Do you need a place to stop in Canmore and want to have a picnic lunch? Do you need to let your energetic kids out of the car to burn off energy? Or do you want a fun place to enjoy the mountains for a couple of hours? One of my favourite places to stop in Canmore is Quarry Lake because of the beautiful mountain views, the nice walking trails, the small sandy beach for digging and the lake for swimming. Seriously it is the best spot. The only downside? On sunny days this place can be very busy. Luckily I happen to have gone to Quarry Lake on cool rainy days. I call that luck because the rain stopped and the clouds dispersed to allow the sun to shine on us. We had the beach to ourselves!!
Finding Quarry Lake has also somewhat satisfied my heart aching yearn for the ocean since moving to Calgary from Vancouver in February. Although I trade in the fresh salty breeze, I get to refreshed by the cool mountain air. They love swimming in the cool lake especially if the days are hot. The smooth sand keeps my kids occupied for hours and I get to soak up gorgeous mountain views. I call that a win.
Located just off highway 742 on the way to the Canmore Nordic Centre. From Calgary take Highway AB 1 W towards Canmore. Take exit 93 towards the Three Sisters Campground. Follow highway 742 until you reach your destination.
Please Note: If you reach the Canmore Nordic Centre you have gone too far. Turn around and drive 2 km to reach the turn into Quarry Lake parking lot.
There are trails around the lake and throughout the park. I had not walked on them but the main trails appear to be stroller accessible. I suggest using an alterrain/jogging stroller if you decide to walk on the trails. We pushed our double stroller used for city streets down the path to the lake which was fine but would have wanted my jogging stroller if I had continued on the trails.
There are picnic tables to enjoy your lunch or snacks by the lake. On busy days all the picnic tables might be being used so be sure to bring a blanket or a table. It is always fun to bring pails and shovels along to play in the sand and bathing suits for swimming.
