Visit Canmore’s Riverside Park on a sunny lunch hour. In no time at all a runner or cyclist will pass with a cheery “hello.” Canmore residents are devoted to the pursuit of health—you can’t go anywhere without seeing folks engaged in sport, fitness or simply enjoying a walk. People embrace the philosophy that it’s fun to be fit. You might even wonder if Canmore is the healthiest community in Canada.

In fact, our country's national cross-country ski and biathlon teams train in Canmore year round—this high concentration of Olympians (past, present and future) brings up the average fitness level. Even those with no podium prospects partake in a healthy lifestyle. “Everyone’s biking or hiking. That’s how people in Canmore spend time with friends,” notes Lifeworks Fitness owner Neil Fox.

When in Canmore, do as locals do and be active:

• Running is the world's most portable sport, as almost no gear is required. If you’re in a mellow mood, stick to the wide, flat Bow River trails. Or seek out wooded singletrack trails on either side of the valley for more challenge. Either way, the mountain scenery will distract from your elevated heart rates. You can run for hours—the only limitation is your legs and lungs.
• Rent a mountain bike at Trail Sports and cruise thrilling Canmore Nordic Centre trails. Less gruelling is the Three Sisters Mountain Village Bow River path, offering lovely views and a peek at the town’s newest luxury neighbourhoods.
• Canmore has been a hub for mountain biking for years, but recently road biking has had a renaissance. Join local riders that spin to Banff, around Lake Minnewanka, and back home after a day’s work.
• The Canmore Recreation Centre offers classes from Pilates to aquacise to adult gymnastics, all available on a drop-in basis until the end of June and after Labour Day. The pool and weight room are open daily.
• With its emphasis on balance and strength, yoga is a Canmore favourite. The Yoga Lounge (826 Main St, 678-6687) has a varied drop-in schedule, and beginners are welcome.
• At Lifeworks (1412 Railway Ave, 609-2019), drop-in classes (boot camp, kickboxing and others) run throughout the summer, and the gym is open daily.

In Canmore, we don’t think of it as exercise. It’s just living life.