It’s shoulder-season, or off-season in Canmore, known as the months between mid-September to mid-December. As a season of transition, it begins dusted with autumn gold only to quickly thereafter be blanketed in winter snow. Our weather patterns don’t usually ease you in all that slowly, but that’s half the fun of it! Here are our recommendations as to why and how you should spend your time in Canmore this shoulder-season!
Save Money + Beat The Crowd
Anytime is a great time to visit Canmore (in our opinion.) But if there’s a better reason to visit during shoulder-season, being able to save money and avoid the crowds is certainly at the top of the list. With it being low season, it’s easy to find good deals on accommodation around town. Additionally, there’s some great deals for restaurants and shops, if you’re looking to get some holiday shopping done early.
With COVID, many organizations are limiting numbers and access to facilities. This makes shoulder-season ideal, as you’ll find it easier to book and schedule activities. We recommend checking the COVID regulations of businesses that you are planning on visiting during your time before you arrive, to ensure that you best follow them for the safety of staff and guests.
Check Out Canmore Culture
Days aren’t always sunny in the off-season and sometimes you might be looking for an indoor activity to keep you busy in between finding food at local restaurants. Starting at our mining roots, if you’re into seeing how Canmore got started the Canmore Museum is a must see.
From art exhibits to comedy acts, artsPlace in Canmore is the spot for some indoor events and activities. With COVID, they’ve even been turning to online events that you can connect to from wherever you are staying. It’s definitely worth checking out the artsPlace website to see if you are ready to join in on the fun!
Enjoy Local Canadian Art
Art is truly at the heart of Canmore. If you look up at the mountains everyday, it’s easy to see why! With such a beautiful landscape to wake up to, you would be inspired to create too! If you feel the need to enjoy some local art, Canmore has a variety of galleries for you to explore. From the All in the Wild Photography to Aven’s multi-medium selection, and many more. Check out the full collection of galleries for you to visit and view here.
Get Out Into The Rockies!
Lastly, it’s time to put on some hiking shoes (or boots) because the mountains are calling! We have a couple easy ways for you to explore them.
Take a Walk Around Canmore
Though many come for the hiking, the walking paths around Canmore are nothing to scoff at. You can enjoy our incredible location, without equipment and breaking a sweat. With approximately 70 km of trails well maintained within the town’s boundaries, you can pick whichever suits you best. Some of our favourites including Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk, Bow River Loop, and the Three Sister Pathway.
Take a Bike Through Town (or farther!)
Though not for everyone, but a popular Canmorian opinion, biking is an all year sport. If you’re here at the start of shoulder-season, enjoy the gold leaves as you peddle around Canmore and along the trails. If you’re here a bit later in the season, you’ll need a thicker coat and fatter tires, but it’ll still be an incredible way to enjoy the town.
Grab the bike and gear you need based on weather conditions at Rebound Cycle.
Take a Ride With Some Sled Dogs
If you’re going later in shoulder season, and the snow has already started to settle you may get lucky. As a bit of a different way to enjoy our outdoors, Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours are available to take you for a ride. If you’re looking for a COVID-friendly ready made adventure to enjoy, sign up for incredible mountain views with an incredible pack of (heckin’ cute) huskies!
*Availability depends on the weather
If you’re looking for some time to enjoy Canmore, shoulder-season is as good a time as ever. Whether you come up with friends, family or by yourself, there is always something for you to do. So what are you waiting for? Come, relax and enjoy our mountain town with us this season!
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