6 Family Hot Spots in Canmore

Located less than an hour away from Calgary, many folks consider Canmore an extension of their own backyard. That's why we've rounded up five of our favourite hot spots for families in this groovy mountain village.

Between Netflix, iPods and MineCraft, outdoor time is fighting a tough battle with screen time for our kids attention. But connecting kids with the great outdoors is now a whole lot easier since Nature's Track's Forest Play sprouted roots in Canmore. Offering weekly outdoor adventures for the 4 to 14-year-old set, this summer camp and after-school program thrusts kids back into the natural world and teaches them how to navigate the landscape. The focus is child-led, building on our kid's sense of direction and independence. That means helicopter parents will have to take a chill pill because kids learn proper knife handling skills, how to start a fire and most importantly, how to feel safe and comfortable in the woods.

This perfect—and breathtaking—family hike is located just around the corner from the Canmore Nordic Centre. Your kids will be entertained by Grassi Lakes' majestic beauty of the waterfalls, tiny jewel-like lakes and ancient rock paintings—unless they get hooked on watching the daredevil rock climbers, that is.

With 77,000 square feet of indoor attractions, Elevation Place is the go-to family fun zone in Canmore. Tricked out with a lazy river, waterslide and a 25 person hot tub, the pool area is flooded with natural light that streams in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. However, the big draw here is their climbing wall, or rather, climbing gym. Filled with plenty of pockets, chimneys and ledges to make them feel like they're outdoors, kids can hoist themselves up the wall, too.

While you're in Canmore, be sure to take a stroll down Main Street and visit the Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe. This permanent fixture in the mountain village provides kids with a variety of candy from all over the world. If that doesn't keep them entertained, we're not sure what will.

Located just east of Canmore, Grotto Canyon is a great hike that the whole family can enjoy year-round. The kids will love looking at the hoodoos and ancient rock paintings, as well as throwing rocks into the stream that follows the entire trail.

If you're in need of something to keep the little ones busy on the drive home, then stop at Hi Jinx on your way out of town. This interactive toy shop on Main Street will have them in awe with all of the amazing gadgets, and have you saying 'ahh' with all of their amazing bargains.