close to downtown Banff, so you can park and go downtown quickly! I got lost while looking for a free parking lot and came across this place by accident, but when I asked a Banff resident, they told me it was a free parking lot, so I used it more conveniently! If you're looking for a free parking lot in Banff, try using this! It's closer to downtown than other well-known parking lots, so it's more convenient for traveling. #BanffTravel

Beautiful environment, you can walk around the lake The people in Calgary are very friendly and worth a visit