While summer may be the peak season in Alberta, those in the know will tell you that winter is when the Canadian Rockies reveal their truest splendor. Picture pristine, snow-covered landscapes juxtaposed with lush, evergreen forests. Winter trails in Canmore during this serene season, are not only a sight to behold but also offer the chance to escape the crowds that flock to these destinations in the warmer months.
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To make the most of this winter wonderland, I have compiled a list of the 13 best Canmore winter hikes. So dust off your snowshoes, grab your hiking poles, and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Alberta as you explore these stunning winter hiking trails in Canmore and beyond.
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A Quick Look at the 13 Best Canmore Winter Hiking Trails
The 13 Best Winter Hikes in Canmore
1. Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls — Banff National Park
The Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls trail is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park throughout the year but offers a truly unique frozen wonderland following a fresh snowfall.Â
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Despite its trailhead being located about 61 km from Canmore, the Johnston Canyon trail can be easily reached along the Bow Valley Parkway.
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From the trailhead, the path is a relatively easy trail spanning 5.3 km of frozen terrains and an elevation gain of 270 meters, making it one of the best Canmore winter hikes for all experience levels.
Brief Johnston Canyon Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Johnston Canyon Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 61 km (45 minute drive)
Length of Hike: 5.3 km out-and-back trail
Elevation Gain: 270 metres
Estimated Duration: 2 hours
2. Troll Falls Trail
Another easy winter hike near Canmore, the Troll Falls Trail weaves its way through the picturesque frozen landscapes of the Kananaskis region and is one of the most popular hiking trails amongst families thanks to it being relatively flat with minimal elevation gain.
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The path itself leads hikers through a snow-covered pine forest, past an ambient waterfall, and along a wood bridge boardwalk to an overlook with picturesque views of the Upper Falls.
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In total, this family stroll is a 4.7 km out-and-back endeavour and is perfect for less experienced winter hikers.
Brief Troll Falls Trail Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Troll Falls Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 53 km (40 minute drive)
Length of Hike: 4.7 km out-and-back trail
Elevation Gain: 227 meters
Estimated Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
3. Policeman's Creek Boardwalk
If you are looking for an easy Canmore winter hike without actually having to leave town, then the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk is the perfect hiking trail for you.Â
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Accessible from several points along Policeman’s Creek, this family-friendly trail weaves through the community, leading walkers past Canmore High School, Main Street, and Spring Creek and is a fantastic way to explore the winter season festivities in the community.
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This 4 km out-and-back trail is a short walk with minimal elevation and can be completed in about an hour, making it the perfect Canmore winter hike for families.
Brief Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: In Town
Length of Hike: 4.0 km out-and-back trail
Elevation Gain: 72 meters
Estimated Duration: 1 hour
4. Ha Ling Peak Hike
Experienced hikers looking for a more challenging trail won’t have to go too far from town, with the impressive Ha Ling Peak trailhead being just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Canmore.
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Promising some of the best panoramic views of the Canmore region, Ha Ling Peak is one of the most rewarding hikes in the area. However, with an elevation gain of 750 meters, it is also one of the most demanding, with the winter weather adding an extra layer of difficulty atop the already moderately challenging hike.
Brief Ha Ling Peak Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Physically Challenging
Trailhead: Ha Ling Peak Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 10 km (15 minute drive)
Length of Hike: 7.4 km out-and-back trail
Elevation Gain: 755 meters
Estimated Duration: 4 to 5 hours
5. Rawson Lake Trail — Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Another challenging winter hike near Canmore, the Rawson Lake Trail starts at Kananaskis Lakes, approximately a 1-hour drive from town.Â
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This 6.8 km out-and-back trail leads hikers through the snow-covered terrains, past frozen waterfalls, and along a frost-covered stream before emerging along the frozen banks of Rawson Lake.
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With an elevation gain of 423 meters, visitors should plan on the hike, taking about 3 hours to complete.
Brief Rawson Lake Trail Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Challenging
Trailhead: Rawson Lake Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 92 km (1 hour drive)
Length of Hike: 6.8 km out-and-back trail
Elevation Gain: 423 meters
Estimated Duration: 3 hours
6. Chester Lake Trail
One of the most popular snowshoe trails for Canmore winter hiking, the Chester Lake Trail starts about an hour and fifteen-minute drive from town and is located in the idyllic snow-covered countryside of Kananaskis Country Provincial Park.
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While the trail is wide and well-marked, the path does feature a steep elevation gain of 419 meters, resulting in a moderately challenging hike, especially following a fresh snowfall. However, trekkers willing to make the journey are rewarded with a great place to admire the breathtaking views of Mount Chester and Mount Galatea along the way.
Brief Chester Lake Trail Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Chester Lake Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 46 km ( 1 hour 15 minute drive)
Length of Hike: 9.3 km and-and-back trail
Elevation Gain: 419 meters
Estimated Duration: 4 hours
7. Bow River Loop
Located in the heart of Canmore, the Bow River Loop is the perfect trail for those looking for short and easy hikes through the community’s winter environments, taking no more than 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
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Starting at Riverside Park, this easy walk follows the Bow River to the Canmore Engine Bridge and back, with elk and other wildlife commonly spotted along the way.
Brief Bow River Loop Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Downtown Canmore
Distance from Canmore: Downtown Canmore
Length of Hike: 2.1 km loop trail
Elevation Gain: 50 meters
Estimated Duration: 30 minutes
8. Tunnel Mountain Trail
The Tunnel Mountain Trail starts from downtown Banff, approximately a 20-minute drive from Canmore, and is one of the best winter hiking trails, promising a moderately challenging trek to the shortest summit in Banff National Park.
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The trail features a 262-meter elevation gain and takes about 2 hours to complete. With that said, it does reward one of the best winter views of the national park and Banff Town below.
Brief Tunnel Mountain Trail Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Tunnel Mountain Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 22.5 km (20-minute drive)
Length of Hike: 4.3 km out-and-back trail
Elevation Gain: 262 meters
Estimated Duration: 2 hours
9. Wilcox Pass Trail — Icefields Parkway
Nestled within the wilderness of Jasper National Park, the Wilcox Pass Trail is an extended two-hour journey from Canmore but also promises one of the best snowshoe trails for winter hiking in Alberta.
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This 11.6 km point-to-point trail features an elevation gain of 411 km and should only be undertaken by experienced travellers, as it is a challenging and physically demanding hike. Still, intrepid trekkers will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of some of the province’s most breathtaking frozen terrains and mountains.
Brief Wilcox Pass Trail Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Challenging
Trailhead: Wilcox Pass Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 205 km (2 hours 15 minute drive)
Length of Hike: 11.6 km point-to-point trail
Elevation Gain: 411 meters
Estimated Duration: 4 hours
10. Grassi Lakes Trail
Located just a 15-minute drive from town, the Grassi Lakes Trail is one of the best Canmore winter hikes and is actually one of the most popular hiking trails in the area year-round.
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The 3.4 km hiking trail is moderately challenging, with a light elevation gain of 166 meters. The trail leads past the famous Grassi Lakes, which are naturally heated and boast beautifully blue waters even on the coldest of days.
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This hike takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to complete and can be particularly slippery on icy days.
Brief Grassi Lakes Trail Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Grassi Lakes Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 6.7 km (11-minute drive)
Length of Hike: 3.4 km loop trail
Elevation Gain: 166 meters
Estimated Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
11. Sulphur Mountain Trail
Another more challenging Canmore winter trail, the Sulphur Mountain Trail, is located just in Banff National Park and features a 10.8 km out and back path with an elevation gain of 755 meters. The route can become very slippery throughout the winter months and should only be done by experienced hikers.
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The path leads to the Sulphur Mountain Gondola top station, where trekkers can admire breathtaking 360-degree views of Banff and the Bow Valley along a network of ridgeside trails.
Brief Kananaskis Pass Trail Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Challenging
Trailhead: Sulphur Mountain Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 6.3 km (10-minute drive)
Length of Hike: 10.8 km out-and-back trail
Elevation Gain: 755 meters
Estimated Duration: 4 to 5 hours
12. Grotto Canyon Hike
One of the best hikes in Canmore year round, the Grotto Canyon trail is even better in the winter months, with the water in the canyon freezing over, allowing hikers to pass right through its towering cliffs.
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Starting just 10 minutes from town, this Canmore winter hike guides trekkers through the canyon, past a frozen waterfall, and along canyon walls covered in prehistoric pictographs. Since you will be walking on ice, the trail can be slippery, and ice cleats are advised.
Brief Grotto Canyon Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Grotto Canyon Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 12.8 km (10-minute drive)
Length of Hike: 7.1 km out-and-back trail
Elevation Gain: 342 km
Estimated Duration: 2 to 3 hours
13. Maligne Canyon Loop — Jasper National Park
Another Canmore winter hike located in the beautiful winter landscapes of Jasper National Park, the Maligne Canyon loop is a relatively short but moderately challenging hike offering a perfect introduction to hiking ice walks.
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About a four hour drive from Canmore, the Maligne Canyon features several organized tours through the loop trail and is well suited for all experience levels.
Brief Maligne Canyon Hiking Guide
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Maligne Canyon Trailhead
Distance from Canmore: 318 km (4 hour drive)
Length of Hike: 3.7 km loop
Elevation Gain: 124 km
Estimated Duration: 1 – 3 hours
