Trail Running in Canmore and the Bow Valley

 

Here are a few of our favourite running trails around Canmore and in the Bow Valley.

Around Canmore

• Horseshoe Loop + G8 Loop + G9 Loop
• Montane Traverse
• Highline Trail -Loki Trail 
• Canmore Nordic Centre - "Get In to Green Orchid" Loop
• Canmore Nordic Centre - "EKG" Loop
• "Goats of Grotto" Loop

Kananaskis

• Quaite Valley - Prairievew - Jewell Pass Loop
• Galatea Creek to Ribbon Creek Traverse

Bragg Creek Area

• Boundary - Strange Brew - Ranger Summit Loop

Long Runs in the Rockies

• Iceline Trail
• Rockwall Trail
• Banff to Assiniboine to Mt. Shark
• Skyline Trail
• Northover Ridge

You can download the KML files and open them in a GPS app like Gaia GPS or Google Earth to track your route and stay on course.
 

• Plan that it will take you longer than the same distance on roads or somewhere where the trails are flatter
• Bear Spray: people do  encounter bears on trails from time to time. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is a habit you should have if you are going to run in the mountains. Being loud, avoiding using headphones and running in groups is also a great way of reduce wildlife encounters.

• Water/hydration: From bladders and soft flasks to pocket filters (like a Katadyn BeFree), you will want to bring water on runs longer than 45 to 60 minutes. Light running vests like Nathan or Ultimate Direction allow you to carry you phone, water, some food and extra clothes. Be aware that you will need more water if you run in the sun on a very hot Summer day. 
• 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 respect trail closures.

See you on the trails.