Canmore and Kananaskis: Winter Itinerary | Canada's Alberta

Itinerary best for

Adventure Seekers
Foodies
Outdoor Explorers

Spend a week soaking up winter outside in Canmore and Kananaskis—think helicopter tours, dog sledding, snow tubing and cozy mountain meals.

You don't need to ski to fall for the Rockies in winter. Base yourself in Canmore for a helicopter flight over the peaks, dog sledding through snowy meadows, snow tubing and a guided rappel into a frozen canyon. Warm up between adventures with fireside steakhouse dinners, craft brews and a starlit snowshoe hunt for the Milky Way.

At a glance

7-day itinerary
218 km (135 mi) total distance
3 hrs 6 mins drive time
Your starting point is in Canmore

3 destinations

Starts in

Canmore

Day 1 drive time: 13 min, 7 km (4 mi)

Day 1

Explore Natural Wonders

Experience the natural wonders of Kananaskis—on foot, from the air and at the dining table.

Women dining and drinking wine at Rustica Steakhouse at Silvertip Resort in Canmore.

Couple walking down Main Street in Canmore with coffees in hand.

Downtown Canmore Walking Tour

Learn about Canmore’s history and explore must-see sights, attractions and stories on this 3.75 km (2.3 mi) guided sightseeing tour. Be sure to check the forecast and dress for the weather!

Visitor taking photos over Spray Valley while on a helicopter tour.

Sightseeing Tour with Alpine Helicopters

Head to the Canmore Municipal Heliport and board a flight with Alpine Helicopters. Choose from tours ranging from 35 to 55 minutes, featuring breathtaking views of Kananaskis, from the Marvel Pass and Continental Divide to the Three Sisters and Mount Assiniboine. You've never seen the Rockies like this.

Women dining and drinking wine at Rustica Steakhouse at Silvertip Resort in Canmore.

Dinner at Rustica Steakhouse

End your day dining fireside at Rustica Steakhouse. Known for stunning mountain views, local specialties like Alberta beef and bison, and a conscientious approach to seafood and vegetarian options, Rustica offers a sophisticated spin on a classic steakhouse experience. Find it in the Silvertip Resort.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Your Alpine Helicopters tour can be cancelled or rescheduled if conditions are not safe for flying.

Day 2 drive time: 1 min, 2 km (1 mi)

Day 2

Venture into the Rocky Mountains

You've seen them from the sky; now it's time to venture into the very heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Close-up of friends toasting with glasses of beer at Grizzly Paw Brewing Company in Canmore.

Day 3 drive time: 1 hr 17 min, 105 km (65 mi)

Day 3

Hit the Slopes

Hit the slopes—no skis or snowboard required. After dinner, complete your evening with a stargazing tour.

Two visitors and a guide under the stars in Kananaskis.

Day 4 drive time: 20 min, 10 km (6 mi)

Day 4

Adventure by Sled

Grab hold of the reins of a dog sled, then unwind with a tour of Canmore's breweries and distilleries.

A couple having a beer at the bar of a brewery.

Day 5 drive time: 4 min, 2 km (1 mi)

Day 5

Ice Hike in the Rockies

Venture into the depths of Grotto Canyon, emerging just in time to spend your gift certificate at the Iron Goat.

Two people enjoying food and drinks at the Iron Goat Restaurant in Canmore.

Day 6 drive time: 26 min, 26 km (16 mi)

Day 6

Go Underground in a Cave

Spelunking into Grotto Mountain is a great way to work up an appetite for dinner at the Mineshaft Tavern.

Day 7 drive time: 45 min, 66 km (41 mi)

Day 7

Meet Wolfdogs Up Close

It's your last day! Solve a local mystery, enjoy one more amazing meal and meet the Yamnuska wolfdogs.

Two women smiling and feeding wolfdogs at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary.