Views, hikes and all things nice! A cliché, we agree but a universal summer and fall motto for just about every Canadian. That’s probably why our love for the Rockies doubles up come warm weather season. And that’s precisely why we teamed up with The Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Co., nestled in the heart of Canmore, to give you this guide of the best hikes you ought to visit in this beautiful, Rocky-backdropped town!
Truth be told, there’s more reason why we teamed up with the brewery. In addition to great food, entertainment and good vibes, The Grizzly Paw lets you drink in the beauty of the Rockies, and we don’t mean this just figuratively.
Inspired by the views of their backyard, the brewery has a few interesting inclusions in their kitty like the Larch Valley Porter, the Grassi Lakes Hefeweizen and, from their newest The Summit beer series, the Three Sisters Pale Ale and Rundlestone Session Ale.
So pick your favourite trail and beer, lace up those shoes and thank us later!
Three Sisters Creek
If you are a fan of nature but not of difficult hikes, the Three Sisters Creek trail is the place to be. It’s a short 3.4 km trail marked by gorgeous forest views and pretty wildflowers and if you take a tiny little detour, even a picturesque waterfall. The trail is as good for mountain biking as it is for hiking.
The Grizzly Paw Pairing: Three Sisters Pale Ale, a delicious & fruity pale ale that’s risen from the clear waters of the Bow River.
Grassi Lakes Trail
The Grassi Lakes Trail is one of the most blissfully beautiful trails near Canmore and hence, the most frequented. There are two routes you can hike- a short, easy, kid-friendly one and another a relatively difficult one. Either way, you are sure to be mesmerized by the views of the mountains, Canmore, Bow Valley and the pristine turquoise waters.
The Grizzly Paw Pairing: Grassi Lakes Hefeweizen, with a hint of citrus, banana & clove.
East End of Rundle (EEOR) Hike
Alright hiking pros, this one’s for you. The EEOR is a short but, by far, the most challenging hike near Canmore with landscapes changing ever so often. It is also the most rewarding when it comes to dramatic views of the Ha Ling mountains, the Spray Valley Provincial Park, the Spray Lakes, the Goat Creek Valley and Canmore. The higher up you go the more spectacular everything in your vision gets.
The Grizzly Paw Pairing: Rundlestone Session Ale, easy & approachable with a bright citrusy flavour.
Larch Valley
Certainly not as challenging as EEOR, but the Larch Valley trail is not an easy one to hike. That detail, however, gets overshadowed almost always by views of the azure Moraine Lake and a never-ending bed of larch trees set against the mighty mountains. And, it’s yours to hike- any time of the year, not just when the larch leaves are changing!
The Grizzly Paw Pairing: Larch Valley Porter, chocolatey brown w/ a foamy mocha head.
Policeman’s Creek
For the sunset chasers out there! Beginning in downtown Canmore, and leading you along the creek, through forests, and past ponds, this boardwalk trail extends for about 4.2 km. We recommend bringing your furry friend (on a leash, of course) and heading for sunset to catch the gorgeous colours bouncing off of the surrounding Rockies.
The Grizzly Paw Pairing: Alpenglow, a rich malt-forward Belgian style ale with a dark complexion and a silky feel.
After your hike, don’t forget to stop by The Grizzly Paw patio for a craft beer, insane patio views, and some mouthwatering eats. Rock(y), beer, cheers!
