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Trail Running in Canmore, Banff and the Canadian Rockies

The Canmore–Banff–Lake Louise zone is one of the best places in North America to run trails. You've got everything from flat river paths on the valley floor to high-alpine ridge traverses with thousands of metres of vert and a lot of good stuff in between.

This guide covers our favourite routes organized by area, from easy half-days to serious big-mountain objectives. New to trail running here? Start with the South Side Canmore trails or the Nordic Centre; they're well-marked, well-traveled, and forgiving. Once you've got your legs under you, the whole Bow Valley opens up.

A few things to know before you head out: pacing is everything. Mountain trails are slow; budget two to three times longer than you would for the same distance on roads. Elevations here start around 1,300 m and many routes push well above 2,000 m, so even fit runners feel the altitude. And always check trail conditions before you go; snow can linger into July on anything above treeline.

Looking for guided options or want to develop your mountain running skills? Front Ranges runs guided trail running and fastpacking trips out of the Canadian Rockies, along with skills clinics for anyone looking to move more confidently in mountain terrain.


Canmore - South Side

 

Canmore - North Side

 

Dead Man's Flat, Exshaw and Lac Des Arcs

 

Kananaskis Country - Highway 40

 

Kananaskis - Smith Dorrien Trail

 

Banff to Castle Junction

 

Lake Louise to Field

 

Icefields Parkway - Highway 93 North

 

Highway 93 South

 

Classic Long Runs in the Rockies

    You can download the GPX files and open them in a GPS app or directly on your running watch. 

      Before You Go

      Pace expectations. Budget two to three times longer than you would for the same distance on roads. Rough terrain, elevation, and altitude all slow you down significantly.

      Bear safety. Bears are active throughout the corridor. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise, don't run with headphones at full volume, and consider running in groups on quieter trails. Bear Smart Alberta has good resources.

      Water and hydration. Bring water for anything over 60 to 75 minutes. Running vests let you carry a bladder or soft flasks along with your phone, food, and a layer. A pocket filter like a Katadyn BeFree is worth carrying on longer routes so you can refill from streams. Drink more than you think you need on hot days.

      Navigation and communication. Most areas around Canmore have cell coverage, but it gets patchy in the backcountry. Tell someone your plan and an estimated return time. For remote routes — anything in the Northover, O'Hara, or Rockwall zones — a satellite messenger like a Garmin inReach is strongly recommended.

      Layers and weather. Mountain weather moves fast. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and temperatures drop quickly on exposed ridges. Always carry a wind layer, and don't get caught above treeline in a lightning storm.

      Respecting the terrain. These trails pass through sensitive ecological areas. Stay on designated routes, respect trail closures (especially wildlife corridor closures in spring), and practice Leave No Trace principles.

      See you on the trails.

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