Canmore Pathways: All Around Town

This in-town walk along the Canmore Pathways system offers lots of variety and enjoyment. Along the way, there’s parks, green spaces, mountain views, riverside fun, a boardwalk to play on and lots of nature. For those big into history, parts of an old railway line, now incorporated into the trail, are part of the adventure and includes the much photographed “Engine Bridge”.

What you won’t see much of is Canmore itself and mostly the town is hidden by trees. Other than the backyards of homes lining the pathway, or other occasional glimpses, it’s often not even in sight. It feels far removed from anything urban and a cool illusion.

This trek begins at Riverside Park off River Avenue and just a little west-ish of downtown. This part of Canmore can be chaotic, especially during tourist season, but as the most direct way to get to Riverside Park will require that sacrifice. It can be crowded and busy, notably so on a summer weekend, but still, it’s not Banff bad.

Head towards the river and intercept the pathway. Already there’s views and take in Mount Lawrence Grassi, Ha Ling Peak and East End of Rundle. A little further back and to the east The Three Sisters are seen. There’s the mighty Bow and its emerald coloured waters. It’s all gorgeous and overwhelming (in a good way).

Turn left and in a short distance use the pedestrian bridge to get to the other side. Once on the other side, turn right and follow the pathway along a berm.

Come to the TransAlta Rundle Powerplant and it’s fed by water coming from high up above town. At this point you’re along the old spur into the various Canmore Mines. It was coal that once drove the local economy, where as today, it’s tourism and outdoor activities. Many houses on this side of the river, a bit downstream, sit atop the old workings but most evidence of these operations are gone.

A railway bridge takes one onto an island and soon after a second much larger structure crosses the main channel of the Bow. This is Canmore’s “Engine Bridge”, a popular spot and the subject of a bazillion photographs. It’s historic, unique as railway bridges go, and more so that incredible backdrop of mountain scenery means it attracts a lot of folks. As such it’s popular for wedding or family or group photography.

It’s of a rare truss design, older than any railway bridge we know of, and to learn more go here: Canmore “Engine” Bridge.

On exiting turn left at the three way junction and parallel the river. The route straight ahead, built atop of the old railway line, will be used on the return leg. The main channel of the Bow and the pathway parts ways and for the next while stroll in the trees in behind houses.

The Canmore Pathways route used today is a mix of gravel and paved surfaces. On our visit, early in April, packed ice was encountered in shaded areas and we had to don traction devices. If it’s winter, bring spikes even if they may not be needed for all sections.

The path comes to a golf course and at a junction take the main trail right. Continue on behind more homes, beside the links and in back of a school. The way is always obvious. That river backwater channel to the right is often dry over winter but with the spring melt later fills up. You’ll parallel it for a while.

Cross 17th Avenue and continue on the same heading on the Canmore Pathways, alongside what most maps call Policeman’s Creek. At a junction continue straight but make note that (paved) trail heading right which will be used a little later.

In quick succession cross 10th and then 8th Street. There’s some restaurants nearby and the smell of grilled meats near drove us crazy. Resist the urge to seek them out! Watch for the Big Head here and there’s an uncanny resemblance between it and one member of Team BIGDoer. Won’t say who.

Now comes the boardwalk. It’s follows alongside a channel which most of the time is filled with water but on our visit, dry as a bone. It’s the calm before the spring melt. This section is particularly enjoyable and the scenery, as always, is amazing. Perhaps more so than any other section of the trail. The mountains are majestic any time of year, but even more stunning when snow-capped as they were on out visit.

On Spring Creek Drive, cross over Policeman’s Creek and double back on the far side. Chalet style condos back onto the trail and some benches along here make a nice picnic spot. Thanks to the Easter Bunny for helping with lunch – left overs from our grandkid’s egg hunt a few days earlier.

We can see why people choose to live here in this mountain community, even if the costs are high. All the scenery you could ever ask for and the Canmore Pathways system is extensive and wonderful.

Back on the road, come to a pedestrian bridge, cross back to the other side of the waterway, turn left and in no time, you’re back on the boardwalk. Continue on the same path used earlier – at the big head you can head left into downtown if you’re looking for some action. Lots of shops and eateries there.

At the paved pathway turn left. The trail here is atop a built up berm and it’s clear this was an old railway line. Cross a couple roads – these houses were not here when the railway line was use, that’s for sure. Incidentally, the coal moved out along this spur from the 1895-1979. Then: a gritty coal town in every sense but with some amazing scenery. Now: a tourist mecca with no less a view.

At the Engine Bridge turn left. Just before make note of a railway telltale and it’s a warning device for train workers riding atop rail cars that there’s low clearances ahead. So the bridge and little chains dangling down would hit anyone standing up that high. Back in the old days, it was common practice to ride atop cars to set the brakes.

In no time you’ll be back at Riverside Park and your car. We decide the scenery is too good to say goodbye too, yet, and we find a bench so we can take it in more. Peer out over the river towards all those majestic peaks and be in awe. We sit there for a good twenty minutes, saying little and lost in our own thoughts.

We’re so lucky to have such a wonderful playground in close proximity to home. Kananaskis and the Bow Valley are for outdoor enthusiasts a little slice of heaven and that’s proven this day. Had a blast!

Know more: (new window): Canmore Pathways.

They’re saying…

”These two are amazing!! I love following their adventures and the photography is…jaw dropping. Enjoy your working vacation, Chris & Connie!!… Dayna Kent. (this job really is like a vacation).

More info about the Canmore “Engine” Bridge.

More in-town hikes…
Lethbridge Pathways: Under the Viaduct.
Didsbury Alberta Town Loop.
Mirror Lake & Stoney Creek Loops Camrose.
Urban Trek: 17th Ave SE.

If you wish more information about this Rainy Summit Ridge or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!

Date of adventure: April, 2024.
Location: Canmore, Alberta.
Distance: 10km.
Height gain maximum: negligible.
Height gain cumulative: see above.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own).

This Canmore Pathways adventure begins at Riverside Park.

Crossing over the Bow.

Downtown Canmore is just behind those trees on the right – honest.

Along the former railway line into the old coal mines.

Canmore’s well known Engine Bridge.

Beautiful views in every direction.

The old bridge plus Mount Grassi & Ha Ling Peak (right bump).

Looping around the edge of town.

When the river’s higher this backwater will be full.

Walking is the perfect therapy.

An odd number of burls.

Along Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk.

Condos with a view.

The Easter Bunny helped with lunch.

Along Policeman’s Creek.

You can see why people move here.

Canmore is often hidden from view.

Simply stunning.

At the Big Head.

The resemblance is uncanny.

Along the former railway line again.

Take a stick, leave a stick.

A telltale overhead – read the post to know more.

One last look before we go.

Canmore Pathways: here, there and everywhere.