Some of Canmore's favorite activities and places to visit

Nestled near Banff National Park, in the Bow Valley, Canmore boasts a multitude of activities for all seasons. This is great but unless you come with a specific activity in mind, you might find it hard to decide where to start.

Here are some of Canmore's favorite activities and places to visit.

A Day at Quarry Lake

Quarry Lake is one of Canmore's favourite recreational areas. Offering views of Ha Ling Peak, Mount Lady MacDonald and Rundle Mountain, it offers great swimming in July and August.

The area surrounding the lake is great for picniking, sunbathing and soaking up the spectacular views. There is a designated dog leash area and a great path system, ideal for family walks or cross-country skiing.

Quarry Lake Park is open year round from 5 am to 11 pm. Come early, parking is limited.

Caution: there is no lifeguard on duty.

To get to Quarry Lake from Canmore, take your first left on Spray Lakes Road heading towards the Canmore Nordic Centre (if you pass Rundleview Drive, you've gone too far). This is the Lake parking lot. There is a short walk to get to the lake. See the Canmore Town map.

The North West Mounted Police Barracks

Built in 1892 for a cost of $450 Canadian, on the west bank of Policeman's Creek. In 1929, this barracks became a private residence and remained this way for some 60 years. The town purchased and restored it in 1989 for a whoppin' $450,000.

It is now a museum and boasts a nice, quiet picnic area just outside its doors.

Its hours of operation are Saturdays and Sundays only, from noon to 4 pm.

Admission is free! There is a small kiosk inside which sells souvenirs, books, maps and memorabilia.

NWMP Barracks
609 Main Street, see the map
(403) 678-1955

The Recreation Centre

The Canmore Rec Centre features a four-lane swimming pool, a 16-person hot tub, a sauna, a weight room, a gymnastics facility, meeting rooms and a full size hockey rink.

You can access the Rec Centre along Canmore's town trail system so you can combine some hiking, biking and cross-country skiing with a swim or a workout.

Drop ins are welcome between 6:30 am and 9 pm.

Adult drop-in rates are $4 CAD and up (depending on your activity of choice).

Children drop-in rates start at $2.25 CAD.

To get to the Rec Centre, turn west on 8th Avenue, off of 17th Street. See the map.

Spas in Canmore

Rapunzell's Salon & Spa
Using AVEDA products made from the highest quality natural ingredients
602 Bow Valley Trail
(403) 678-2626

Satori Day Spa
Indulge in rejuvenating treatments to rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your beauty.
#103B, 1205 Bow Valley Trail
(403) 678-9388

Wildflower Massage and Esthetics
Focussing on improving your overall well-being, concentrating on stress reduction and rejuvenation.
#5, 713 Main Street
(403) 678-4644

The Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre

The Canmore Museum offers a trip down "History Lane" to experience the mining town that Canmore was between 1888 and 1979.

The museum is always changing their exhibits by pooling in their vast collection of artifacts.

The Geoscience Centre tells of the formation of the Rocky Mountains and gives interesting information on geology in general. Exhibits include Petroleum Geology and Coal Geology.

CMAGC
902B - 7th Avenue, see the map
ph: (403) 468-2462
fax: (403) 468-2216

Art Galleries in Canmore

Kinsella Art Studio and Gallery
Working studio and gallery of local artist Marilyn Kinsella
Watercolour landscapes, pottery and wood art, picture framing and plaque mounting, art supplies, and more
#3-1302 Bow Valley Trail, see the map
(403) 678-4331

Elevation Gallery
Elevation Gallery exhibits a brilliant collection of fine art by emerging and mid-career artists and an some fine jewellery by award winning goldsmiths.
729 Maint Street
(403) 609-3324
Also, contact Pascale at (403) 609-3324 to arrange a studio visit.

Canmore Public Library and Art Gallery
950 - 8th Avenue, see the map
(403) 678-2468
Fax: (403) 678-2165
Hours:
Mon - Thu, 11 am to 8 pm
Fri - Sun, 11 am to 5 pm

Canmore's Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show

Come for a musical celebration of Canada that provides an unforgettable Canadian experience. Meet singing Mounties, lumberjacks, Anne of Green Gables, and other Canadian characters as you enjoy the songs and scenes of Canada.

Multi-talented performers sing Canadian songs in a rustic log cabin and wilderness atmosphere. Dressed as various Canadian characters, they serve a delicious five course meal. The food is the freshest you'll find in the Rockies and please, we invite you to help yourself to seconds...

Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show
Call 1-800-773-0004 for reservations.

The Canmore Public Library

Located just off Main Street, near the Museum, the Canmore Public Library offers great programs for kids, like:

Preschool Storytime: every Wednesday at 2 pm, for kids 3 to 5 years old
Books for Babies: four week entertainment for toddlers (6 months to 2 years), offered 3 times a year. The next session is Wednesdays or Thurdays at 2 pm in the Fall. Call to register; space is limited.
Wiggle Time: active storytime for toddlers up to the age of 2. Held in the fall, space is limited so please call to register.
Tales for Two: songs, rhymes and fun perfect for any two-year old. A five-week session, offered two times a year on Wednesday or Friday mornings from 10:30 to 11:00. The next session is in the fall. Space is limited so please call to register.
CLUE U Summer Reading Program: Kids sharpen their spy skills, fine tune their fact finding, bone up on their crime calculations, attempt weekly feats of grossness, go on scavenger hunts, play games, and receive weekly prizes! Registration for Clue U’s top secret missions begin Wednesday June 21st and the game runs all summer. Call the Library for more information.

Canmore Public Library and Art Gallery
950 - 8th Avenue, see the map
(403) 678-2468
Fax: (403) 678-2165
Hours:
Mon - Thu, 11 am to 8 pm
Fri - Sun, 11 am to 5 pm
$60 non-resident membership fee (includes $10 refundable deposit)