Canmore and Kananaskis
How to explore with a dog
If you're looking for a great alternative to Banff National Park, where there are less crowds, your dime will go further and there's a great off-leash park for your dog (look up Quarry Lake)- Canmore and Kananaskis is exactly what you are looking for.
The basics are that unless you are in a designated off-leash area you will still need to keep your dog on a leash that is a maximum of 2m. This is for their safety, because honestly I've seen way more wildlife around Kananaskis than in Banff. You should not allow your dog to pester any wildlife (doggy whack-a-mole with marmots might look like great fun, but leave them alone!) and pick up after their droppings!
Hiking
Centennial Ridge Trail
Under-rated Kananaskis is Dead Man's Flats.
We love this trail because it has plenty paddling opportunities for Akela, we can take Bikes or walk and it is simply stunning!
Troll Falls
Troll Falls is great in summer and winter. The path to get to it is wide, flat and easy. There is a large teepee on the way.
In winter the waterfall freezes over and you can get behind it, or you can enjoy it in it's full glory during summer. Generally a small, easy hike with a big payoff.
Grotto Canyon
We like Grotto Canyon in the winter. You can watch Ice Climbers scale the canyon and explore all of the nooks and crannies.
To protect Akela's Paws on the ice we use Muttluks Paw Magik.
Blackshale Suspension Bridge
This was a really simple hike. The Bridge is really high up and the bars are fairly spread apart, so whilst we recommend keeping your dog on a leash all of the time- if you weren't before please do here!
The Hike itself was only 10-15 minutes, but we found ourselves hanging out by the suspension bridge for a while!
Jura Creek
This is our favourite hike in all of Canmore and Kananaskis... and we live here so we know it well!
You hike up waterfalls and through streams really testing yourself as you appreciate the narrow slot canyon walls.
I would 100% say that your dog needs to be adventurous and have full faith in you before attempting it, as there are some technical features that they will either need to be lifted across, or be able to tackle by themselves.
Grassi Lakes
With Views over Canmore, Kananaskis and the Bow Valley, plus a nice wide path to reach there, you can't beat Grassi Lakes for a hike with your dog.
This was the first hike we did when we got to the area, and it really made us fall in love. The lakes are a bright green colour and there is low effort with a big payoff.
Where to stay.
Copperstone Resort
Copperstone Resort offer 1 and 2 bedroom condos, each with a full kitchen, living room and either a private patio or Balcony.
The reason we're recommending them as a pet friendly stay is because of the doorstep trails which allow you to take your dog along the Bow River, to waterfalls and on longer hikes, without getting in your car.
The staff love dogs and give the dog a personalised local-made cookie on arrival.
+1 403.678.0303
