CANMORE - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 174

Horseback Riding
Nestled on a wide bench on the northeastern side of town, Cross Zee Ranch (403/
678-4171) has been guiding visitors through the valley since the 1950s. From expansive
stables, rides pass through thickly wooded areas, along colorful meadows, and to high
lookouts. Options include Ranger Ridge and Bone Gully (one hour; $45 per person),
Sunny Bench (90 minutes; $60), and the Great Aspens ride (two hours; $75).
Climbing
Hundreds of climbing routes have been laid out around Canmore. Mount Yamnuska,
which rises 900 meters (2,950 feet) above the valley floor east of town along Highway
1A, is the most developed site. Climbers also flock to Chinaman's Peak, Cougar Creek,
the area behind Grassi Lakes, and Grotto Canyon. Canmore is home to many qualified
mountain guides.
Yamnuska (403/678-4164 or 866/678-4164, www.yamnuska.com ) offers basic rock-
climbing courses and instruction for all ability levels on ice climbing, mountaineering, and
trekking. A good introduction to rock climbing is the weekend-long Outdoor Rock Intro
course, which costs $345. Unique to the company are three-month-long courses that take
in all aspects of mountain-oriented skills.
Entertainment and Events
NIGHTLIFE
Canmore doesn't have anywhere near the number of bars that nearby Banff is so famous
for, but no one ever seems to go thirsty. The Wood (838 8th St., 403/678-3404) has a beer
garden that catches the afternoon sun and is especially busy on weekends. At the other end
of the main street is the Drake Inn (909 Railway Ave., 403/678-5131), with a small out-
door patio and bands most nights. Across the road, at the Rose and Crown (749 Railway
Ave., 403/678-5168), you'll find a beer garden. All these bars have midweek drink spe-
cials, and the latter two have a couple of pool tables.
The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company (622 8th St., 403/678-9983) brews its own beer,
with six ales produced in-house (look for special winter brews around Christmas). Most
are heavy, English-style beers, but the lighter Grumpy Bear Honey Wheat Ale suits most
tastes.