CANMORE MUSEUM EDUCATION PROGRAMS

At the Canmore Museum, education is about bringing people together through shared experiences, curiosity, and connection to place. Our school programs support STEAM learning by linking classroom concepts with museum collections, community knowledge, and the mountain landscapes of the Bow Valley.

Students are invited to learn by doing – asking questions, exploring ideas, and discovering how science, culture, history, art, and place are deeply connected. Whether visiting the Canmore Museum or the historic NWMP Barracks, our interactive, interpreter-led programs support a range of learning styles and offer engaging, place-based experiences that deepen students’ understanding of their community and the world around them.

Each education theme can be tailored to different grade levels and offers two ways to explore:

Field Trip Experience: Students dive into the museum with guided exploration, hands-on activities, and interactive learning led by a museum interpreter.

In-Class Education Kit: A ready-to-go kit with all the materials and instructions you need to bring the museum experience into your classroom or home.

Students explore the history, culture, and diverse communities of the Bow Valley. Through hands-on activities, they uncover how local people, organizations, and events have shaped the region, and reflect on the issues and decisions that continue to influence life in Canmore today.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Time & Place: Exploring he dynamic relationships between people, places, and time supports understanding of perspectives and events to make meaning of the world.
  • Systems: Evaluating processes and srucutres of organiations builds understanding of deciision making in the world.
  • Citizenship: Understanding local, national, and global issues empowers individual and collective action towards an inclusive society

Students explore the mountains and geology of the Bow Valley, investigating rocks, minerals, and earth systems in hands-on activities. They observe how energy, matter, and natural processes shape the landscape, develop scientific thinking, and deepen their understanding of living and Earth systems in action.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Scientific Thinking: Investigation of the physical world is enhanced through the use of scientific methods that attempt to remove human biases and increase objectivity
  • Living & Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepend by investigating natural systems and their interactions
  • Energy & Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy

Students explore the science of snow and avalanches in the Bow Valley, learning how snowpack, weather, and terrain interact to shape winter landscapes. Through hands-on activities, they investigate energy, matter, and environmental processes, developing scientific thinking while understanding the forces that impact mountain life and safety.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Scientific Thinking: Investigation of the physical world is enhanced through the use of scientific methods that attempt to remove human biases and increase objectivity
  • Living & Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepend by investigating natural systems and their interactions
  • Energy & Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy

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LOGISTICS & FAQ

What are the costs?

  • $150 per class, per program for guided field trip experiences

  • $75 for a one-week rental of an education kit

  • $75 per class for self-guided museum visits

How many students and chaperones can I bring?

Each class may include up to 30 students. Chaperone numbers should follow your school board’s requirements.

When are field trips available?

Field trip experiences are available:

  • September–November and January–May

  • Wednesdays to Fridays

  • 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Bookings are first-come, first-served.

Is there space for lunches and snacks?

Yes! The Canmore Museum is located inside the Canmore Civic Centre, which has:

  • A lobby area with tables for eating snacks and lunches

  • A park with picnic tables behind the building for warmer months

Each field trip booking also includes use of a Civic Centre classroom, where students may eat snacks and lunches.

Is the Canmore Museum accessible?

Yes. The Canmore Museum and Canmore Civic Centre are wheelchair and walker accessible. Please note that the NWMP Barracks is not accessible.

Are there washrooms on site?

Yes. Washrooms are located inside the Canmore Civic Centre.

Is there a water fountain?

Yes. A water fountain is available in the Civic Centre lobby.

Is there space to store bags and coats?

Yes. Classes will have access to a Civic Centre classroom for storing bags and coats.

Can I bring my class for a self-guided visit?

Yes. Teachers are welcome to bring their classes to the Canmore Museum or the NWMP Barracks for a self-guided visit. A $75 booking fee applies and includes:

  • Use of a Civic Centre classroom (for presentations, bag storage, and eating snacks/lunches)

  • Bingo or scavenger hunt activity sheets

  • Support from museum staff

Will students have time to explore the exhibits or gift shop?

Yes. You may add 30 minutes at the end of your field trip for independent exploration of the galleries and the museum gift shop at no additional cost.

Is there bus parking?

The Canmore Museum is located in downtown Canmore. There is very limited street parking and no on-site bus parking.

Buses may drop off and pick up students along 7th Avenue in front of the Civic Centre and may park along Kananaskis Way. A map will be provided with your booking confirmation.

What should students bring?

  • Lunches and snacks (if eating after the program)

  • Water bottles

  • Indoor shoes

  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Please note that some programs may include a 5-minute outdoor walk between the Canmore Museum and the NWMP Barracks.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

  • Full refund for cancellations made more than one month in advance

  • 50% refund for cancellations made less than one month in advance

The Canmore Museum reserves the right to cancel bookings in the event of unforeseen circumstances.