Are you a visitor looking for unique things to do in Canmore, or maybe a local just looking for something different? If so, you are in the right place. There is a surprising range of weird and wonderful activities on offer, and as long-term Canmore locals, we know where to find them.
Our list includes cultural activities, suggestions for the active, and things to entertain your children. Some are annual events we have grown to love; others are simply weird things to peek at while passing. We have also suggested a few tours where a local expert will share their insight and reveal Canmore’s secrets.
Don’t have time to read the full article? Our top choices for unique things to do in Canmore:
- Book a Canmore Ghost Walk – a unique Canmore experience great for kids and adults (RATED 5-STAR).
- Enjoy Theatre In The Park – watch for events in July and August.
- Book a Lost Towns and Untold Stories tour – this tour takes you off the beaten path to discover Canmore’s secrets (RATED 5-STAR).
Get Spooked On A Canmore Ghost Walk
For something a bit different, you can dive into the eerie side of Canmore with a ghost walk that promises to send shivers down your spine. This is a fun journey through the town’s haunted history, filled with tales of ghosts, ghouls, and unexplained events.
Book a Canmore Ghost Walk, and the guide will tell you stories of haunted landmarks, unsolved mysteries, and terrifying hotel encounters. The group sizes are small, and the ghost walk is perfect for anyone who loves a good scare and is curious about the darker side of Canmore’s history.
“Max was an excellent guide! She is a great story teller and provides great detail of local history and stories. After this tour I will be looking over all my pictures from the area looking for ghosts! Thanks Max!”
– Robert (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
It combines local lore and supernatural intrigue, so brace yourself for a spooktacular experience that will leave you both spooked and fascinated!
Enjoy Theatre In The Park
The Canmore Summer Theatre Festival, hosted by the Pine Tree Players, is one of the more unusual things to do in Canmore in the summer and one of our favourites.
One of my first memories of Canmore was sitting outside watching Shakespeare as the sun fell behind the mountains. The plays are set at the Stan Rogers Memorial Stage in Centennial Park, right in the heart of downtown Canmore.
You should take a seat or blanket to sit on, maybe some snacks and drink, and wrap up warm. Afternoons can be hot in the summer, but Canmore evenings can be chilly, especially when the sun dips behind the mountains.
Discover Lost Mountain Towns Of The Rockies
If you are looking for unique things to do in Canmore, the Lost Towns and Untold Stories tour is a chance to explore the area’s hidden natural wonders and untold stories, far from the usual tourist spots.
“Our first ever guided hike tour and it was amazing. Our guide Jacob was so knowledgeable and made our experience great. Its make a difference when someone is so passionate about their job, well done Jacob….thank you! The views were spectacular”.
– Donna (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
A professional guide leads the way, sharing insights and stories. You’ll wander down old wagon roads and discover lost mining towns, diving into a world of historical legends and natural beauty. The tour includes hiking poles, ice cleats for winter treks, transportation, and park pass fees.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to get off the beaten path and experience Canmore’s hidden gems in a small, personal group. Perfect for those looking to explore the Rockies beyond the typical trails!
Rent A Fat Bike
Your first question may be: what is a fat bike? The answer is that fat bike has oversized tires, typically about 3.8 inches or larger, mounted on wide rims. These provide more surface area and grip.
Fat bikes offer a unique cycling experience, especially for those looking to explore off-road terrains and enjoy outdoor activities in varying conditions. They have become popular in Canmore recently as the tires give a good grip in snowy conditions, allowing cyclists to continue riding year-round.
If you like the sound of this, head for the Nordic Centre, which has over 16km of fat biking trails. The bikes are available for hire at Trail Sports, and if it makes you more comfortable, you can even hire a guide.
Watch The Canmore Highland Games
You may be surprised to hear the sound of bagpipes in Canmore, but the town has a rich Scottish heritage, and the Canmore Highland Games is an annual event.
This lively event features takes place at the end of August, and you can watch traditional Highland games competitions, including caber tossing, hammer throwing, and highland dancing.
Enjoy the bagpipes and marching bands while you enjoy a taste of Scotland with authentic food and drink. The weekend’s highlight is the ceilidh, a lively party generally on the final night.
Solve A 100-Year-Old Mystery
Book a Canmore Clue Solving Adventure for an exciting way to spend a few hours in Canmore. It’s like a mix of an escape room and a scavenger hunt, and it’s a blast. You get to solve a 100-year-old mystery while wandering around downtown Canmore.
It’s perfect for friends or family groups and is directed through an app on your phone. The whole thing takes about an hour and a half, and you’ll explore beautiful scenery, river trails, and some great places to grab a bite.
“My sister and I did this tour and had a blast. ….It took us down some beautiful walking paths, we saw amazing views of rivers, mountains, and more, and got to know Canmore a lot better. Would recommend.”
– K.T. (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
The best part? It’s not just about solving clues. You get to see Canmore in a totally different way, whether you’re a local or just visiting. And don’t worry about getting stuck on a clue – the app helps you out, though there’s a bit of a time penalty for hints.
So, if you’re looking for unusual things to do in Canmore, this could be a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in Canmore.
Attempt The Triple Peaks Hike
This next one isn’t for the faint-hearted. The Canmore Triple Peaks Hike is a test of endurance, challenging hikers to summit three mountains (Ha Ling Peak, Mount Lady MacDonald, and the East End of Rundle) with a total elevation gain of 3217 meters, all within 24 hours.
This demanding hike (also known as the Triple Crown) requires good physical fitness and experience tackling steep and varied terrains. It’s not just about reaching the peaks but doing so in a single day, making it a sought-after achievement for serious hikers.
Take A Selfie With Big Head Canmore
Among the unique things to do in Canmore, visiting the Big Head sculpture in downtown is a must. This isn’t your average statue; it’s a larger-than-life piece that captures the attention of everyone passing by.
The intrigue of the Big Head sculpture lies in its distinctive and imaginative design. This striking piece of art, resembling a giant, abstract human head, stands out with its bold features and artistic expression.
Its somewhat surreal appearance makes it seem as though it’s been lifted from the pages of a fantasy tale. The Big Head is a unique backdrop for photos, adding a touch of the extraordinary to downtown Canmore.
If you’re looking for weird things to do in Canmore, don’t miss the chance to see the Big Head. It’s a fun, slightly odd addition to any trip to downtown Canmore.
Get Creative And Decorate Pottery
This is an excellent idea if you are looking for unique things to do in Canmore with kids – although it’s great fun for adults, too!
Local Kristen Ashcroft runs Crock A Doodle Studio, and here’s how it works. You pick a piece of pottery, like a mug or a plate, and let your creativity flow.
The price includes studio time, paints, glazing, and kiln-firing. You don’t need to be a fine artist; it’s all about having fun and being creative. They have plenty of samples and ideas to inspire you, and the staff is always ready to help.
Once you’re done, they’ll glaze and fire your piece, turning it into a shiny, food-safe work of art. It’s not just an activity; it’s creating a keepsake to cherish forever. So, drop by Crock A Doodle for a unique, creative experience in Canmore!
Watch A Movie At Canmore ArtsPlace.
Another addition to our list of unique things to do in Canmore is to watch a movie at ArtsPlace. Canmore provides a cozy and culturally enriching movie-going experience far from your average cinema night.
Their movie screenings are diverse, featuring everything from the latest hits to critically acclaimed documentaries, avant-garde films, and special showings of opera, theatre, and gallery exhibitions.
With its small, intimate theatre, ArtsPlace is dedicated to making the arts accessible to all. Their Discover Art Access Program ensures everyone can enjoy these cultural experiences, regardless of financial means.
So, why not enjoy an evening at ArtsPlace Canmore? Grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and immerse yourself in cinematic wonder.
Take A Peek At Canmore’s Curbside Museum
If you happen to be passing Pinewood Crescent (off Railway Avenue), take a minute to check out this unexpected cultural experience. This tiny exhibit is built into a fence on the sidewalk’s edge and displayed 24/7.
The exhibits, often themed and very well crafted, range from historical narratives to contemporary art pieces, reflecting the diverse talents and stories of the community.
This free-to-visit museum captures the essence of Canmore, showcasing creativity, community involvement, and an appreciation for the unique and surprising.
Concluding Our Look Into Unique Things To Do In Canmore
As we end our journey through Canmore’s unique and sometimes weird attractions, it’s clear that this town offers more than just stunning natural landscapes. From the spine-tingling excitement of the Canmore Ghost Walk to the intriguing Big Head sculpture, each experience adds a distinct flavour to your visit.
The town offers cultural experiences, such as the theatre in the park, exploring the Curbside Museum, and watching the Highland Games. And for the active, you can join a tour that takes you off the beaten path, rent a fat bike, or take on a challenge, such as the Three Peaks hike.
I know it’s a cliche, but there really is something for everyone!
