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