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

Spring in Canmore: A 4-Day Itinerary for Outdoor Adventures — Canmore Hotels - Grande Rockies Resort

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

7 Whimsical Towns in Alberta - WorldAtlas

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

Top Hikes for Families in Canmore and Kananaskis | Canmore Kananaskis

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

7 Great Spring Activities | Canmore Kananaskis

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.

Massive grizzly bear known as 'The Boss' spotted in Canmore area

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.”

Understanding Bear Behavior

Mysterious Bear Dance Explained | Scientific American

Just like humans, bears have different personalities and reactions, some are more tolerant than others. Food is their primary motivator and they are driven by their need to find food. This is why proper food storage is crucial. Bears are more likely to react defensively when protecting their cubs, food, or personal space. Surprise encounters are often the most dangerous, as a startled bear may react aggressively.

Before entering Bear Territory

Bear 101 — Andrea Ference

Being prepared when entering bear country is very important. Carrying bear spray that is in a position for immediate access is crucial, do not carry it in a backpack in case of emergency use. Travelling in groups will reduce the likelihood of an encounter. Dusk and dawn are the times when bears are most active, so avoid these times. If you are planning to bring a dog, be sure to keep it on a leash at all times. When camping, ensure that you bring bear proof bags for food storage to avoid a surprise appearance from these big fur balls.

Avoidance is Better than an Encounter

Bear Necessities | Defenders of Wildlife

Avoiding a bear encounter is safer for both yourself and the bear. Keeping distance and making your presence known is very important. Bears are likely to avoid you if they can hear you coming. This is why travelling in groups and making consistent noise whether it is talking or clapping is important. Avoid food sources such as berry patches, carcasses, and so on as bears can be defensive over their food. Keeping an eye out on trail updates and bear reports is also important, this can be found on Biosphere.

What to do in an Encounter

In the instance that you are encountered with a bear, these are some steps that should be taken to ensure bear safety:

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

Bear Attacks on the Rise, Raising Safety Concerns - ABC News

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

Know Your Bears | Alberta.ca

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

Let neighbors know when bears in area. - Be BearWise

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.