August Long Weekend

The August long weekend, the perfect excuse to make your getaway to The Canadian Rockies. If you find yourself lucky enough to be spending it in the stunning Canadian Rockies, specifically around Canmore and Banff, you’re in for a treat. This region truly comes alive in the late summer, offering a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and vibrant mountain town vibes. August is an extremely popular time here in Canmore, it is that busy that some hotels call it ‘black out month’ as it is usually fully booked. If you want to stay with the best property rental business in town, have a look at our properties here.

Events

Canmore Folk Festival: It’s the longest running folk music in the whole of Alberta and lasts over the entirety of the long weekend. There will be over 30 performers all playing folk, blues and roots music.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

The main draw of The Rockies is undoubtedly its unparalleled natural beauty. Here are some ideas to get your dose of mountain air.

Hiking Adventures

Easy: Johnston Canyon with its stunning waterfalls and accessible boardwalks is a classic choice. The Grotto Canyon Trail offers great scenery and also a chance to spot some local wildlife.

Moderate: For rewarding views without a full day commitment, Grassi Lakes Trail with its turquoise waters is stunning. The Bow River Trail to Bow Falls is also a beautiful sight.

Challenging: If you’re up for a more strenuous hike, explore trails like the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail or the Ha Ling Peak Trail for panoramic vistas.

Lake Escapades

Lake Louise: Rent a canoe on the emerald waters or take a walk along the shoreline, it is a bucket list view and feels unreal.

Moraine Lake: While private vehicle access is restricted, shuttle services are available. The Valley of the Ten Peaks reflected in the vibrant blue waters is a sight you won’t forget.

Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka: Enjoy a scenic drive, consider a boat tour, or have a picnic by the shore.

Explore the Towns

While nature takes center stage, the towns of Canmore and Banff offer their own unique charm local shops and patio drinks!

Canmore

Often considered the quieter neighbor to Banff, Canmore boasts a vibrant local scene with excellent restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Enjoy a craft beer at one of the local breweries or take a stroll along the scenic Bow River.

Banff

A bustling tourist hub, Banff Avenue is lined with shops, restaurants, and attractions. Take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views. You can soak up the views even more at Banff Upper Hot Springs to unwind and relax.

Spring In Canmore

After a winter of crisp, snow beauty, the valley begins to awaken, revealing a different kind of magic. It’s a time of transition, a slow dance between the lingering snow and the sunnier days. If you’re planning a visit, or simply looking to appreciate the season, here’s a glimpse into what makes Spring in Canmore so special, including local tips and tricks!

The Great Thaw

The snowline recedes dramatically, revealing the rocky faces of the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak. Waterfalls roar down the mountainsides and the river flows . Patches of emerald green begin to peek through the snow, the sky turns more and more blue and the days progressively get longer.

• Witness the Waterfalls: Head to Grotto Canyon or Johnston Canyon to see the waterfalls as the emerge from their icy sleep. The sheer volume of water is breathtaking.
• Embrace the Mud (and the Magic): Spring trails can be muddy, but don’t let that deter you! Waterproof boots are your best friend, and the rewards of witnessing the valley’s rebirth are well worth it.

Town Vibes

Canmore itself comes alive in Spring. Patios begin to open, and the town fills with a sense of anticipation for the summer season. Rooftop and patio drinks are on!

• Patio Season Begins: Enjoy a meal or a drink on one of Canmore’s many patios, soaking in the sunshine and the mountain views.
• Explore Local Shops and Galleries: Take a stroll through downtown Canmore and discover the unique shops, art galleries, and cafes that make this town so special.
• Enjoy the slower pace: Spring is a shoulder season, meaning that before the summer rush arrives, you can enjoy a slightly more relaxed pace to your visit.

Spring Adventures & Activities

Spring in Canmore offers a unique blend of winter and summer activities. You might find yourself snowshoeing in the morning and hiking in the afternoon!

• Early Season Hiking: Lower elevation trails, like Quarry Lake and the Bow River trails, are often snow-free first. Explore these paths to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
• Spring Skiing: Often the locals favourite time of the season. The slopes still have snowy nights and their is potential for bluebird powder days and perfect conditions!
• Snowshoeing (While You Still Can!): Higher elevation trails may still hold snow, offering a chance for a final snowshoeing adventure. Check trail conditions before heading out, and be prepared for changing weather.
• Cycling the Legacy Trail: As the snow melts, the Legacy Trail becomes a popular spot for cyclists. Enjoy a scenic ride between Canmore and Banff, soaking in the stunning views.
• Wildlife Watching: Spring is a time of increased wildlife activity. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, and even bears as they emerge from their winter slumber. Remember to give them plenty of space and respect their natural habitat.

Tips for this Spring

• Be Bear Aware! Bears start to come out of their winter slumber in spring so it is important to be bear smart. All information you’ll need about bear safety is found here.
• Be Prepared for Variable Weather: Spring in the mountains can be unpredictable. Pack layers of clothing, including waterproof outerwear, and be prepared for changing conditions.
• Check Trail Conditions: Before heading out on any hike or bike ride, check trail reports for up-to-date information on snow cover and trail conditions.
• Book Accommodations in Advance: While it’s not as busy as summer, Canmore can still be popular during spring, especially on weekends. Booking your accommodation in advance is recommended – we offer discounts for bookings in advance so check out our properties here!
• Respect Wildlife: Give wildlife plenty of space, and never feed them.

Whether you are visiting or living here, we hope that you enjoy this Spring in Canmore.

Bear Safety: Bear Aware

Bear Aware: the complete guide to bear safety in the Canadian Rockies.

The Boss of Banff

Having a bear encounter in the wild is absolutely amazing, they are majestic and it is definitely a rare and special experience. However, although it is an exciting moment, they are still wild animals and bear behavior can sometimes be unpredictable. To ensure both your safety and the well-being of these incredible creatures, understanding and practicing bear safety is paramount. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a casual camper, or simply living in or visiting bear country, here’s a comprehensive guide to staying “bear aware.”

What to do in an Encounter

• Stay calm, panicking can often escalate a situation.
• Speak in a calm voice and slowly back away, be sure to check your surroundings for cubs or food and make sure you avoid both.
• NEVER run from a bear as it will trigger their natural instinct to chase you. They will also outrun you as they can run as quick as a horse.
• Raise your arms above your head and make yourself look as big as possible, move to higher ground.
• Do not maintain eye contact as they perceive this as a threat.
• Don’t climb up a tree as bears are excellent climbers.
• Bears will often bluff charge you. If they charge stand your ground and have bear spray ready. Never run from a charge.
• Recognize the signs of an attack. Defensive encounters are the most common attacks and occurs when a bear feels threatened. Behavior includes: snapping its jaws, huffing, woofing, flicking its ears back, swatting the ground and bluff charging.
• In the case of a predatory attack, behavior is very different. Behavior includes: staring, circling around you, remaining quiet, approaching in a silent manner.

In Case of Attack

Recognizing whether the attack is defensive or predatory is crucial in the response you should take.

Grizzly Bears:

• If attack is defensive, use bear spray. In case of contact, play dead. Cover the back of your neck with your hands, lie on your stomach and keep your legs spread to make it hard for the bear to flip you. Defensive attacks are short so once attack is done, remain quiet and don’t move until the bear has left the area. If biting occurs and attack is prolonged, it may have turned predatory.
• If attack is predatory, pick up rocks or sticks to use as weapons and aim for their eyes, face and nose. Fight back as forcefully as you can. If you can, try to escape. Do everything in your power to deter the bear from continuing the attack.

Black Bears:

• Don’t play dead with a black bear. Where possible, escape to a car or building. If not, fight back using any object available and aim for the face, eyes and nose.

Know your Bears

There are two different types of bears in Canmore and Banff. The black bear and the grizzly bear. Believe it or not, the colour of the coat isn’t reliable in identifying bears. Both species have a range of different colored coats. One of the most prominent differences is the shoulder hump on a grizzly. The shoulders are the highest point on a grizzly and a black bear has no shoulder hump. Grizzly’s also have a rounder face with smaller rounder ears whereas a black bear has a straighter face and larger, pointed ears. It is important to distinguish the type of bear as different approaches are used.

Living in Bear Country

Whether you’re visiting or you live here, even at home you need to be bear aware. Never leave garbage lying around outside, always dispose in a bear proof bin, and NEVER leave food out for wildlife. Keep compost bins inside, remove any bird feeders from your yard and think twice before you think of planting any fruit trees as it is likely our 4 legged friends will wonder in your yard looking for a snack. Clean barbecues as the smell of your cook up can attract bears.

You are now fully equipped with all the necessary information on bear safety! We also offer complimentary bear spray as a part of our premium upgrade option, feel free to have a look at our terms and conditions as well as our properties for more information.

Canmore in March

Spring is here! The days are starting to get longer, wildlife is starting to stir and we are excited to share some updates on Canmore in March. Whether you’re coming for Spring skiing, the spring adventures, or just looking for a getaway, we’ve got you covered. 

Side Note: There’s a hidden coupon code in one of the images!

Group Getaways

With the skiing being some of the best conditions in March, why wouldn’t you want to book a ski trip? Here are some properties that we have available this month that will make the perfect home base whether you go skiing or want to enjoy the start of spring. We have a selection of different properties, great for all shapes and sizes! *SPRING* on the perfect excuse to make a trip to The Rockies.

Events in March

• Adventure Film Collective (8th of March): Get to Canmore Brewing Company to view a series of mountain adventure films. Pair it with a beer (or a few) for the ultimate viewing experience.
• Saint Patrick’s Day (17th of March): Put something green on and hit the pub. Maybe buy a lottery ticket and hope the luck of the Irish rubs off. Try to split the G with a pint of Guinness too!
• Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals (17th – 23rd of March ): Th 97th Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals. Get down to see sprints, distance races and team events.
• Ice climbing (23rd of March): Try this extreme sport out! Meet at Grassi Lakes between 12pm-3pm. Equipment and gear is supplied so you just need to show up with yourself!

Recommended Activities / Things to Do

First and Foremost, skiing in March is great. With snow still falling and the temperatures a lot more mild, it makes great conditions for the slopes. There’s a high chance you’ll catch a bluebird powder day in March! With the snow everywhere else beginning to melt away, it may be your last chance to do these winter activities:

• Ice Climbing: Try out climbing up a waterfall this March, it’ll probably be a bit harder to do in summer. There are courses available to show you how it’s done.
• Ice Skating: Here are some lakes that make exceptional wild ice skating – Gap Lake, Spray Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise,
• Ice fishing: Gear up for a fishing adventure and see who can pull the most fish out of a lake! There are guides and tours available that help craft amazing experiences.
• Dog Sledding: Get ready for a pup powered ride! These are some local businesses that offer dog sledding: Howling Dog Tours, Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, and Mad Dogs and Englishmen Sled Dog Expeditions.
• Tubing: If skiing isn’t for you but you want the same thrill, snow tubing is the answer! Norquay offers the longest tube lanes in Alberta!
• Snowshoeing: There are plenty of snowshoe spots in Canmore and Banff, especially up through Kananaskis. Rentals and guides are available in town.

Canmore in March is absolutely amazing, the snow is still on the mountains but it isn’t bitterly cold, the suns out. The birds start chirping, the sun comes out and nature starts buzzing. You start to feel the energy of the mountains around you this month.

Family-Friendly Properties in Canmore: Family Rentals

Being on vacation in The Canadian Rockies, the thought brings to mind snow capped peaks, gorgeous lakes and adventures galore. At Rockies Rentals, we believe that family vacations should be more than just sightseeing and ticking stuff off the bucket list – it’s about creating lasting bonds and unforgettable experiences. We offer a variety of different properties that are perfect for a family getaway. Here’s some features of all the properties that will create life long memories:

• Board Games: We stock each of our properties with board games and cards!
• Equipped Kitchens: Our properties come with fully equipped kitchens so that you don’t have to sacrifice those delicious homemade meals.
• Spacious Properties: Forget the cramped hotel rooms where you are constantly stepping on each others toes! Our properties come in all shapes and sizes, there’s space for kids to run around, build forts, play hide and seek and to unleash their imaginations!
• TVs: Get your popcorn ready and enjoy a family movie night together. All our properties come with a great TV!
• Location: Lifelong memories are bound to be made here. With dozens of adventures and activities that await in the mountains, these experiences will stay with you for life.

Here are some of our top selections for a family getaway:

Rundle Vista: Family Rental

This is our favourite property for a family getaway. It has everything a family could possibly want. The property comes with an indoor rock-climbing wall, a ping pong table, foosball, 4 amazing bedrooms, a spacious living area, a great kitchen for homemade meals as well as one of the most jaw dropping views of the mountains. What’s there not to love about this property? It is 110% the best property for a family getaway in Canmore.

Mistaya Suite: Family Rental

Mistaya Suite is a cozy, yet spacious property. One of our favourite features is the bedroom with two bunkbeds, perfect for the world’s most epic sleepover. It has a dining table, perfect for those homemade family dinners. The living area is super cozy where some great movie nights can be held. A barbeque on the balcony, perfect for whipping up a mouthwatering feast. Located right in the heart of town, restaurants and shops are just a short walk away!

The Mountain View: Family Rental

With 6 bedrooms and the possibility of sleeping 19 guests, The Mountain View is bound to be an incredible family vacation. We didn’t name this property ‘The Mountain View’ for no reason, it has a large balcony that overlooks 3 sisters and all surrounding mountains. The balcony has a hot tub and a barbeque, an absolutely great combo. The living area is a great space which makes activities such as a games night, a dinner, movie night all possible!

BoardWalk 400: Family Rental

Located close to the town center, Boardwalk 400 has incredible views of the mountain range and has a nice and cozy vibe to it. It is the perfect property to unwind and relax in after a long day of adventures. Similar to Mistaya, there is also a bunk bed room which is great for epic sleepovers.

At Rockies Rentals, we truly care and will ensure an amazing stay.

Canmore in February

February has arrived! Although it’s the shortest month of the year, it is one of the sweetest. Valentine’s Day, winter activities, curling up by the fire place, and hot chocolates are all in this month! Rockies Rentals has decided to share the love this month, discover special events happening this month, enjoy a couple’s getaway, hit the slopes and enjoy other miscellaneous winter activities and adventures!

Couple’s Getaways

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, why wouldn’t you want to book a romantic couple’s getaway in the mountains?! All our properties come with fully equipped kitchens for the chefs in the relationship and TVs for film lovers. Here are some properties that we believe will make a great Valentine’s together:

Recommended Activities / Things To Do

With endless possibilities of potential activities, we have provided a list of some great ideas to inspire you!

• High Tea at The Malcolm: Enjoy a romantic evening together at The Malcolm, their nibbles and teas are to die for.
• Skiing and Snowboarding: Pack your gear or rent it at the slopes and enjoy a day out together in Lake Louise, Sunshine Village or Mount Norquay and get silly with some après ski drinks!
• Winter Activities: We have a pre existing post with some great activity suggestions! Includes dog sledding, winter hikes, fat biking and more.
• Happy Hour at The Drake: Every day except Saturday’s, The Drake does happy hour(s) from 2pm to 7pm where some great deals can be found!

February Events

• Snow Sculptures: Get into Banff quick to see various snow sculptures throughout town. It’s only there until the 2nd of February!
• artsPlace: From comedy shows to live music to film screenings, artsPlace has dozens of exciting events on throughout February.
• Lifts of Love: For all the singles wanting to mingle on Valentines, Norquay has speed dating on the chair lifts on the 14th where you may meet that special someone.
• Ladies Only Golf Night: CanGOLF is hosting a ladies only night, an excellent opportunity for galentines. Share a few glasses of wine and have fun on the virtual courses! Hosted on the 20th of February, more info can be found here.
• Naughty Mugs Paint Night: Have some cheeky drinks and see where your imagination takes you. Sign up at Crock a Doodle to combine drinks and art.

Canmore during February is a winter wonderland. Whether you’re seeking romance, adventure, or simply a cozy getaway, Canmore has something for everyone. We look forward to having the pleasure of hosting you in the mountains!

PS: Remember to rug up and stay warm, it’s only going to get colder and stay safe driving in the snowy conditions as well.