Trip Planning: Rocky Mountains Itinerary

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are breathtaking and filled with endless adventure. Whether you spend an entire month or just a few days exploring, there is something for everyone. The Rocky Mountains Itinerary is a great tool to assist with planning and is designed for those looking for a short escape.

Practical Information

• Country: Alberta, Canada
• Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Language: English/French
• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Common Phrases

• Yeah no for sure- Yes
• Toque- Hat or beanie
• Double-double- Tim Hortons coffee or tea with 2 cream, 2 sugar
• Toonie- Two dollar coin

Best Time to Visit

Late June to early October

The weather in Calgary and the surrounding mountains is unpredictable at the best of times. The long winter snows can extend into May, causing mountain passes and trails to be inaccessible.

In recent years, it is not uncommon for views to be hindered by forest fires from neighboring BC around the months of July-August. Air quality can also become a major issue. The best time to plan a visit is after the seasonal rains in late June. Schools are still in and the crowds of Stampede have not yet made their way into the city and mountains.

Suggested Itinerary

Below prices based on proposed dates, subject to change

Proposed dates: June 19-23rd (5 days)

DAY 1: Arrive in Calgary (YYC), drive to Canmore

DAY 2: Hike Tent Ridge

DAY 3: Hike Ha Ling Peak

DAY 4: Walk Grassi Lakes

DAY 5: Depart Canmore, to Calgary (YYC)

Transport Options

Public transportation is unfortunately lacking to and from the mountains. It is recommended to rent your own vehicle.

There are many car rental agencies available at the Calgary Airport Terminal, including Avis, Budget, Hertz and Enterprise. Avis has affordable options and can be prepaid in advance for additional savings.

A larger vehicle with AWD is nice to have, however, a 2WD is more than enough and will have no issues going into the back country roads. Just drive slow and watch out for wildlife, especially mountain goats.

Avis Price for Hyundai Sonata or similar: $490 CAD

Where To Start?

Canmore is a great place to base oneself for exploring the mountains. While still a bustling mountain town, it’s far less busy and congested than Banff. It’s located 10 minutes from the entrance of the national park and great jumping off spot to explore other parks nearby.

Canmore is very much a laid back city and isn’t branded towards tourists, like Banff is. The city center has all the essentials from local coffee shops to full size grocery stores. Stocking up on packed lunches and water for hiking is affordable. Accommodations are also cheaper in comparison to other mountain towns. There are plenty of hotels, chalets and self catering options available.

The Route to Canmore: YYC Airport to Canmore is approximately 120km (1 hour 20 minutes)

From the airport, drive north on HWY 2 (Deerfoot Trail) until you reach AB-201 West (Stoney Trail). Continue west on AB-201 until it becomes the AB-1 (Trans Canada Hwy). Follow the route until exit 89 towards Canmore City Center.

Required Park Passes

As of 2021, a daily pass must be obtained in order to access hiking trails in Kananaskis and Bow Valley. Daily passes cost $15 CAD per vehicle and help with the preservation of the parks. They can be purchased in-store at the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge or online through Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Alternatively, a yearly pass can be purchased for $90 CAD and includes 2 vehicles.

Accommodations

Below are examples of several different types of accommodations within Canmore. These prices are based on the 5 day, 4 night suggested itinerary .

Days Inn by Wyndham Canmore  $868 CAD

Rundle Mountain Lodge $501 CAD (with kitchenette)

Lodges at Canmore $851 CAD (full kitchen)

Hiking Tips for a Safe Adventure

Please note some of the suggested hikes involves a bit of scrambling and portions may include areas with scree. Use caution, wear proper hiking footwear. Ridge walks should only be attempted with previous hiking experience.

What to Bring

• First aid kit
• Bear Spray and bells
• Plenty of water and food
• Hiking poles are recommended for steep inclines
• Sunscreen
• Maps or GPS
• Personal toiletries as most trails have no washroom facilities

While the towns and cities in the mountains have cell reception, do not expect any of the remote trails to have any.

Trailhead parking lots fill up fast, especially during the weekends and summer months. Aim to start your hike well before 10am. Some trails are also very narrow, so its best to avoid the crowds, especially up a scramble.

Wildlife Safety

Make sure you read the full trail report before departing, as trails can close due to avalanches and bear sightings on short notice.

I shouldn’t have to explain how important it is to leave wildlife alone. Lunch meats and other food should not be given to wild animals. Keep your distance and report any unusual behavior.

The Rocky Mountains are also not your personal garbage can, so please respect nature and clean up after yourself. Whatever you bring in, please bring out with you.

Hiking Options

For Stunning views :Tent Ridge Horseshoe

• Distance: 10.9km
• Elevation Gain: 750m
• From Canmore: 42 km approximately 1 hour drive
• Washrooms: None

Route: From Canmore, follow AB-742 for 40km and turn right on Rummel Pass Trail. Continue and then turn right for another 1km. The trailhead has two parking lots before the road splits into a V. It’s best to complete the trail in a clockwise direction, as going counter clockwise would make for a very steep ascent.

The trail passes through a forest before it climbs up on a horseshoe ridge with 360 degree views of mountains and lakes. The ridge is very windy but makes for an moderately simple walk once on top.

For City/Mountain views: Ha Ling Peak

• Distance: 8 km
• Elevation Gain: 750m
• From Canmore: 11km approximately 20 minute drive
• Washroom: At Trailhead

Route: From Canmore, follow AB-742 (Three Sisters Parkway) for 7.3km

In 2019, the trail underwent construction to make the final summit a bit more accessible for all individuals. Stairs were added to help with the high traffic on the slopes. This climb is short, but very steep.

Highlights on the trail include panoramic views of Canmore and surrounding areas.

For easy hike/glacier lakes: Grassi Lakes

• Distance: 4km
• Elevation Gain: 200m
• From Canmore: 9km approximately 15 minutes drive
• Washrooms: At Trailhead

Route: From Canmore, follow AB-742, about 2km before Ha Ling Peak Trailhead

Grassi Lakes is an easy hike that begins through a low forest and climbs slowly. At the fork, you have the option to go left and pass through some rocky cliffs and a water fall before ending up at the Upper Lakes. Going right, will take you to the Lakes but is much wider and deemed the “easy” trail. Ultimately they both end up at the same place and form a loop.

Additional hikes of interest

• Bow River Loop
• Grotto Canyon
• Grassi Knob
• Wind Ridge

Estimated Price for 5 Days:

• Car Rental + Accommodation (Average): $1230 CAD

Other Activities

Canmore Cave Tour

Enjoy year round adventure through Rat’s Nest Cave located in Canmore. There are two caving tour options available and is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Price Range: $142-$184 CAD

Water Activities

Canmore and the surrounding areas have many lakes and reservoirs that allow water activities. Spend a full or half day enjoying the still glacier waters of the mountains. If you don’t own your own equipment, gear and supplies can be rented from places like Kananaskis Outfitters and Radventures.

Stand up paddle board rentals can range from $35 CAD for half day and $55 CAD for a full day.

• The Canmore Reservoir (Rundle Forebay)
• Barrier Lake Reservoir
• Quarry Lake

Looking for more adventure? Check out other family friendly in Kananaskis and beyond.

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