Quarry Lake is a much beloved recreation area, for the jaw-dropping mountain views reflected in the waters of this small lake and the number of activities you can enjoy at this location.  Formerly an open pit mine, Quarry Lake is a highly successful reclamation story, the details of which I am happy to share with you on the tour.  The NEW Active by Nature Quarry Lake walking or Nordic walking tour is a delightful 2 hour experience in all four seasons.   From Riverside Park in downtown Canmore, we will head across the Bow River and walk through West Canmore Park, through a residential area, along the Canmore Creek Trail, beside the cascading creek, climb a short staircase and complete a super scenic lap of Quarry Lake with views of the Three Sisters, Lawrence Grassi/Ehagay Nakoda, Ha Ling and the Rundle Range.  We will stop at one of the picnic tables or lakeside benches for a brief break then return via the same route. There is an approximate elevation gain of 100 metres.

The Quarry Lake tour can be booked on-line for the following times: Tues., Wed., Thurs., Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. A custom time can be arranged for groups of four or more.  Quarry Lake is a wonderful destination for sunrise, sunset, a new moon or full moon or when there is a chance the Aurora will put on a show. At dawn or dusk, there is a higher probability of seeing deer, elk, coyotes and occasionally other wildlife such as bears.

During the summer, Quarry Lake is a busy place with people simply coming to relax and soak in the views.  You will see people picnicking, paddling, swimming or floating on a variety of objects.  Toddlers play on the small sandy beach while teens hang out at the other end of the lake, often choosing to run and jump in from a small cliff.  You will also see people fishing, reading, walking and biking and even getting married!   It is much quieter in the fall, winter and spring.  But I think it is always beautiful, whatever the season and even on cloudy and rainy days.

This activity can be booked as a guided walking tour, or if you wish, a Nordic walking tour, with poles included and a few minutes devoted to instruction. 

I am excited to introduce this new tour to the Active by Nature schedule. I live in the neighbourhood of Quarry Lake and visit it often.  It is very dear to me!  Now I am ready to share this very special place with visitors, making it the destination of a walk from Canmore’s downtown district with many interesting viewpoints along the way.