Whether it’s the crystal clear azure blue lakes, the fresh crisp air or the breathtaking mountain views, Canmore is one heck of a beautiful place for wedding day or engagement portraits! Everywhere you turn, there are photo opportunities in this gorgeous town, but here I’ve listed some of the best wedding photo locations in Canmore.
I’ve not only listed a few of the best spots in Canmore, but these are all easily accessible with any vehicle and require less than 20 minutes to get from the Canmore town centre. I understand that on a wedding day, there usually isn’t too much time to spare, so these spots are a great blend efficiency and scenic views!
TOP 6 BEST (AND ACCESSIBLE!) PHOTO LOCATIONS IN CANMORE
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1. Policeman Creek Trail
Policeman Creek Trail is a really neat walking path right in the middle of downtown Canmore. There is a boardwalk section of the path (as pictured in the photos bellow), but note that the entire the path isn’t a boardwalk. If you are looking for the boardwalk section, I’ve found that the nicest point of access is on 8th Street – between Spring Creek Drive and Railway Drive. Easily accessible by foot from many near-by venues, it also has many street parking options as well.
2. Engine Bridge
The Canmore Engine Bridge is located along the Spur Line Trail. This site adds a rustic and industrial touch to the classic natural look of most Canmore photo locations. The easiest way to access the bridge is to park in the cull-de-sac at the end of 11th Street, take the small path between the houses and then walk another 200 meters down the gravel path to the river. It’s a residential area, so remember to be respectful of the home owners.
Along the Bow River, just past the bridge, another path (Higashikawa Friendship Trail) goes North and you could also potentially capture some traditional, more scenic photos there as well (see slideshow bellow). Two birds, one stone!
source: Jo-Lene and Mykel’s Engagement Session
3. Riverside Park
Riverside Park is another great location in the middle of Canmore, right along the Bow River. You get a view of the mountains, the river and you could also have a picnic! The park has paved walking trails, benches, tables and lots of green space.
source: Jo-Lene and Mykel’s Engagement Session
4. Quarry Lake Park
Quarry Lake Park is a natural area, about a 5 minute drive from downtown Canmore. Follow the signs for the Canmore Nordic Centre, by driving up Spray Lakes Road. You’ll find the park on the left-hand side of the road, about half way up the hill.
There is ample parking here and tons of space to run around! Beautiful unobstructed views of the mountains with walking paths and large grass meadows make this spot of my favourites. If you follow the walking trail, there is a small lake with a sandy beach for dipping your feet. Note that the lake is fed by an underground spring, so it’s only suitable for swimming in July and August. Keep in mind too, that on a hot, sunny, summer day this lake/picnic area will probably be packed! The rest of the park is large enough that you won’t have any problem finding some clear views, but the lake will be busy.
5. Rundle Forebay
Rundle Forebay is located just across from the Canmore Nordic Centre. It has a few parking spots and you can find this site by following the signs for the Nordic centre (from downtown Canmore). When you get there, instead of turning right towards the Centre, you’ll turn left into the Rundle Forebay’s little parking area. This beautiful blue lake is great for dipping your feet in or going out for a paddle! It’s got a beach-y area for soaking in those rays and a nice walking trail that wraps around the lake.
6. Grassi Lakes Trailhead
The Grassi Lakes trail can be accessed by continuing up the same road as the past two locations. Follow signs for the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Side note… this road seems to bear many names and had me slightly confused! Although that doesn’t take much when it comes to directions (haha), I thought I’d clear this up a little: you might see signs for Spray Lakes Road, the Smith Dorrien Spray Trail or the Three Sisters Parkway. From what I can tell on Google Maps, that is all the same road. Confusing right?!? (If someone has any more details to make this clearer, please do comment bellow!)
On your way, you’ll pass the Quarry Lake Park and the Rundle Forebay and then you’ll eventually come to a fork in the road. Here, you’ll want to go left down Ken Ritchie Way. Drive about 500 meters down this road until you reach the trailhead parking lot (or basically until there are signs saying it’s prohibited to go past this point). You could walk the trail and capture some amazing adventure photos there, or you could go the easy route and walk across the road to the lake side. This is the other end of the same lake at Rundle Forebay. There’s a nice rocky shore surrounded by trees, and a dock-like structure at the water’s edge.
This list accounts for just a small number of options in Canmore. You could alway shoot in the streets of downtown Canmore for a more urban feel or venture out farther in the wilderness for even more adventure! It’s all up to you. Happy planning!
What are your favourite and best wedding photo locations in Canmore?
This is awesome little resource for locations in Canmore and beautiful shots too.
Thank you Carly! I hope you enjoy them! I’d love to see your pictures if you use one of these spots :) Tag me!
Thank you so much for this resource!!A family has asked me to take photos of them in Canmore with water and mountains and I wasn’t sure where.Thank you so much!
Awesome!! So happy this helped you out. :) Have a super session!