Alberta, Canada, has long been known for its
incredibly vivid blue Gatorade-like shades
And rugged mountain peaks. People from around the globe travel to Banff and Jasper National Parks with the hope of catching sight of amiable moose, assertive elk, and the breathtaking natural scenery of Canada. Although the region’s allure lies in its wilderness, selecting an appropriate town for your base can be crucial when visiting. Having been to Alberta multiple times, I have stayed at various accommodations including resorts, campgrounds, and rental apartments throughout the province. I repeatedly return due to both the astounding landscapes and because Alberta holds my most beloved Canadian town within its borders: Canmore, located just beyond the entrance to Banff National Park.
Canmore boasts everything one might desire; surrounded by dramatic rocky mountains, it’s just a short seven-minute drive away from the entrance to Banff National Park. Unlike many typical tourist spots, Canmore exudes authenticity due to its substantial permanent resident base—the largest among all communities in the Alberta Rockies. This sizable populace brings about superior dining choices, more rewarding vintage finds, and a vibrant downtown area filled with parks and art galleries ideal for leisurely days. Situated roughly an hour from the Calgary International Airport, Canmore discreetly provides all the attractions expected in Banff without being overrun with shops peddling kitschy souvenirs. Rather than transforming into another scenic backdrop dotted with trinket stands, Canmore opted for developing a sustainable tourism model focused on reducing carbon footprints, empowering Indigenous groups, fostering local enterprises, and safeguarding the natural beauty that sets this place apart.
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There are numerous fantastic activities to enjoy in downtown Canmore.
Canmore boasts an excellent downtown area. The key highlight is that a river flows right through it—actually, two rivers: the powerful Bow River and the charming Policeman’s Creek. These two waterways form two edges of the rectangular town center, while cozy streets complete the layout, with much of the activity centered around 10th and 6 sixth Streets. At its heart lies Eighth Street, featuring numerous blocks packed with trendy stores and quintessential Canadian cuisine such as the well-known flat doughnuts from BeaverTails.
Begin your adventure in Canmore at Switching Gear, a thrift shop specializing in premium outdoor equipment. Imagine paradise where heavenly doors open to reveal fantastic outdoor gear at reasonable costs. Once equipped, head over to Communitea Café just across the street for some nourishment. This community-oriented café offers delicious vegan dishes alongside traditional fare such as bacon, complemented by their homemade popcorn. Another convenient option for quick bites is the Rocky Mountain Bagel Company; they have two central outlets offering warm sandwiches perfect for fueling an exciting day ahead.
For more leisurely dining experiences, consider Ramen Arashi—it’s rumored to serve the finest ramen in all of Alberta. And when you’re ready to unwind with locally brewed beer and hearty burgers after a full day outdoors, make sure to visit Where the Buffalo Roam Saloon.
I could talk endlessly about the delicious cuisine in Canmore, but there’s much more to explore downtown besides dining. Numerous fantastic hiking paths follow Policeman’s Creek and lead you over picturesque footbridges spanning the Bow River. When the weather turns wet, you can choose from various activities indoors like yoga studios, art galleries, and museums near the town center. Alternatively, spending the whole day at Elevation Place might be appealing; this facility combines a library, rock-climbing gym, swimming pool, fitness center, and an ice-skating rink under one roof.
Canmore Simplifies Getting Outdoors
Surrounded by Banff National Park, the majestic Three Sisters Peaks, and the preserved areas of Kananaskis Country, Canmore boasts an abundance of verdant spaces. Whether you come for hiking, biking, climbing, or simply enjoying the mountain vistas with a steaming cup of coffee, this town offers numerous opportunities to venture outdoors and stay active—even on arrival day. You might arrive in Calgary midday, make the trip to Canmore, settle into your accommodation, have some lunch, and embark on the challenging Ha Ling Peak hike as early as four o’clock.
If your destination is Banff, you can reach it by driving from Canmore and proceed with your visit.
The most frequented trek in Banff National Park
In as little as 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can jump on a bicycle and follow the Legacy Trail, a paved route linking downtown Canmore with downtown Banff. Another option is to let someone else drive for a change by boarding one of the many shuttle services departing from downtown Canmore, which will transport you to iconic sites such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake within Banff National Park. If flying suits your fancy more than driving or cycling does, consider starting at downtown Canmore where numerous helicopter tours depart, offering direct flights right up into the mountains.
The most spectacular mountain view in British Columbia.
Beyond the entrance of the park lies the vibrant Bow Valley, which serves as a center for various high-intensity outdoor pursuits. Just around Canmore, you’ll find thrilling sport routes, traditional climbs, designated boulder fields, and some of the finest ice-climbing locations in North America. Within cycling range from downtown, the expansive Canmore Nordic Center awaits—a large recreational area originally constructed for the 1988 Winter Olympics. This site offers an array of outdoor experiences, featuring top-notch mountain bike paths during summertime and cross-country ski trails when the weather turns colder.
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