Information and maps for 6 Canmore Trails
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Distance |
Features |
Level |
Elevation |
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| 1. Townsite Trail Network: |
9 Km |
F, S, B |
E |
0 M |
|
- There is a great network of trails within Canmore itself.
- They cross many of the town's roads and part of the trail runs along the Bow River.
- This is a great trail if you are looking for an easy day hike or a leisurely cruise on your mountain bike.
- The minimal gradients make this trail a great choice for families with young children.
- There are many access points and you can make your hike a long one or a very short one.
- Plan to finish your hike close to one of Canmore's many restaurants so you can rest and relax on the patio with a cold, refreshing beverage!
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| 2. Benchlands Trail System: |
Varies |
F, S, H, B |
M |
+240 m |
|
- To access this trail, follow Benchlands Trail and turn right on Elk Run Boulevard. The Cougar Creek Parking lot will be on your left. Park here.
- This "system" of trails is a network. If you follow the outline on the map, you will travel an approximate 9 Km loop. Usually, hikers explore the network of trails one section at a time. If one wanted to hike all the twists and turns it would no longer be a day hike... The following description, however, is for the 9 Km loop mentioned above.
- From the Cougar Creek parking lot, follow the creek for about 1 Km to the fork in the road. Go left... you will be huffing and puffing for about 200 m of steep climbing.
- You will come to another fork in the road; the Lady MacDonald Trail to the right and the continuing Benchlands loop to the left.
- For the loop, stay right at the next fork. Your steep climb will now flow into a moderate hike.
- Follow the loop going left towards the golf course at the next junction. If you go right, this hike will take you all the way to Harvey Heights (hope you brought lots of water!).
- At around Km 5.7 you will come to another junction. Stay straight as you climb a short hill and emerge onto the lower bench.
- Stay on the lookout! You should be able to see the Trans-Canada Hwy on your right and the SilverTip Golf Course through the trees on your left.
- You will eventually cross the Silvertip Drive. Follow Benchlands
Trail to loop back to the Cougar Creek parking lot.
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| 3. Cougar Creek Trail: |
3 Km |
S |
M |
+30 m |
|
- This is one of Canmore's most popular trails. It follows Cougar Creek and climbs the valley between Lady MacDonald Mountain (to the West) and Grotto Mountain (to the East).
- Don't expect the entire trail to be wide and paved like it is at the trailhead. It eventually becomes narrow and has several creek crossings. You might get your feet wet!
- Stay right as you pass the Benchlands Trail System turnoff after 1 kilometer.
- After 3 Km, the trail "ends". Well, it actually keeps going if bushwacking is your thing.
- If not, simply turn around and enjoy the scenery on your way
back to the parking lot. Or hit the Benchlands Trail System
if you want to climb Lady MacDonald Mountain or hike the Benchland
Loop.
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| 4. Mount Lady MacDonald Trail: |
3.5 Km |
S |
D |
+890 m |
|
- The "Lady Mac Trail" for short, is probably the most strenuous hike in Canmore.
- With a sheer climb just short of a full kilometer over a distance of only 3.5 Km, it will figuratively AND literally take your breath away!
- Follow the Cougar Creek trailhead until you hit the Benchlands Trail System fork. Go left.
- Your climb starts right away. After 200 m, you will hit the Benchlands/Lady Mac junction. Stay right.
- The trail is unmarked but easy to follow for its entire route (this is not saying it is an easy trail).
- If you get all the way to the end of the trail, you will see a helicopter landing pad.
- A very hard climb but the views are rewarding! Even those
that don't get to the end will appreciate their efforts.
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| 5. Canmore Canalside: |
4.6 Km |
F, S, B |
E
|
-30 m |
|
- There are two accessible trailheads:
- Head towards the Canmore Nordic Centre along the Spray Lakes Road. You will notice a gated access to the left of the canal.
- Head to the Grassi subdivision. Follow the Old Haulage Road and turn right onto Peaks Drive. Park near the powerlines.
- The trail is very popular with those looking for a leisurely stroll.
- The powerline part of this trail winds past Quarry Lake, a great place to relax and take a refreshing dip. Don't forget your bathing suit!
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