There are several amazing hikes near the town of Canmore, Alberta, though most of them require a vehicle to access. If you’re as interested in reaching the tops of mountain peaks as I am, I have compiled a list of the best peaks to summit near Canmore for your convenience!
If mountain summits aren’t your thing, check out Grassi Lakes, Grotto Canyon, Heart Creek Canyon or Heart Creek Bunker for some easier alternatives.
As a quick note, this list doesn’t include any hikes down highway 40 (Kananaskis). For a list of those suggestions, keep an eye out for my upcoming ‘Best Summits of Kananaskis’ post!
*Please Note* Although I suggest that some of these hikes are “easy”, keep in mind they are all mountain summits that require time, effort, and a certain amount of fitness. Always be willing to turn around if something is out of your comfort level.
1. Ha Ling Peak
Ha Ling Peak is the ultra-classic summit of the Canmore area due to its close proximity, and relatively low elevation gain.
With a moderately-sized parking lot complete with bathrooms, and a maintained trail almost all the way to the summit, you can’t ask for a better beginner’s mountain summit. There are even stairs to help you through the steep sections!
This trail is extremely popular in the summer, particularly on weekends. You can hike this mountain year-round, and in most weather conditions. It is dog-friendly, beginner-friendly, and kid-friendly, though it will get your heart racing.
To get to the true summit will likely require some mild scrambling (hands-on rock required).
2. Miner’s Peak
Miner’s Peak is the mountain connected to Ha Ling. They share the same ridge, and follow the same trail up until the saddle (low point on the ridge between the two mountains).
Although Miner’s Peak is less popular, it is an easier mountain to summit, and offers stunning views of Ha Ling along with the same views of the town of Canmore. It also can be very nice to escape the crowds.
I’d recommend Miner’s Peak over Ha Ling to anyone who is a bit apprehensive about the small scramble on Ha Ling. If it goes well, you can then wander back over to Ha Ling and do both in one day!
3. East End of Rundle
East End of Rundle (EEOR) lies to the west of Ha Ling and is another classic in the area. It shares the same parking area, but is a bit harder and a bit higher.
EEOR can be more exciting, as there is some easy scrambling throughout the hike. The real fun comes just before the summit, where you need to scramble a cliff band to reach the top. This can be scary for new scramblers, but is an exciting achievement for those who complete it.
This hike is also very busy during the summer. Try EEOR if you’re looking for a nice beginner’s scramble in the area!
4. Grotto Mountain
Grotto Mountain is a massive mountain that can be hiked two ways. The first way is the “ACC route”, which is a bit longer, but requires no scrambling. The second way is the “direct route” which involves some easy scrambling but is steep and tiring.
This mountain can be completed as a loop combining the two routes, but will likely take the majority of a day due to the hefty elevation gain.
Grotto Mountain also involves an easy ridge scramble to complete the loop. Although there is nothing too technically difficult on this mountain, it is a big day. Choose this one if you’re prepared for a big adventure!
5. Mount Lady MacDonald
Mount Lady MacDonald is another classic in Canmore, though it is plagued with construction history. This hike is currently closed for creek blasting at the base.
When open, this hike is simply “up” to the area of the former teahouse and helipad. No scrambling is needed to this point.
To continue to the summit, you must traverse a knife-edge ridge that is only suited for very experienced scramblers. However, most parties with some scrambling experience can make it to the start of the ridge easily, which also offers amazing views.
Mount Lady MacDonald can be hiked right from the town of Canmore and offers different spice levels for groups of varying abilities depending on how far you go.
6. Grassi Knob
Grassi Knob is another excellent beginner’s hike.
It is less-traveled, which means you can avoid the masses on busy summer days. However, parking might be an issue, as this hike also starts within the town of Canmore and doesn’t have a designated parking area.
Although the views of Grassi Knob are limited until the summit, there is no scrambling on this hike. It is beginner-friendly and dog-friendly, though does require a lot of elevation gain.
The highlight of this summit are the views of the Three Sisters mountains at the top.
7. Heart Mountain and Grant MacEwan Peak
Heart Mountain is a very popular hike near Canmore, and is most often done as a loop, which allows the hiker to achieve multiple summits in one journey.
To summit Heart Mountain, there are three sections of moderate scrambling. I wouldn’t recommend this hike for beginners, though it has been done. A GPS track is also recommended to stay on the right path as it isn’t always obvious!
The elevation gain is similar to EEOR, but the scrambling is a bit more involved. The highlight of this hike is the ridge walk, where you get to wander along mountaintops in a big horseshoe, checking out the sights from different vantage points, and enjoying a long time wandering along the tops of mountains.
Choose this hike if you’re looking for a moderate day out with a bit more adventure!
8. Gap Peak
Gap Peak is one of my favorite hikes near Canmore, as it has a little bit of everything!
To summit Gap Peak, you’ll need to hike on dirt, scree, scramble up rock, and traverse along a long mountain ridge. It is an exciting adventure filled with varying terrain that will keep you on your toes.
Although close to the highway, the summit itself is far back enough that the noise fades away and you can see some pretty remote peaks.
I think this hike is truly a hidden gem in the area, but should only be attempted by those with route-finding and scrambling experience. Although the scrambling sections aren’t long, there is some exposure (fall-risk) associated with it.
9. Door Jamb Mountain and Loder Peak
Door Jamb Mountain and Loder Peak are two summits that are connected to each other. You can only reach Loder Peak by passing by Door Jamb first.
This hike is relatively small in terms of distance and gain, but is almost entirely a scramble. The majority of the terrain is grippy slab (large flat rock), and can be a bit spooky for those without scrambling experience.
Because of the terrain, this hike is not recommended in wet weather. However, this is a great option for those looking for a short day out, or for those who are looking for some scrambling experience. There is no exposure (fall risk), with the scrambling, so it’s a good skill-building hike.
10. Middle Sister Hike
Of the Three Sisters (the most notable mountains in Canmore), Middle Sister is the easiest to achieve.
This hike can be accessed from both the front and the back, though most parties will access it from the front, which involves a very long walk up a creek bed. There is nothing hard about the creek bed, but the uneven rocks can be very tiring.
The second way, from the back, involves some scrambling, and is likely done as a second summit to another mountain known as “The Orphan”.
Both ways meet up at the end of the creek bed, where a very long scree slog ensues. (This means walking up small rocks that are as tiring as walking in sand). Although there is no scrambling to the summit, this is a very long day out.
This hike is a full day adventure, but is not difficult other than the length and gain. It is a very cool way to say you stood on one of the most famous mountains in Canmore.
11. Big Sister Hike
Big Sister is the second-hardest hike of the famous Three Sisters mountains. This hike is amazing, though is very difficult to summit.
Big Sister is one of the steepest hikes in the area, and involves difficult scrambling and exposure (fall risk).
If you’re a climber or are very comfortable with scrambling, I would highly recommend this hike, as the views are incredible. Big Sister is one of the highest mountains in the area, and on a clear day, you can see extremely far.
Route-finding is required on this hike, and you need to make decisions on what kind of terrain is easiest for you to manage. Only attempt this summit if you have plenty of experience scrambling, downclimbing, and hiking on slab.
12. Bald Eagle Peak (Formerly Known as “The Tit”)
Bald Eagle Peak is easily recognized from the town of Canmore because it’s peak, which flanks the north side of the highway, resembles an erect nipple.
This hike is not as well-traveled as some of the others in the area, but is a great option for those who love scrambling. The upper third of the hike involves scrambling up slab along the ridge of the mountain, and should only be attempted in good weather by experienced scramblers.
While the scrambling on this mountain is fun, the lower portions of the mountain involve route-finding and steep hiking through dense trees. You also must descend the way you came up, making for slow progress.
Bald Eagle Peak is a great option for those experienced scramble-lovers looking for a less-busy trail.
13. Mount Charles Stewart South Peak
Mount Charles Stewart South Peak is another hike up a creek bed, followed by a scree slog, similar to Middle Sister, though is less distance and elevation than Middle Sister, making it an easier objective.
What makes this hike great is that it is less-traveled by some of the others, almost ensuring you’d have the summit to yourself, and the creek wanders through a cool canyon which adds some interest.
To summit, there is no scrambling involved, and likely no route-finding if you’re savvy. However, you will be in the sun for almost the entirety of the hike. Choose this adventure on a cooler day if you’re looking for a moderate adventure with no scrambling
14. Mount Lawrence Grassi
Mount Lawrence Grassi overlooks the town of Canmore, but is accessed from Highway 742 along the backside of the mountain.
Although this mountain is quite big, it is relatively straightforward to hike, with minimal scrambling. With that said, it is a grind straight up the mountain, with half of the ascent on rock – both scree and slab.
The appealing parts of this hike are that it is less-traveled, offers beautiful views to the east, is neat to see hikers below you on Ha Ling, and is mostly just a hike, with hand-use unnecessary for most parties. It also can be done in shoulder seasons for experienced hikers.
If you choose to tackle this objective, be prepared for a steep day!
15. Princess Margaret Mountain
Princess Margaret Mountain looks sharp and severe from the highway, and results in a ton of adventurous scrambling to reach the summit.
If you love putting your hands on rock and feel confident with your scrambling skills, this is a great objective for you! There is a little bit of everything – slab, traversing, ridges, and loose rock. This route is for experienced parties only, though no rope is required!
If you choose this adventure, it will take a bit of advanced planning, as it passes through private property and requires permission to access.
16. Mount Collembola
Mount Collembola is a big day out, but it’s honestly one of my favorites! It truly is a hidden gem since it is not hiked very often, but I like to think of it as a Tent Ridge on steroids.
Mount Collembola offers true 360 degree views, as you can see the Bow Valley all the way down to Canmore, and Kananaskis Village and Nakiska as well. If you’ve hiked other peaks in the area, you might be surprised at how many you can identify from here!
This adventure is excellent if you’re looking for a full day of mostly hiking, with great views and several options for descending. There is one cliff band that you have to scramble up just before the summit, and it is a bit technical and exposed.
If you’re comfortable with a small but technical scramble, give Collembola a go! This hike has a little bit of everything to offer!