Explore Canmore Like a Local: Top Tours You Can’t Miss
Beyond the Views: Unique Guided Tours to Try in the Canadian Rockies
We’re excited to share some of the most popular tours and activities during your stay! From horseback riding to canyoning, rafting, wildlife viewing, sunrise trips to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, and cave adventures — there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Please note that we don’t handle bookings for these tours directly (at the moment anyways, we have big things in the works at Hydeaway Stay). Guests are asked to contact the tour providers themselves for reservations, as well as to browse their websites for the most up-to-date information on schedules, pricing, and availability.
Horseback Riding in the Rockies 
Experience the Bow Valley from a whole new perspective on horseback. Guided trail rides take you through forested paths, open meadows, and along the sparkling Bow River with stunning mountain backdrops. Whether you’re a first-time rider or an experienced cowboy/cowgirl at heart, local outfitters provide calm, well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides who share stories of the land. A perfect way to slow down and immerse yourself in the western spirit of the Rockies.
Banff Trail Riders – Offers scenic trail rides along the Bow River and past the historic Cave & Basin area with all gear and guides provided.
Canmore River Adventures – A package combining a float and horseback ride, great for a mixed experience in one booking.
Cowley’s Rafter Six Ranch – This family-run ranch has been offering intimate, personalized trail rides since 1976. They have a wide range of options—everything from pony rides and easy strolls to full-day adventures and sunset supper rides.
Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise Tour
Moraine Lake is world-famous for its turquoise waters framed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks — and at sunrise, it’s pure magic. Some sunrise tours also include a stop at nearby Lake Louise, another iconic alpine lake where you can enjoy the soft morning light reflecting off the Victoria Glacier. These tours provide early transport (since personal vehicle access to Moraine Lake is no longer permitted), hot drinks, and expert local guides, so you can simply relax and enjoy two of the Rockies’ most breathtaking locations in one unforgettable outing.
Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle – Small-group boutique tours to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with blankets, hot beverages, and hotel pickups.
Tour Moraine Lake – access to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise with local guides.
Whitewater Rafting
The Bow Valley and nearby Kananaskis River are home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the Canadian Rockies. Choose from gentle family-friendly floats or high-energy rapids that will get your heart pumping. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of jagged peaks, dense forests, and occasional wildlife sightings. Guides provide all gear, safety instructions, and plenty of fun — making rafting an unforgettable summer highlight.
Canadian Rockies Rafting – Offers a range of whitewater rafting and float tours near Canmore with strong safety practices, experienced guides, and over 25 years of experience.
Canmore Raft Tours – Offers relaxing, scenic float trips on the Bow River—perfect for families and those looking for a mellow river experience.
Wildlife Tours
The Bow Valley is home to an incredible range of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, black bears, and even the occasional grizzly. Guided wildlife tours help maximize your chances of safe, respectful sightings while also teaching you about animal behavior, habitats, and conservation in the Rockies.
Discover Banff Tours – Banff Wildlife Tours – Offers a variety of engaging wildlife experiences ranging from evening safaris to grizzly-focused excursions. Tours like the Evening Wildlife Safari, Discover Grizzly Bears, and Discover Banff & Its Wildlife combine wildlife spotting with interpretive storytelling through striking landscapes.
Cave Tours at Rat’s Nest Cave
Step underground and discover a hidden world beneath Grotto Mountain. Rat’s Nest Cave is one of Canada’s longest caves and is accessible only with a certified guide. On this adventure you’ll crawl, climb, and rappel through natural chambers filled with ancient rock formations, fossils, and incredible geology. With no artificial lights or boardwalks, the experience is truly authentic — a rare chance to explore the Rockies from the inside out.
Canmore Cave Tours – The go-to operator for exploring Rat’s Nest Cave, offering both standard and adventure-level tours (including rappelling 18 m and squeezing through challenging passages