There’s something about spring in Canmore that feels like magic. The light lingers a little longer each evening, patios start to buzz again, and the mountains show off both their snow-capped peaks and sun-drenched valleys. But if you're local—or just know where to look—you’ll also know that spring in the Bow Valley is full of contradictions.

Right now, the trails are soggy, the kind of soggy where you’re either skating across patches of ice or sinking into mud up to your ankles. It's shoulder season for hiking and mountain biking, and while some lower-elevation paths are starting to open up, most are best left to dry out a bit longer. If you’re venturing out, stick to south-facing trails like the Benchlands Ridge or the Bow River Pathway, and always be mindful of trail damage—I know you have the itch to get the bikes on some dirt but this is the time we need to exercise patience and give them a chance to dry out or we’ll be in rut city all spring!

But while the valley floor is in melt mode, resort skiing is the best it’s been all year. The spring snowstorms have delivered—big time. Sunshine, Lake Louise, Nakiska and Norquay are all enjoying a late-season boost, with soft turns, fewer crowds, and those bluebird days we all dream of. If you haven’t had your fill of winter yet, now is the time to grab your skis (and sunscreen!) and head up high.

What’s Happening Around Town

Spring also means a shift in local energy. There’s a gentle hum returning to Canmore as we swap Blundstones for Birkenstocks and reconnect with community happenings:

• 🧘‍♀️ Yoga at the Opera House (Mondays & Wednesdays until April 16) — Cozy vibes and a midday reset in one of Canmore’s most charming historic buildings.

• Weekly Trivia and Game Nights:

  • Sundays:

    • Tavern 1883: Sunday Night Bingo/Trivia starts at 8:30 PM. Enjoy multiple rounds of music, bingo, and trivia combined, with food and drink specials and prizes after every round. Free entry.

  • Tuesdays:

    • The Rose & Crown: Trivia Night begins at 7 PM. Free entry with drink specials available.​

  • Thursdays:

    • The Drake Pub: "Let's Get Quizzical" Trivia Night starts at 7 PM. Free entry, prizes, drink specials, and a $14.50 steak sandwich offer.Weekly Bingo Nights:

  • Fridays:

    • Canmore Legion - Three Sisters Branch #3: Friday Night Bingo starts at 7 PM. Arrive early to make sure you get a seat and enjoy food from Avi's Kitchen.

• 🍸 Happy Hours:

  • Crazyweed (Daily from 2-5PM) — ½ price drinks and pizzas

  • Where the Buffalo Roam (Mon-Fri from 2-5PM) — 20% off bar snacks, small comforts, treats, beer & Wine.

  • Bridgette Bar (Daily from 2-5PM) — ½ price drinks and pizzas (don’t forget to add on the chili infused honey for your pizza)

  • The Stirling (Daily from 12–5PM) — 25% off the drink menu and great bites to match.

  • Sheepdog (Mon-Fri from 2-5PM) — 32oz mini pitchers, varied prices but good value for volume (Bring your dog!)

  • Canmore Brewing Co. (Mon/Wed/Thu: 7-9PM. Fri: 4-7PM. Sun 6-8PM) — $6 Pints (Be sure to check out the live music on Fridays until the end of April at Community Fridays!

• Running Groups:

  • Dirtbag Runners Bow Valley

    Founded in 2015 by local trail and ultrarunner Andy Reed, this group offers structured one-hour interval sessions suitable for all abilities. They meet year-round, regardless of weather conditions, and often gather for post-run socializing in downtown Canmore.

    • Meeting Time: Thursdays at 6 p.m.

    • Location: Various locations around Canmore​

    • More Information: Dirtbag Runners Bow Valley Facebook Group 

  • Canmore Trail Culture

    Dedicated to promoting trail running in the Bow Valley, this inclusive group welcomes runners of all abilities, emphasizing fun and adventure. They typically meet on Tuesday evenings throughout the year and on Saturday mornings during the summer.

    • Meeting Times: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.; additional Saturday morning runs in summer​

    • Location: Meeting points announced on their website and Facebook page​

    • More Information: Canmore Trail Culture Website

And soon…
🌻 The Canmore Mountain Market returns May 22 at Elevation Place and runs every Thursday through early October. Local produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and that sweet small-town energy we all love.

Oh, I almost forgot… Your Bike Called—It’s Time for a Spring Tune-Up

• Outside Bike: Offers comprehensive bike repair services, including 200-hour fork and shock servicing, pivot overhauls, and custom bike builds. Their technicians have over 15 years of experience.

• Rebound Cycle: Provides year-round bike services, including full-service repairs, custom builds, and bike fitting. They also offer bike rentals and coaching/instruction services.

• Bow Valley Bike Guy: A mobile bike repair shop serving the Bow Valley area, offering services such as geared and non-geared bike tune-ups, tire services, and suspension refreshes.

• Sports Garage: Provides a range of services including bike tuning and repairs, ski and snowboard tuning, and skate sharpening. They also offer e-bike rentals and sales.

• Bike Therapy: Specializes in suspension services for bikes, offering expert tuning and maintenance to enhance performance. 

Real Estate Snapshot

In the real estate world, spring often brings renewed activity. Whether you're thinking of buying your first home, upgrading, or just want to know what your home might be worth after the long winter, this is a great time to check in. Despite soggy trails, the market is far from sleepy—and in some segments, demand is heating up just as fast as the April sun.

Final Thoughts

Spring in Canmore is messy, magical, and completely unique. It’s the season of rubber boots and ski passes, of après patios and mud-splattered dogs. It’s when locals know to pack for all four seasons in one day—and love the adventure that comes with it.

If you're looking for a home (or a lifestyle) that embraces all the wild transitions of mountain living, I’d love to help.

— Kristen

Downhill Skiing Delights:

Are you ready to carve your way through some of the most breathtaking slopes in the world? Look no further than the Bow Valley, home to premier downhill skiing destinations like Nakiska, Norquay, Sunshine, and Lake Louise.

• Nakiska Ski Area: Host to the 1988 Winter Olympics, Nakiska offers 79 runs for all skill levels and a tube park, set against the stunning backdrop of Kananaskis Country.

• Mount Norquay: Located near Banff, Mount Norquay boasts challenging terrain across four mountain faces, along with panoramic views of Banff National Park.  Norquay offers tubing for those not looking to hit the slopes but want a quick adrenaline hit and night skiing on weekends.

• Sunshine Village: With abundant snowfall and vast terrain, Sunshine Village promises unforgettable powder days and thrilling chutes.  Sunshine also offers some great ‘slack-country’ skiing so if you have Avalanche training & equipment, bring your skins & beacon to head out of bounds when safe to do so.

• Lake Louise Ski Resort: Nestled in Banff National Park, Lake Louise features diverse terrain across 4,200 acres, making it a favorite among skiers and snowboarders alike.

Cross-Country Skiing Serenity:

While the Bow Valley is renowned for its downhill skiing, it also offers a haven for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with the crown jewel being the Canmore Nordic Centre.

• Canmore Nordic Centre: Situated just minutes from downtown Canmore, the Canmore Nordic Centre is a world-class facility that hosted the Nordic events during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Boasting over 65 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails, the Centre caters to skiers of all abilities, from beginners to elite athletes. With its stunning mountain backdrop and variety of terrain, the Canmore Nordic Centre provides a picturesque setting for a day of cross-country skiing.

• Banff National Park: For those seeking a wilderness experience, Banff National Park offers an extensive network of track-set trails that wind through pristine forests and meadows. From easy loops to challenging routes, there's something for everyone to enjoy amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies.

• Peter Lougheed Provincial Park (PLPP): Venture into the heart of Kananaskis Country and discover the beauty of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. With well-maintained trails that traverse a diverse landscape of forests, lakes, and alpine meadows, this park offers an ideal setting for cross-country skiing adventures.

• Mount Shark: Located south of Canmore, Mount Shark is a hidden gem for cross-country skiers. With its remote location and stunning mountain vistas, Mount Shark provides a peaceful escape from the crowds, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the backcountry while exploring its groomed trails.

Whether you're gliding through the manicured tracks of the Canmore Nordic Centre or exploring the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park and beyond, cross-country skiing in the Bow Valley offers a serene and rejuvenating experience amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Nordic Pulse is a great resource to see current grooming and trail conditions.

Backcountry Bliss (with Caution):

For those seeking a more adventurous skiing experience, the Bow Valley and Canadian Rockies offer unparalleled opportunities for backcountry ski touring and splitboarding. However, it's essential to remember that venturing into the backcountry requires advanced skiing abilities and a thorough understanding of avalanche safety.

Before embarking on any backcountry adventure, be sure to familiarize yourself with avalanche awareness and practiced rescue knowledge, proper equipment, and always check the Avalanche Forecast & Weather Conditions before heading out. With the right skills and precautions, backcountry skiing in the Bow Valley can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, allowing you to explore untouched powder and breathtaking landscapes far from the crowds.  AST1 is a must and AST2 is recommended, click here for current course offerings.

Whether you're drawn to the adrenaline rush of downhill skiing, the serenity of cross-country skiing, or the thrill of backcountry exploration, the Bow Valley offers something for every winter enthusiast. So grab your skis or snowboard, and get ready to discover the winter wonderland that awaits in this spectacular corner of the Canadian Rockies.

Please note for Nakiska, the Canmore Nordic Center, PLPP & Mount Shark, a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your car at any of these locations.  For Norquay, Sunshine, Lake Louise and any cross-country trailheads in Banff National Park (including the Town of Banff & Lake Louise Village & Lake), a Discovery Pass is required to park in any of these locations.  Passes for both Kananaskis and the National Parks can be purchased ahead of time or on the way to your location.  At the time of publishing this blog post, a daily family National Park pass is $22 or annual is $151.25 so if you are going to go into any of the National Parks (Banff, Kootenay, Yoho, etc.) more than 7 days in a 12 month period, it’s best to buy the annual pass and the Kananaskis Pass is $15 for the day or $95 for the year so again, you only need to go 6 days in a 12 month period to make it worthwhile just to buy the annual pass.  If you are visiting both areas, you need both passes - the Kananaskis Conservation pass and the National Discovery Pass are independent of each other - which is especially fun if you’re hiking to Assiniboine via Sunshine to Mount Shark and you car drop at both locations.. and have to have both park passes.