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How To Plan A Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation in Canmore That The Adults Will Love, Too

Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Canmore is a charming little mountain town that is awaiting your next Alberta family vacation.
Whether you’re exploring nature’s playground or soaking up the eclectic mountain lifestyle, Canmore offers an exciting summer vacation that is suited for all ages.

Rain or shine, there’s a wide variety of summertime activities to make your rocky mountain getaway something memorable for the entire family.

Here’s our top 5 favourite family activities to start planning your kid-friendly summer vacation in Canmore!

1. Spice Up Dinner with Fresh Local Ingredients from the Canmore Mountain Market

Downtown Canmore during an outdoor event, with tents set up on Main Street.
Photo @canmoremountainmarket Facebook

From picking out ingredients to enjoying your meal together, make dinnertime fun from start to finish.

Head over to the Canmore Mountain Market to connect with local vendors and browse their selection of local produce and artisan goods. With their “rain or shine attitude” and COVID-safe guidelines, the market is open every Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Whether you’re cooking a family favourite or trying something new, local ingredients give you an opportunity to taste what Canmore has to offer. When you’re all stocked up, head back to your vacation rental to get cooking!

With a fully equipped vacation rental, you’ll have everything you need to prepare dinner your way and on your family’s schedule. You can also use the balcony as your dinner table to share your home cooked meal in the fresh mountain air.

That means enjoying great food, great company, and great Rocky Mountain views without the hassle of securing a restaurant reservation. Sign us up!

2. Play I-Spy Wildlife Edition

A mountain goat on the side of the road in Canmore, Alberta.

The Canadian Rockies are rich with diverse wildlife, including bears, elk, cougars, moose, and wolves to name a few. Don’t miss the opportunity to show your family Alberta’s furry friends.

You can make wildlife spotting safe and kid-friendly with a scenic drive through Kananaskis. Staying in the car means reduced risk, no tired legs, and plenty of access to snacks!

To make wildlife viewing extra engaging, turn it into a game of I-Spy and keep the kids’ eyes peeled for wild animals. You can also pack a pair of binoculars to get a closer look.

In Kananaskis, you may even spot wildlife grazing along the road! Throughout your I-Spy Wildlife game, be sure to practice safe driving.

Alberta Parks recommends to drive slowly by any roadside wildlife and avoid stopping completely. For more safety tips, see their guidelines for Wildlife Viewing in Kananaskis.

3. Go Gallery and Museum Hopping in Downtown Canmore

Canmore, Alberta museum building
Photo canmorealberta.com

If you want to soak up the eclectic mountain culture, plan a stroll through the streets of downtown Canmore. Among many local businesses, there are several art galleries and museums waiting to be explored. 

Plan your route through downtown and choose locations specific to your family’s interests. With galleries filled with local art and wildlife photography as well as museums about Geoscience and local history, they’ll be something for everyone!

4. Pick up a New Book for Storytime or Rainy Day Puzzle

Bookstore front doors
Photo cafebooks.ca

Nothing says cozy mountain-living like reading a book by the fire. Give your little ones a new story to enjoy by the warm flames when they’re all tuckered out after an eventful day. 

Filled with local authors, there’s plenty of selection at Cafe Books for your family to pick out a new read! This quaint little bookstore also carries puzzles, which are an excellent rainy day activity to pass the time.

When you book a vacation rental with Spring Creek Vacations, your family will have an inviting fireplace and spacious living area, so they can curl up by the fire or sprawl out a puzzle.

5. Explore the Rocky Mountains’ Natural Wonders and Find Your Favourite Park

Girl in tire swing in a park

Whether you want to toss around a ball or have a family picnic by the lake, there’s a wide variety of parks, playgrounds, and sports fields around Canmore.

Each day you can pack up your sports gear to go hunting for your favourite spot! From wide open fields to mountain spring swimming to off-leash dog parks, your family can keep exploring until you find the perfect outdoor space. 

With plenty of playgrounds and spectacular mountain views to choose from, you’ll find somewhere the whole family can enjoy.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can also plan a boardwalk stroll or mountain hike, to see more natural scenery in Canmore’s Parks.


With Spring Creek Vacations, you won’t need to stress about keeping your accommodation kid-friendly. Nestled in the heart of downtown Canmore, our vacation rentals have fully equipped kitchens, luxurious amenities, options for multiple bedroom configurations, and stunning mountain views; they’ll feel like your home away from home. That means your family has the space and flexibility to enjoy a summer vacation their way. 

Take the worry out of travelling with your family, book your stay in one of our luxurious mountain lodges and start making memories with your loved ones.

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