Canmore with Kids (Banff National Park’s Little Sister)

Most people know Banff National Park, but few have heard of its sweet little sister, Canmore. Located five minutes outside Canada’s most famous National Park, Canmore is a gem of a mountain town that’s well suited for families. With affordable accommodation options and kid-pleasing activities it’s a go-to for many Calgarians (like me!). Tourists go to Banff; locals head to Canmore. Here’s a look at why you should visit Canmore with kids.

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Canmore Nordic Centre

You’re in the mountains, so you really ought to take advantage of it. Downhill skiing isn’t easy to pick up on your first winter holiday, but cross-country skiing sure is. At the Canmore Nordic Centre, families can ski across on an Olympic cross-country course (site of the 1988 Winter Olympics).

You can also try fat-tire winter biking, ice skating, tobogganing and snowshoeing. The Day Lodge cafeteria has you covered for meals, while a wood burning fireplace thaws out cold toesies. 

During summer months, the site turns into an awesome mountain bike park with trails suitable for kids. Or your family can play a round of disc golf. No matter which season you visit, you can snag cross country ski and mountain bike rentals (plus lessons) at Trail Sports located on site.

Elevation Place

As much as you probably want to be outside when you’re visiting Canmore, sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate. When that’s the case, Elevation Place is where you’ll find fun and games galore. This is no ordinary rec center. It sports a lazy river, waterslide, kiddie pool, and a 25-person hot tub.

Dry off and tackle their rock climbing gym, where there are tons of pitches perfectly suited for kids. Housed in the same facility is a (small) gym and public library. Yep, you can spend an entire rainy day here!

Main Street

Unlike many mountain resort towns, Canmore retains an authentic small town vibe, thanks in part to its Main Street. For book lovers, check out Cafe Books, a wonderful shop with a great children’s section. Tucked away is their tea and reading room, where you can snap up second-hand titles and enjoy a cuppa.

HiJinx Toy Shop can’t be missed, nor can the Olde Thyme Candy Shoppe. In summer months, an old yellow school bus is converted into an ice cream shop, but the Scoopin’ Moose is open all year round.

The great outdoors

Situated smack-dab in the Rocky Mountains, Canmore is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Families can gently ease their children into hiking by strolling along Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. Just past the Nordic Centre, Grassi Lakes is a superb trail for an easy family hike.

In winter, you’ll want to skate outdoors at The Pond, a quaint natural ice surface only two blocks from downtown. If you’re new to Canada, you’ll want to catch a hockey game. The Canmore Eagles are a Junior A team (whose members are poised to enter the NHL), and they draw crowds up to 800 per home game!

Family-friendly restaurants

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. gets top marks for its organic offerings, and the pizza oven play set entertains tots waiting for their meal. The Iron Goat is a gastro pub with some of the best views of the Bow Valley. Their children’s menu is impressive (duck wings!), yet it feels miles away from your typical family restaurant. In the Three Sister’s area, The Market Bistro is a hidden gem, with toys and an elevated European-influenced menu.

Canmore with kids sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Next time you’re headed to Banff, tack on a couple of days to spend in Canmore. You’ll be glad you did.

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Would you like to visit Canmore with kids? Let us know in the comments below!

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