Welcome to the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park (CNCPP). Developed in 1986 to host the 1988 Calgary Olympic Winter Games, the CNCPP is one of the few remaining operational Olympic Nordic skiing venues in the world. Enjoy the extensive recreational ski and mountain biking trails with spectacular views of Canmore, the Bow Valley and Mount Rundle.  

Scroll through the important information below and do not hesitate to contact our visitor experience staff with any questions you may have. 

Thank you for your cooperation and happy trails!

Trail Reports

Always check our trail report or call the Visitor Experience Desk at 403-678-2400 before your visit to get the latest updates on trail conditions.

Trail Report 

Mountain Biking Trails and Bike Skills Park

In summer, the Canmore Nordic Centre is a mountain biking mecca with some of the best mountain biking on this side of the Canadian Rockies. Over 100km of trails include wide double track for leisurely rides to scenic lookouts, narrower cross-country ski trails for more challenge on rolling terrain and single track trails ranking from green to black. 

Our Mountain Bike Skills Park was refurbished in 2016 and now offers fun and challenging jumps and berms lines for beginner and advanced riders alike. 

Our mountain biking trails are supported by local trail associations (Friends of Kananaskis, CAMBA, Canmore Trail Alliance), consider a membership or donations if you ride the trails often. Even better, stop by the front desk and ask a staff member about volunteer trail events. Volunteers are currently helping building the new Iliad trail, adding 2.5km of technical blue/black single track to our trail network.

Maps are available at the front desk, or online:

Summer Trail Map Trail Forks FatMap

Trail Running and Hiking  

Our on-site trails are suitable for training runs of any distances and intensity with varied terrain. The most popular hiking trails in the park are the Georgetown Interpretive and the Grassi Lakes Trail (located 5min further up the road from the Canmore Nordic Centre).

Grassi Lakes Trail Grassi Lakes Map Summer Trail Map

Orienteering

Visit Trail Sports at the Canmore Nordic Centre to purchase an orienteering map, which includes an information sheet to get you started. Then head out to find the checkpoints (called "controls" in orienteering) at various locations in the area. Different maps represent different levels of orienteering experience. Choose the course level that best suits you, orient yourself on the course map, and begin this unique navigation adventure!

Info Sheet (PDF) TrailSports Orienteering

Roller Ski Loop and Biathlon Range 

6.5km of paved trail allow for sport-specific training of our local and visiting Nordic athletes. Please make sure to read the roller ski loop guidelines. We do not recommend use of the paved loop for hiking or walking due to the high risk of high speed collision (roller skis do not have brakes). Roller skiers always have right of way over any other users.

Daylodge TrailSports Biathlon

Disc Golf Course 

The Nordic Centre 18-hole summer disc golf course is known for its beautiful setting and challenging nature. Pick up a course map / score card at the Daylodge or TrailSports. The Disc Golf Course is free to use. Pets must be kept on leash at all times.

Daylodge TrailSports Disc Golf 

Recreating in Bear Country

In the summer months, there are many wildlife sightings at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Bears, wolves, coyotes, cougars, deer elk and pine martens are of few of the animals that may be seen on the trails.

Please respect the rules below at all times to avoid encounters that could lead to personal injuries or destruction of wildlife. Help us keep our wildlife WILD. Don’t feed or disturb wildlife.

Avoid a Bear Encounter 

• Pets MUST be kept on leash no longer than 2 meters, at all times.
• Always pickup after your pet.
• Do not litter, garbage and food waste attracts wildlife. Leave no trace and always pack out what you packed in.
• NEVER feed wildlife. A fed bear is a dead bear.
• Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Make plenty of noise. Use your voice! Music or bear bells are not efficient.
• Be aware of your surroundings, do not ride, run or hike with ear phones.
• Keep your distance, do not approach or entice wildlife.
• Keep children close to you.
• Never leave food attractants out for wildlife, unattended picnic sites may result in a fine and/or an eviction.
• Please report all wildlife to the front desk or to the Kananaskis Emergency Services at 403-591-7755.
• Please respect all posted notices and/or closures.

If You Encounter a Bear:

• Stay calm, if a bear rears on its hind legs, it is trying to identify you.
• Remain still and talk to the bear calmly so that it knows you are human and not a prey animal.
• Bears may also bluff charge: run toward you and turn away at the last moment. Remain calm and have your bear spray ready.
• Pick up small children, stay in a group.
• Back away slowly, do NOT run.
• Leave the area. If this is impossible, wait until the bear leaves. Keep talking calmly and make sure it has an escape route.

WildSmart is a proactive conservation program that encourages efforts by Bow Valley communities to reduce negative human-wildlife interactions. Visit their website for programs, resources, bear reports and more. 

WildSmart

For more information on wildlife safety please visit the Administration desk located inside of the Daylodge.

Rentals and Lessons 

All rentals and lessons are organized through our onsite partner TrailSports. Pre-book your lessons and rental gear online by clicking on the link below.

Rental and Lessons 

Volunteer Programs 

Two long term partners of Alberta Parks and the Canmore Nordic Centre, Friends of Kananaskis and Canmore Trail Alliance develop program and activity to protect the ecosystems within Kananaskis Country through trail care and volunteer programs. 

FOK also develops program aimed at educating people through environmental education programs, engage communities and individuals of Kananaskis Country and support sustainable use initiatives in partnerships with the Kananaskis Region/Alberta Forestry and Parks. 

Visit Friends of Kananaskis and sign up for volunteer events. 

Volunteering through our different partners (WildSmart, Friends of Kananaskis, Canmore Trail Alliance), offers reward in the form of discounted Canmore Nordic Centre individual season passes. If you reach 20hrs of volunteer work, you will obtain a 50% discount on your individual season pass. Reach 40hrs of volunteer work for a free CNC individual season pass. 

WildSmart Friends of Kananaskis Canmore Trail Alliance 

General Safety

First Aid 

In the event of a first aid emergency, please call 911, Kananaskis Dispatch at 403-591-7755 or the Visitor Experience Desk 403-678-2400. Please report any incidents to a staff member. Please limit the exposure of first responders to COVID 19 by wearing a mask or a face covering whenever possible.

Know Before You Go!  

• Plan ahead. Check for advisories at albertaparks.ca and the weather forecast.
• Research your route. Look up your route and read recent trip report. Carry route finding equipment such as maps, guidebooks or a GPS track of the route.
• Pack appropriately. The weather can change quickly. Bring proper footwear, extra layers of clothing, a headlamp, adequate food and water and a first aid kit.
• Build your skills. Start with easy objectives and work your way up more difficult ones. Understand the difference between a scramble and a hike and know your limits. This applies to mountain biking too.
• Emergency Communications. While we have cell service at the Nordic Centre, cell service is limited in nearby popular destinations. Carry a safety communication device such as a Spot or Garmin InReach and know how to use it.
• Leave an itinerary with a trusted friend or family member.
• Be Bear Smart. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Have a back up plan. Visit early in the day so you can head somewhere else if the parking lot is full. Parking is permitted in designated areas only. Do not park where you could block emergency vehicles.
• Leave No Trace. Do not pick up or collect wildflowers or any other vegetation. Do not litter, this includes cigarette butts, seed shells and tissues. Pack out everything that you pack in.
• Share the trail and respect other users.
• Stay on the trail. Avoid trail braiding.

Canada’s Adventure Smart website has excellent trip planning resources. 

Canada's Adventure Smart

Avalanche Safety

While our trails are not in avalanche terrain, nearby popular backcountry destinations in Kananaskis Country can see avalanche activity well into the summer season. Always be prepared, read the latest avalanche bulletin, carry avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel and probe) and know how to use it. 

Avalanche Canada