Canmore Trails Master Plan Approved: What's Next for Mountain Biking and Hiking?
A new chapter for outdoor recreation in Canmore and the Bow Valley is beginning.
The Government of Alberta has released the 2026 Canmore Area Trails Master Plan (CATMP), establishing a long-term vision for one of Canada's most celebrated mountain recreation destinations.
For Canmore residents, mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts, this represents an important milestone. The plan provides a framework for improving trail connectivity, creating new recreational opportunities and protecting the wildlife corridors that make the Bow Valley such an extraordinary place to live.
With proposals affecting the Canmore Nordic Centre, Highline, Gap Lake and other popular recreation areas, the coming years could bring meaningful changes to how we explore the mountains surrounding Canmore.
What Is the Canmore Area Trails Master Plan?
The Canmore Area Trails Master Plan is a provincial initiative intended to guide trail development, improvements and management across Crown land in the Bow Valley over approximately the next decade.
The plan responds to growing recreational demand, changing trail-use patterns and the need to protect sensitive mountain ecosystems.
The central objective is to create a better-connected, more sustainable trail network that accommodates different recreational activities while reducing pressure on important wildlife habitat.
Provincial planning materials describe a proposed designated network exceeding 500 kilometres, alongside the potential decommissioning of approximately 275 kilometres of existing routes that conflict with wildlife protection, trail sustainability or network objectives.
These figures describe the planning framework and should not be interpreted as kilometres of new trail construction or immediate closures.
What New Mountain Biking Trails Could Be Coming to Canmore?
For mountain bikers, some of the most exciting opportunities involve purpose-built climbing and descending trails, improvements to existing networks and better separation of different recreational uses.
1. Highline Trail: Better Climbs and New Descending Options
The Highline Trail is one of Canmore's best-known mountain biking routes, connecting several neighbourhoods along the south side of the Bow Valley.
The planning proposals envision maintaining the main Highline alignment while making targeted improvements to reduce steep climbing grades.
More significantly, the proposals identify opportunities for dedicated downhill mountain biking trails around four access areas:
- Riders of Rohan
- Quarry Lake
- Peaks of Grassi
- Three Sisters Creek
These additions could create more interesting descending options while reducing conflicts between riders travelling at different speeds and people using the trails for hiking or running.
For local riders, this could mean less reliance on shared two-way trails for technical descending.
2. Little Sister: A Potential Enduro Mountain Biking Area
One of the most interesting proposals is a dedicated mountain biking area on Little Sister, near Stewart Creek.
The draft planning framework describes a purpose-built climbing trail and three downhill routes, offering different technical challenges and riding experiences.
This could become an important addition to Canmore's mountain biking network, particularly for riders seeking longer climbs followed by dedicated descents.
Rather than relying exclusively on existing multi-use singletrack, a purpose-built enduro network could improve the riding experience and help concentrate recreational activity in appropriate locations.
The exact trail alignments, construction schedule and final scope remain subject to implementation decisions.
3. Miner's Peak: More Purpose-Built Mountain Biking
Another proposal identifies an enduro riding area below Miner's Peak, accessed from the Quarry Lake and Highline network.
The concept includes a climbing route and three descending options connecting back toward Highline.
For mountain bikers living in South Canmore, Peaks of Grassi and surrounding neighbourhoods, these improvements could eventually provide additional riding opportunities close to home.
Together with the proposed Little Sister trails, these developments suggest a shift toward a more intentionally designed mountain biking network.
What Changes Are Planned for the Canmore Nordic Centre?
The Canmore Nordic Centre is already an internationally recognized destination for cross-country skiing, mountain biking and trail running.
The master planning process identifies the Nordic Centre as an important part of the region's future recreational network, with opportunities for trail improvements, better connectivity and a wider range of experiences.
The provincial process also calls for updates to the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park trails plan.
For recreational users, the longer-term opportunities include more accessible trails, improved connections between existing routes and trail design that better accommodates different abilities.
As specific projects are developed, the Nordic Centre could continue strengthening its reputation as a year-round destination for outdoor recreation.
What About Gap Lake and Other Bow Valley Trails?
The Gap Lake area, east of Canmore, is another location identified for trail planning and potential improvements.
While the detailed scope of individual projects will be determined through subsequent planning, the broader direction is toward a more coherent regional network rather than isolated trail development.
This is particularly important in the Bow Valley, where recreation extends well beyond Canmore's municipal boundaries.
A more coordinated approach could improve trail access, signage, route selection and connections between recreational areas.
For residents of Canmore, Dead Man's Flats, Exshaw and neighbouring communities, regional trail planning is an important part of the outdoor lifestyle.
Protecting Wildlife While Improving Recreation
One of the most significant aspects of the Canmore Area Trails Master Plan is its emphasis on wildlife protection.
The Bow Valley is a critical movement corridor for wildlife, including bears, elk, wolves and other species.
As Canmore has grown and outdoor recreation has become increasingly popular, balancing human activity with wildlife movement has become more challenging.
The plan proposes concentrating recreation on designated, sustainable trails while reducing activity in environmentally sensitive locations.
This may involve rerouting existing trails, improving signage, restoring unauthorized routes and closing some trails where recreational use conflicts with wildlife conservation.
Not every existing trail will necessarily remain part of the future designated network.
However, the intention is to create a recreational system that can be maintained responsibly over the long term.
For Canmore, protecting the natural environment is not separate from protecting the outdoor lifestyle. The two are closely connected.
When Will the New Canmore Trails Be Built?
Although the Canmore Area Trails Master Plan has been approved, this does not mean every proposed trail has received construction approval.
Individual projects may still require:
- Detailed trail design and environmental assessment
- Consultation with Indigenous communities and other affected parties
- Regulatory approvals and land-management coordination
- Funding and construction partnerships
- Long-term maintenance and operational planning
Some improvements may be relatively straightforward, while larger projects such as dedicated mountain biking areas could take considerably longer.
The important development is that the region now has an overarching planning framework to guide future investment and decision-making.
What Does the Trails Master Plan Mean for Living in Canmore?
For many people who choose to live in Canmore, access to outdoor recreation is one of the community's defining attractions.
The ability to ride a mountain bike from home, walk to a trailhead, explore alpine hiking routes or spend an afternoon at the Nordic Centre is part of everyday life.
Improvements to Canmore's recreational infrastructure can help sustain that lifestyle as the community grows.
Better-connected trails could provide more opportunities for residents to access recreation without driving, while purpose-built facilities may help accommodate increasing demand.
From a real estate perspective, access to trails, mountain views and outdoor amenities are important lifestyle considerations for many buyers exploring Canmore neighbourhoods.
Communities such as South Canmore, Peaks of Grassi, Three Sisters Mountain Village and Stewart Creek are particularly relevant to discussions about nearby recreation opportunities.
However, proposed trail improvements should not be interpreted as guaranteed new access points or increases in property values. Final alignments, access arrangements and construction timelines remain important considerations.
For those considering buying a home in Canmore, understanding both existing recreational amenities and future community planning is part of making an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Canmore Trails Master Plan
Has the Canmore Area Trails Master Plan been approved?
Yes. The Government of Alberta has released the 2026 Canmore Area Trails Master Plan, establishing a long-term framework for trail development, improvements and stewardship across provincial lands in the Canmore area.
Will Canmore get new mountain biking trails?
The plan identifies opportunities for new and improved mountain biking trails, including dedicated descending routes around Highline and proposed enduro riding areas near Little Sister and Miner's Peak. Individual projects still require further planning and approvals.
Will any existing Canmore trails close?
Yes, the planning framework contemplates decommissioning some existing routes to protect wildlife habitat, address unsustainable trail conditions and reduce duplication. Specific closures and implementation schedules should be confirmed through Alberta Parks.
Will the Canmore Nordic Centre get new trails?
The Nordic Centre is included in the broader planning process, and its provincial park trails plan is to be updated. Future improvements will depend on detailed project planning and funding.
When will construction begin?
The master plan establishes priorities rather than a fixed construction schedule for every project. Timelines will depend on approvals, environmental considerations, funding and partnerships.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Canmore's Outdoor Lifestyle
The Canmore Area Trails Master Plan represents an important investment in the future of the Bow Valley.
For mountain bikers, the possibility of dedicated climbing trails, purpose-built descents and improved connections is exciting. For hikers and trail runners, a more coordinated network could improve access and navigation.
Equally important is the recognition that recreation must coexist with the wildlife and landscapes that make this region special.
Organizations such as the Canmore and Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) have played an important role in the planning process, contributing local knowledge and advocating for sustainable mountain biking opportunities.
The next stage will be turning the approved plan into individual projects through collaboration between Alberta Parks, trail organizations and community partners.
For those of us fortunate enough to call Canmore home, the prospect of a thoughtfully managed and continually improving trail network is welcome news.
The mountains are one of the reasons we live here. Planning for their future helps ensure that generations to come can enjoy them too.
The Vincent & Wright Group, led by Christopher Vincent and Laura Wright of Sotheby's International Realty Canada, provides local real estate expertise in Canmore, Banff and the Bow Valley. As local residents and outdoor enthusiasts, we share insights into the communities, recreational opportunities and mountain lifestyle that make this region exceptional.
Official resources: 2026 Canmore Area Trails Master Plan | Alberta Government Trail Planning
