Photo: Bhasker Garudadr
	The Three Sisters mountain range in the Canadian Rockies is found near Canmore, Alberta.

Canmore Kananaskis hits Rocky Mountain highs

© 2012 Group Tour Media Article,
February 2, 2012

CANMORE, Alberta — Surrounded by the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Canmore Kananaskis is a retreat for outdoors lovers.

But there’s much more to the story.

Canmore’s emergence as a scenic getaway is changing Alberta’s tourism scene, with its share of adventure, leisure, shopping and culinary opportunities.

Located 20 minutes from Banff and about an hour from Calgary, the town is well-connected to the province’s top destinations but also is a standalone spot.

It’s named in honor of King Malcolm of Scotland, and translates to “big head,” referring to large or tall stature.

Its population of nearly 20,000 makes it a largely unsettled paradise, but its residents aren’t stingy. Business owners, hoteliers and guides are welcoming to groups and can’t wait to show yours around their slice of heaven. The elk aren’t quite as effusive, but they’re not going to chase you off, either.

There are myriad ways to enjoy the locale’s breathtaking natural beauty — from helicopter rides and four-wheeler romps to horseback rides and even a view from underground. That’s right; for different perspective, explore Grotto Mountain on a half-day guided trip with Canmore Cave Tours.

For an exhilarating above ground adventure, strap on a pair of snowshoes or ice cleats and traverse the chilly terrain with an experienced local guide. 

	Photo: Carlos Ponte
	The Canadian Rockies view from the Nordic Centre in Canmore, Alberta, is a panoramic spread.

Dog sledding and ice climbing are among the other popular ways to enjoy Canmore during colder weather.

When the ground thaws, the activity scene heats up with six world-class, 18-hole golf courses, summer music and cultural festivals and tons of heart-pumping recreational opportunities on land and water.

This area is big on mountain biking, with prime single track on either side of the valley.

The Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park ’s upgraded trails offer a look at some stunning country, while the recently completed, paved Legacy Trail is the best way for cyclists to make their way to Banff. The centre was built for nordic events for the 1998 Winter Olympics based in Calgary, Alberta.

Water lovers have options aplenty. Rafters can hit the Kananaskis River’s Class 2 and 3 rapids or the Bow River’s Horseshoe Canyon’s Class III and IV. For a quieter trek, opt for a calm-water float trip.

Anglers are encouraged to cast into the Upper Bow River for some good brown trout fishing. Rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout are found elsewhere.

Shopaholics also will find lots of ways to get their fix. Trips to Le Chocolatier, the Ammonite Factory and of Cabbages & Kings Pottery Studio are essential for art aficionados and foodies.

For more details, contact Tourism Canmore Kananaskis online or by calling (403) 678-1295.