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Spring, Summer, Fall Experiences

Winter Experiences

45.00

Location

Parking

Restrooms

The purpose of the introductory 90 min. Quick-Start session, offered year round, is for you to learn correct Nordic Walking technique. A popular misconception is that Nordic Walking is simply walking with poles. Nothing could be farther from reality! There is a specific technique to be learned in order to perfect the plant, push, propel actions that turn a walk into a turbo-charged aerobic activity. Learn more here & be sure to watch the 1 minute video.

This session is suitable for adults of all ages and abilities. Minimum age is 12. The walks will take place in scenic locales near the town centre, with minimal elevation change. But the scenery will be outstanding so be sure to bring your camera for a photo stop or two! By the time you are finished, you'll have all the information you need to use your poles on your own, with friends, or on more adventurous outings with other Adventure Hub partners. Plus, you will have had a comprehensive orientation to Canmore and all it has to offer.

Nordic Walking poles provided.

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59.00

Location

Parking

Restrooms

Active by Nature offers 2 & 3 hour Nordic walks, exploring scenic areas of Canmore. There will be ample time to admire and appreciate the stunning surroundings, snap a photo or two, learn about Canmore and all it has to offer and enjoy conversation with participants. 

There will be a quick review of Nordic walking technique but the focus of these sessions will be having a great total body workout while maintaining a steady walking pace.

The Three Sisters Pathway tour is about three hours in length and involves a one-way walk (2 hours/6-7 km) along this scenic trail, a quick stop at the Market Bistro in Three Sisters Mountain Village and a ride back to downtown via ROAM public transit.  CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE AS THE TRAIL IS UNDERGOING UPGRADES. 

Another option is the Quarry Lake Tour.  This is a delightful 2 hour walk from downtown Canmore, through West Canmore Park, through a residential area, along Canmore Creek and then a super scenic lap of Quarry Lake with views of the Three Sisters, Lawrence Grassi/Ehagay Nakoda, Ha Ling and the Rundle Range.  Return via the same route.  There is an approximate elevation gain of 100 metres. Fabulous any time of year!

A 3 hour option is available that includes the Canmore Engine Bridge, the scenic overlook of Canmore, the Nordic Centre and Quarry Lake. 

Nordic Walking poles provided.

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A walking tour is an ideal way to begin your visit to Canmore. Learn about the town's past, present & future. Discover all there is to experience in this friendly mountain town. Learn where the locals go to enjoy the mountains. Become familiar with how to best get around. Enjoy visiting some scenic photo stops.

Choose from a 1.5 hr loop tour starting from the Malcolm Hotel which visits the Bow River or a 2.5 -3 hour one way walk along the Three Sisters Pathway that finishes at the Three Sisters Market Bistro & a ROAM public transit ride back to your starting point. 

Another option is the Quarry Lake Tour.  This is a delightful 2 hour walk from downtown Canmore, through West Canmore Park, through a residential area, along Canmore Creek and then a super scenic lap of Quarry Lake with views of the Three Sisters, Lawrence Grassi/Ehagay Nakoda, Ha Ling and the Rundle Range.  Return via the same route.  There is an approximate elevation gain of 100 metres.

All of these walks are fabulous any time of year! 

1.5 Hour Walking Tour

$45.00

1.5 Hour walking tours start from the main lobby of the Malcolm Hotel. On road parking is available nearby. Washrooms are available in the hotel lobby.

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Three Sisters Pathway Walking Tour

$69.99

This 3 hour tour starts from the parking lot for the public boat launch on the Bow River. Washrooms are not available at this location.

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My Services

Where to meet:

These hikes require guests to self-drive to various trailheads. Details are provided upon receiving a booking request.

Parking:

These hikes require having or purchasing a daily or annual Kananaskis Conservation Pass from Alberta Parks. The per day cost is $15 per car. Purchase your pass here: Alberta Parks Kananaskis Pass

Restrooms:

Pit toilets are available at the trailheads for all the hikes listed below.

Kananaskis Country is 4,000 sq kilometres of sprawling wilderness bordering Banff National Park and Canmore. This unspoiled, untamed landscape is equally as spectacular as neighbouring Banff, with a fraction of the visitors. You could spend a lifetime exploring the magnificent hiking trails it encompasses!

For the summer and fall of 2023 Active by Nature will provide guided hikes on the trails listed below for small groups of up to 6 people. To request a hike, Click Here

The advantages of a going on a hike with a certified guide include:

  • you will learn fascinating information about your surroundings as well as have a local's insight into the top things to see and do while you are visiting the area
  • your guide is trained in wilderness first aid & carries first aid supplies
  • your guide is trained in avoiding conflict with wildlife and carries bear spray
  • you can be confident and relaxed knowing your guide is very familiar with the trail

Parking at the trailheads for the hikes below will require a daily or annual Kananaskis Pass

The hikes listed below have been arranged in order of difficulty, from easiest to more difficult.  To further determine if an Active by Nature hike is perfect for you, and how to pick the appropriate hike, click on the button below:

Grassi Lakes

Enjoy a lovely 2 hour, 4 km round-trip walk to the picturesque Grassi Lakes in Canmore while practising Nordic walking. Poles are provided for the hike (sanitized before each use) or purchase your own poles with a 20% discount. Easy terrain with a gradual climb of 125 metres. For ages 12 & over.

Availability: Mondays to Fridays with a start time between 8:00 am and 10:00 am to avoid busy times.

Cost: $119.98 for 1 or 2 people; $59.99 per person for 3-6 people

Troll Falls

This is an easy hike on gentle terrain that takes you first to Lower Troll Falls. After viewing this waterfall, we will also trek up the new and improved trail (quite a bit steeper) to Upper Troll Falls, seeing other waterfalls along the way, including one you can walk behind.  Distance 5 - 6 km.  Nordic walking poles are included in the price of this adventure. For ages 12 & over. Time: 2.0 hours.

Availability: Monday to Sunday year-round with a start time between 8:30 am and 9:30 am to avoid busy times.

Cost: $139.98 for 1 or 2 people; $69.99 per person for 3-6 people.

  • Many Springs hike in Bow Valley Provincial Park
Many Springs, Middle Lake & Elk Flats in Bow Valley Provincial Park

This is an easy hike on gentle terrain, perfect for spring hiking in May & June before the mountain hikes are available. Bow Valley Provncial Park is a much overlooked gem at the mouth of the Bow Valley.  The scenery and opportunity of viewing wildlife are good.  In the spring, the wildflowers are spectacular and bloom weeks ahead of the show in the alpine meadows.   Nordic walking poles are included in the price of this adventure. For ages 12 & over.  There are two options for this hike. The short version is a hike around Many Springs & a drive to the Middle Lake trailhead to hike it.  Total distance is 3.5 Total time: approximately 1.5 hours. The longer version is to hike around both and hike the Elk Flats trail which connects the two. Total distance is 7.5 km. total time:  approximately 3 hours.

Availability: Monday to Sunday in May & June  with a start time between 8:30 am and 10:00 am to avoid busy times.

Cost: Short version: $99.98 for 1 or 2 people; $49.99 per person for 3-6 people.

Long version: $139.98 for 1 or 2 people; $69.99 per person for 3-6 people.

Watridge Lake & Karst Springs

This is an easy hike on gentle terrain that takes you to pretty Watridge Lake after a hike of about 3.7 km. From here, the trail steepens for a further kilometer following a scenic cascading creek to where this creek gushes out of the side of Mt. Shark with great force.  Total length of the hike: aproximately 10 km.   Nordic walking poles are included in the price of this adventure. For ages 12 & over. Time: 3 - 4 hours.

Cost: $199.98 for 1 or 2 people; $99.99 per person for 3-6 people

Rawson Lake (Photo credit: hikebiketravel.com)

Visiting a big lake, a small lake, a waterfall, alpine meadows and soaring mountain views, this hike packs it all into an 8km hike with 300 metres of elevation gain (a long, slow, steady climb), which we will spend 3 - 4 hours to complete. This hike starts from the beautiful day use area in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park where you may want to linger after your hike is over.   Nordic walking poles are provided for the hike (sanitized before each use) or purchase your own with a 20% discount. For ages 12 and over.

Availability: Monday to Friday with a start time before 9:30 am in July, August and September. 

Cost: $199.98 for 1 or 2 people; $99.99 per person for 3-6 people

Chester Lake

A guided hike of about 4 hours to a jewel of Kananaskis Country! Surrounded by towering peaks, the hike to Chester Lake is 11 km with over 300 m of elevation gain. Poles are provided for the hike (sanitized before each use) or purchase your own poles with a 20% discount.  For ages 12 & over.

Availability: Monday to Friday with start time between 8:30 am and 9:30 am to avoid busy times.  Not available in the spring (usually May & June) as the trail is too wet and closed by Alberta Parks to avoid damage.

Cost: $199.98 for 1 or 2 people; $99.99 per person for 3-6 people

The Ha Ling Half

This guided hike leads you half way up the well-defined designated hiking trail that finishes at the "saddle" of Ha Ling. The trail climbs steadily but easily, with no flat sections.  The Ha Ling half finishes at a fabulous view point overlooking the Bow and Spray valleys, with lovely views along the way. The hike will take approximately 3 - 3.5 hours.  Nordic walking poles are provided for the hike (sanitized before each use)  or purchase your own with a 20% discount. For ages 12 and over.

Availability: Monday to Friday with a start time before 9:30 am to avoid busy times.

Cost: $139.98 for 1 or 2 people; $69.99 per person for 3-6 people

 Mountain Vistas

This hiking trail meanders through a forest alongside a mountain stream before ascending steadily up a forest road which brings you out into a stunning alpine meadow with spectacular views.  The turn around point is an impressive lookout. This hike will take approximately 5.5 hours.  The trail is 11 km long, with 400 metres of elevation gain. Nordic walking poles are provided for the hike (sanitized before each use) or purchase your own with a 20% discount. For ages 12 and over.

Availability: Monday to Sunday between June 16 & Nov 30 with a start time between 8:30 am & 10:30 am to avoid busy times.

Cost: $199.98 for 1 or 2 people; $99.99 per person for 3-6 people

HA LING TRAIL TO THE SADDLE

This 4 to 5 hour hike will take you to the end of the established hiking trail at saddle below Ha Ling Peak. Please note this hike does not include the final 400 m on an unmaintained trail which traverses loose, rocky terrain to the summit of Ha Ling. However, jaw-dropping views are to be had at the saddle! This is a strenuous hike of 7 km with approximately 800 m of elevation gain. Nordic walking poles are provided for the hike (sanitized before each use) or purchase your own with a 20% discount. For ages 12 and over.

Availability: Monday to Friday with a start time between 8:00 am & 9:00 am to avoid busy times.

Cost: $199.98 for 1 or 2 people; $99.99 per person for 3-6 people

Burstall Pass

This is an out-and-back hike totalling 15 km with 470 metres of elevation gain.  We will allow a full day to complete this iconic Rocky Mountain hike.  It starts off on a logging road through forest, bypassing the Burstall Lakes. Next up is a marshy section of gravel flats, where we will switch out of hiking boots into water shoes or sandals to cross the many braided channels of water, surrounded by towering peaks.  The trail steepens and becomes forested again.  Soon the trail emerges into a stunning alpine meadow with an impressive wildflower collection at the right time of the year.  In fall, the larches put on their display.  Next, we negotiate the steepest section of trail as it ascends to the pass, from which the views of Banff National Park and off in the distance, Mt. Assinobine, will take your breath way!  After spending some time at the pass to admire in the scenery, the return trip will begin.   Poles are provided for the hike (sanitized before each use) or purchase your own poles with a 20% discount.  For ages 12 & over.

Availability: Monday to Friday in July, Aug & Sept with start time between 8:30 am and 9:30 am to avoid busy times.

Cost: $239.98 for 1 or 2 people; $119.99 per person for 3-6 people

Buller Pass 

The trailhead for this hike is 5 minutes from Mt. Engadine Lodge.  At 14 km in distance and an elevation gain of 670 metres, this is good moderate hike that will take us a full day to complete.  The rewards are well worth the effort to get to the stunning views from the pass.  Look one way and you an see Mt. Assiniboine, the highest peak in the southern continental ranges of the Rockies.  Look the other way and you can see Ribbon Lake, where you can back country camp and Guinn's Pass, another stunning hike from Highway 40. Nordic walking poles are provided for the hike (sanitized before each use) or purchase your own with a 20% discount. For ages 12 and over.

Availability: Monday to Friday with a start time before 9:30 am in July, August and September. 

Cost: $239.98 for 1 or 2 people; $119.99 per person for 3-6 people

Guests must provide their own transportation to the trailhead for these hikes.

What to wear & bring (Spring, Summer, Fall):

  1. Wear comfy casual clothes.
  2. Bring a warm extra layer & rain jacket, just in case.
  3. Running shoes are fine while light trail or hiking shoes provide even more support and are ideal.
  4. Please no flip-flops or sandals.
  5. Leave purses at home. A small backpack is a great bring-along.
  6. Don't forget your water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent and your camera.

What to wear & bring (Winter):

  1. Wear a long sleeve t-shirt/thermal underwear top plus 1 or 2 layers (i.e.: light fleece top, heavier fleece top) & a wind/waterproof shell. Heavy winter parkas and snow pants are usually too warm.
  2. Wear winter boots or lined hiking boots. Icers, which go over your footwear to prevent slipping, are provided when necessary.
  3. Leave purses at home. A small backpack is a great bring-along.
  4. Bring water, gloves/mitts, a hat/headband, scarf/buff/neck warmer, tissues/handkerchief, sunglasses and don't forget your camera!

Reserve OnLine:

It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Simply click the "Book Now" button, select your preferred date to check availability, fill in your personal details and then make a secure payment via credit card. The system will automatically send you a confirmation of your session with the relevant details.

Liability Waiver:

Liability waivers are a necessary part of any commercial activity experience. I recommend that you take the time now to review this legal document that you will be required to sign before we start our clinic or walk together:

View the Waiver

Your Health & Physical Activity Readiness:

We ask guests who are experiencing cold symptoms and symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home and practice self-isolation under the direction of the appropriate governing body. For almost everyone, the benefits of physical activity far outweigh any risks. For some individuals, special advice from a Qualified Exercise or health care provider is advisable before becoming more active. This questionnaire is intended for all ages – to help move you along the path to becoming more physically active.

Please review this Questionnaire if you have concerns about your health or fitness level for participating in Nordic walking.

Cancellation Policy:

Full refunds are given if a cancellation is received 24 hours or more prior to the clinic or tour date. No refunds are given with less than 24 hours notice. Clinics/tours go rain or shine. If the weather is extreme, then it may be cancelled with a full refund given.

Malcolm Hotel

Canmore Public Parking

Parking:

Parking is available on-street or in public lots throughout Canmore. It is a good idea to arrive early on busy days to locate suitable parking.

Malcolm Hotel - Onsite

Restrooms:

Restrooms are available at the Malcolm hotel in the lobby.

Canmore Public Restrooms

Restrooms:

Public restrooms are available within a short walk:

Canmore Public Restrooms - Trailheads

Restrooms:

Public pit toilets are available at all trailheads.

Canmore Various

Where to meet:

Starting locations will vary seasonally with instructions included in your booking confirmation.

Parking:

Parking options will vary by location with details included in your booking confirmation.

Tour Canmore

Various Canmore Trailheads

Canmore Walking Tour 1.5 Hour

Canmore Walking Tour 3 Sisters

Hikes Cognito Form

Winter Hikes Cognito Form

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