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Trail Running in Canmore and the Bow Valley

Here are a few of our staff favourites for the local trails around Canmore.

You can download the KML files and open them in a GPS app such as Gaia or Google Earth. These will help you track your route and make sure that you’re on course.

There are a few things to think about before you get out there that might be different from running on roads or running in other places.

Suggestions for items to bring and things to think through:

  • Plan that it will take you longer than the same distance on roads or somewhere where the trails are flatter
  • Bear Spray; people do still encounter bears on trails from time to time and having bear spray and knowing how to use it can mean a safe outcome 96% of the time than without it.

  • Water/hydration - from soft flasks where you can filter your own in streams (Katadyne) to hand carry 500 ml flasks. You’ll need to hydrate. Light running backpacks like Nathan or Ultimate Direction allow you to carry you phone, water and some food.
  • Phone. Most areas around Canmore get cell reception and telling someone where you’re running and some sort of ETA for return times can make sure someone is looking for you if something goes wrong.
  • Space Blanket - no just kidding. You could bring one but it seems excessive.
  • Respecting the trails - the trails run through sensitive ecological areas. Please stay on the marked trails and beware of trail closures.
  • Water/hydration - from soft flasks where you can filter your own in streams (Katadyn) to hand carry 500 ml flasks. You’ll need to hydrate. Light running backpacks like Nathan or Ultimate Direction or running belts allow you to carry you phone, water and some food.
  • Phone. Most areas around Canmore get cell reception and telling someone where you’re running and some sort of ETA for return times can make sure someone is looking for you if something goes wrong. 
  • Respecting the trails - the trails run through sensitive ecological areas. Please stay on the marked trails and beware of trail closures.

There is a lot of carry over switching from road running to trail running plus the views are a lot better. You can pop into the store and ask some advice or look for running partners on our facebook page.

See you on the trails.