Are you planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies this spring? With longer days and milder weather, spring is a wonderful time to visit the Rocky Mountain towns of Canmore and Banff. Learn how to enjoy Canmore like a local with our Canadian Rockies Guide to Spring Dog Sledding and Après in Canmore, Alberta.
Be sure to check out the Après in Canmore section below for some cool places to eat in Canmore. We’ve included some of the best restaurants in Canmore to sit back and relax with a warming drink, whether that’s a beer, cocktail, hot chocolate, or hot apple cider.
Spring in the Canadian Rockies
Wondering what Spring is like in the Canadian Rockies? Here’s what you need to know about the weather. The temperatures in Canmore in the Spring fluctuate between highs of 5c-18c (23f-60f). Be prepared for snow or rain. Spring can be a wet time in the Canadian Rockies with an average of 20-60mm of precipitation falling monthly.
Fun Things to do in Canmore & Banff in the Spring
- Hike on some of the Bow Valley’s lower-elevation trails.
- Rent a bike and spend the day cycling between Banff and Canmore on the 25 km Banff Legacy Trail.
- Go dog sledding in Kananaskis Country with Snowy Owl Tours – Dog Sled Tours – Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours™. See below for more information.
- Rainy day in Canmore? You can go throw axes at The Anger Management Collective or paint pottery at Crock A Doodle.
Spring Dog Sledding in Kananaskis Country
If you’re looking for a great alternative to skiing or snowboarding while visiting the Canadian Rockies, consider a dog sledding tour. The spring dog sledding season in the Rockies usually runs until mid-April, depending on the weather conditions. The best thing about dog sledding in the spring is the weather isn’t as cold as it is in the middle of winter, and longer days bring more sunlight hours to enjoy the gorgeous Rocky Mountains.
With four different dog sled tours to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice!
- 2-hour dog sled tour – Powder Hound Express
- 4-hour dog sled tour – Sunfeather Winterlude
- Full day dog sled tour – Spirit of Dog Society
- Overnight dog sled tour – Ghost of Fortune Mountain (Mar 11-12 and Mar 18-19 ONLY (pending snow conditions)
Après in Canmore
French for “after” apres is commonly associated with skiing. The term après is used to describe something you do after an activity. For example, an après-workout snack. Après ski culture originated in Scandinavia and became popular in the 1950s. What could be better than following strenuous activity in the cold outdoors with a warming drink?
Ski Hills Near Canmore
Canmore, Alberta doesn’t have any downhill ski hills in town, the Canmore Nordic Centre offers cross-country skiing, and there are four incredible ski areas a short drive away, including:
- Mt. Norquay Ski Resort, Banff
- The Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff
- Sunshine Village Ski Resort, Banff
- Nakiska Ski Resort, Kananaskis Country
Après Dog Sledding
Here are Snowy Owl Tours, we love to see people have fun and enjoy themselves. Guests often ask our guides for recommendations on where to go after their tour, so we’ve created this handy Canadian Rockies Après Guide to Canmore, Alberta. While après ski often refers to a boozy afternoon spent recounting the thrills and spills of a day on the ski hill, it can also be a non-alcoholic, family friendly activity. Imagine how cozy it feels to enjoy a hot chocolate or hot apple cider around a fire.
The Rose & Crown Pub – Canmore, Alberta
Grizzly Paw Canmore Alberta – Tank 310
The Wood Restaurant & Lounge, Canmore, Alberta
3 Canmore Pubs for Après
Rose & Crown
One of our crew’s favourites, the Rose and Crown is Canmore’s local bar. Located in Downtown Canmore, this popular pub is a short walk from the Snowy Owl Tours office. The Rose & Crown offers a bar area with seating and a large indoor restaurant. They also have a beautiful patio with mountain views.
Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company
Known for its dynamic beer selection, this Canmore brewing company boasts two locations, their original pub in Downtown Canmore, and a brewery, bar, and restaurant called, Tank 410 located behind the Shops of Canmore. Grizzly Paw is one of Canmore’s most popular breweries. They also make some great old school soda pop!
The Wood Restaurant & Lounge
With arguably some of the best mountain views in Canmore, The Wood Restaurant & Lounge is located right in the heart of Downtown Canmore. The heritage log cabin has two dining rooms, they also have a large patio for warmer spring days. With a large selection of beers and tasting flights available, this is a great pub to discover your new favourite beer.
Rocket Pie – Canmore, Alberta
Beamer’s Coffee Bar – Canmore, Alberta
Communitea Cafe – Canmore, Alberta
3 Family Friendly Places in Canmore for Après
While après culture may have originated with rounds of beer, there’s no reason why non-drinkers and families can’t enjoy this fun tradition. Here are three of our crew’s favourite family friendly places to après in Canmore.
Rocket Pie
Looking for some delicious pizza to enjoy with your après beverages? Founded by a father and son team, Rocket Pie creates Neapolitan style pizza, baked in a state-of-the-art stone fired oven, with a New York finish. Rocket Pie is located at The Shops of Canmore. They also have a small outdoor patio area.
Beamer’s Coffee Bar
Time to refuel after your mountain adventure? If hot drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are more your scene you need to visit one of Beamer’s Coffee Bar’s two locations. Their original coffee shop is in Downtown Canmore and their newest café located at the Shops of Canmore.
Communitea Café
Located in Downtown Canmore, Communitea Café is a popular gathering spot and a great place to eat in Canmore. With fresh, healthy, and local food options, this family-friendly café and eatery also host live music performances. In October 2020, Communitea started planting a tree for every order placed at the café.
However you decide to spend your time in the Canadian Rockies this Spring, we wish you a wonderful time building incredible memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy!