Few destinations pack as much of a punch when it comes to adventure and natural beauty as Canmore. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Canmore truly has something for everyone. Those seeking strictly to relax in the mountains, adrenaline junkies looking for their next big thrill, and everyone in between.
Wondering what to do in Canmore? The best way to enjoy everything this small but mighty town has to offer is by booking some of the best tours in Canmore. Join us as we take a deep dive into several of the most exciting tours you can go on to make your stay even more memorable.
Cave Tours
Every type of traveller will enjoy exploring Rat's Nest Cave with Canmore Cave Tours—children (ages 10 and older) and adults, thrillseekers, and more casual adventurers. This cave, hidden underground below Grotto Mountain, offers a variety of ways to explore.
The Explorer Tour spends about two hours underground, winding through narrow passages. Looking for more excitement? Book the aptly-named Adventure Tour, which is the Explorer Tour plus a rappel (no experience or special skills required!). Amazingly, the cave consistently remains 5°C year-round, regardless of the weather above ground!
Check out Canmore Cave Tours' website for special events during your visit. Throughout the year, they host concerts, themed movie nights, and more, all INSIDE the cave!
Distillery Tours
Right next to Canmore Cave Tours, and five minutes from Solara Resort, Wild Life Distillery offers a literal taste of local flavor. The distillery has a tasting room and cocktail bar at this location, in addition to a production facility right around the corner where visitors can take distillery tours. These behind-the-scenes tours let you discover the art and science of creating small-batch spirits. Tours include a tasting, souvenir nosing glass, and one canned cocktail. At the bar, try an innovative specialty cocktail or order a tasting flight to sample four individual spirits.
Both the tasting room and distillery are open year-round, and tours are offered on Friday and Saturday afternoons. The cocktail bar and tasting room are open seven days a week. Solara guests can save 20% on a distillery tour when they call 403-678-2800 to book directly.
Dog Sled Tours
When winter is in full swing, one of the most bucket list-worthy Canmore activities is mushing through the Canadian Rockies. There's nothing quite like the combination of the pristine snow-blanketed landscape and the thrill of riding a sled pulled by dogs. At Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, you can experience it in the heart of gorgeous Kananaskis Country, just outside Canmore.
Choose from four winter tours, ranging from a 2-hour "express" introduction to dog sledding, up to a full day or overnight trip. All tours include fireside hot beverages and goodies, and some include the option to add lunch.
Although the experience is, of course, completely different, you can also try out a sled dog tour in the summer. These tours include visiting the dog kennels and experiencing dryland adventure dog carting. There are even some options to pair the tour with whitewater rafting.
Horseback Riding
Exploring the picturesque scenery of the Rocky Mountains is one of the best Canmore activities, but it's even better on horseback. During the summer, Canadian Rockies Adventure Centre offers 1- and 2-hour guided trail rides. The rides start at Cross Zee Ranch, in the stunning Bow Valley on Canmore's northeastern edge. Best of all, you don't need any prior riding experience. The experienced guides tailor each ride to individual riding experience, skill levels, and preferences. Riders must be at least seven years old.
Helicopter Tours
Want to get a truly one-of-a-kind view during your Canmore visit...without having to hike to reach it? Book a helicopter tour. You will never forget the awe-inspiring view of the Canadian Rockies as you soar above the majestic peaks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.
Tours depart from the Canmore Municipal Heliport, nestled at the base of the iconic Three Sisters Peaks, right next to Banff. Choose from four year-round options, all of them spectacular. The shortest flight, Three Sisters Peaks Tour, is one of the most popular and scenic, taking you along the Bow River and into Spray Valley Provincial Park. Other flight tours include up-close views of glaciers, the Continental Divide, and more.
River & Whitewater Rafting Tours
When summer arrives, trade the thrill of flying down the slopes for a different kind of rush: river rapids. Between the Bow and Kananaskis rivers, Canmore offers both adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting tours and leisurely scenic floats, catering to beginners and seasoned rafters alike.
We highly recommend Canadian Rockies Rafting, and we've partnered with Canmore River Adventures to offer Solara Resort guests a 10% discount on float trips.
Make Solara Resort & Spa Your Basecamp for Adventure
In the heart of Canmore, Solara Resort is the ideal jumping-off point for not only an unforgettable vacation, but also checking out the best local tours. With luxurious condo-style accommodations, a pool and hot tub, the onsite Take a Hike Market, and convenient access to all the best Canmore attractions, Solara offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
You can even relax after action-packed days with a drop-in steam or sauna session at OneWellness Clinic. Book your stay today to take advantage of exclusive packages, and be sure to ask about our Stay | Well Amenities at check-in.
