Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore is your ultimate home base for a winter getaway that's magical, adventurous, and relaxing all at once. With cozy accommodations, a prime location, loads of onsite amenities, and access to endless activities both indoors and out, Solara Resort & Spa offers everything you need to make the most of your winter vacation.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures or quiet indoor indulgences, we put together this 5-day itinerary for winter to help you experience the magic of Canmore and Kananaskis Country.
Day 1: Skiing or Snowboarding
Kick off your adventure with an action-packed day on the slopes. Canmore is perfectly situated for easy access to several world-class ski resorts, with two in particular very close by: Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay, both just 30 minutes—and especially scenic drives—from Solara Resort & Spa.
Sunshine Village: Home to Canada's ONLY heated chairlift, the Teepee Town LX, as well as multiple terrain parks and off-slope activities that include sightseeing on the Angel Express or Standish lifts, nighttime s'more pits, tobogganing, snowshoeing in Sunshine Meadows, and more.
Mount Norquay: A smaller, family-friendly ski resort, Mount Norquay is perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed day on the mountain for their winter vacation. It’s also one of the only resorts in Banff with night skiing, as well as home to the longest tubing lanes in the province.
After a full day on the slopes, stop into Lone Pine Pub for a great après scene and then return to Solara Resort to unwind with a soak in the hot tub or a relaxing evening by the fire.
Day 2: Grotto Canyon Icewalk or Indoor Rock Climbing (and Spa Time!)
Start Day 2 of your winter vacation with a unique adventure: the Grotto Canyon Icewalk. This 7-kilometre (4.4 miles) roundtrip trek winds through a narrow slot canyon, walking right over a frozen creek bed and ending at a waterfall of ice. You can DIY this hike, but many local outfitters also lead guided trips, providing ice cleats, trekking poles, and other necessary equipment. Bonus: the trailhead is just 10 minutes from Solara Resort.
Alternatively, you can tackle an indoor adventure at Elevation Place, one of the top Canmore attractions. Seasoned climbers and beginners alike can enjoy a variety of climbing walls and challenges. This is an especially great activity for snowy or rainy days.
Recovery Zone Spa
However you spend your morning, you deserve to treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at Solara’s Recovery Zone Spa. Indulge in therapeutic massage, a sauna session, or a Reiki treatment to rejuvenate your body.
Day 3: Explore Spray Valley Provincial Park
Add discovering the serene beauty of Spray Valley Provincial Park to your Canmore itinerary for winter. About one hour away from the resort, you can explore many of the trails here, ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging, on snowshoes, cross-country skis, or fat bikes. This vast wilderness area offers endless trails, from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging treks. Be sure to ask about complimentary fat tire bikes or snowshoe rentals at the resort’s front desk, part of our StayⓇ | Well Amenities.
Day 4: Cross-Country Skiing at Canmore Nordic Centre and Exploring Downtown
Spend the morning exploring the legendary trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre, just a few minutes from downtown Canmore and a hub for winter activities. Cross-country skiing is the main attraction here, but over 65 kilometres of groomed trails and other facilities invite you to hike, ice skate, try tobogganing, play winter disc golf, or go fat tire biking.
In the afternoon, slow down and simply wander around downtown Canmore, studded with local museums, galleries, shops, and eateries. Learn about the region’s history at the Canmore Museum, warm up with a coffee or local beer (we highly recommend Grizzly Paw Pub), and grab a bite to eat wherever strikes your fancy.
Here are some top Canmore restaurants:
Crazyweed: Low-key fusion
Tavern 1883 (burgers)
Le Fournil French bakery
The Wood: best patio in town
Day 5: Dog Sledding or Day Trip to Lake Louise
Wrap up your itinerary for winter with one of two bucket list-worthy Canmore activities.
Dog Sledding
Experience the unforgettable thrill of dog sledding with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours. Glide over snow-covered trails in Spray Valley, led by a team of enthusiastic huskies. Winter tours range from two-hour intros to full-day or overnight trips.
Lake Louise
Take a scenic drive to Banff National Park, just under one hour from Solara Resort & Spa. At world-famous Lake Louise, you can spend the afternoon skating on the frozen surface, walking around the lake, or simply sightseeing, surrounded by craggy, towering peaks and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Alternative Options
If you have extra time or want to mix up your itinerary, consider these activities:
Ice skating around Canmore: Check out the natural outdoor rink at The Pond, just outside of downtown Canmore. The town maintains it, resurfacing it a few times a week and even providing lights for night skating.
Banff Upper Hot Springs: Unwind with a soak in the natural thermal pools of Banff Upper Hot Springs.
