Despite sitting just a few kilometres outside Banff National Park, Canmore has never been at the top of many travellers' wish lists. While the former coal-mining town brought in crowds during the 1988 Winter Olympics when it hosted the Games' cross-country skiing events, its downtown remains relatively small and its prices comparatively low compared to its northwestern neighbour, Banff. Instead, those in the know come to enjoy the area's wealth of natural pursuits, which range from hiking and biking to – yes – skiing.
Hugging the banks of Bow River, Canmore's position in Alberta's Rocky Mountains makes it a true destination for outdoor adventure. Winter sports of all varieties can be enjoyed throughout the colder months, especially at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, while less snowy conditions see visitors hiking trails to Grassi Lakes and the Three Sisters peaks, biking, river rafting, rock climbing and spelunking in Rat's Nest Cave. Of course, Banff National Park offers its own wonders including Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
The more leisurely pleasures you'll find in Canmore's downtown area are few but noteworthy. The area is home to a handful of quality restaurants and bars, not to mention multiple breweries and distilleries. The streets are also extremely walkable and ideal for window-shopping at galleries, boutiques and bookstores. Get a lesson on Canmore's history, from its coal-mining stint to its Olympic days, at the Canmore Museum.
Tonight
From £297 per night
This weekend
From £253 per night
Next weekend
From £477 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | CAD 10 = £5.82 |
Language | French |
Average weekend price | £96 per night |
Average weekday price | £95 per night |
Typical stay | 2 nights |
Canmore has everything one needs for enjoyment and...
22 April 2024
Canmore has everything one needs for enjoyment and necessities. It is close to both Banff and Kananaskis Country for skiing, shopping, biking, hiking, lots of dining options, historical sites…and more. There is something for everyone! If you like being independent, opportunities for self-guided activities abound. If you want guided tours, there is everything from dog sledding to heli-tours, rafting to mountain biking…hiking to yoga. It’s the best value for the money spent! And the scenery is unbeatable.
So much to do and see with Canmore being your base.
20 April 2024
So much to do and see with Canmore being your base. It’s an easy quick trip to Banff without the hoards of tourists that are in Banff. Canmore has a cosy downtown with lots of activities in the surrounding area. It’s a great area to stay in!
Visited Grizzly Paw Brewing Company, Murriettas and...
15 April 2024
Visited Grizzly Paw Brewing Company, Murriettas and Bridgette. All had great service! Stayed in private owner suite at Solara. Young child friendly pool and huge hot tub area. Has a small restaurant and a liquor store. Twilight Soak at Nordic Spa in Kananaskis area was fun and relaxing!
Canmore is a great little town right in the heart of the...
23 February 2024
Canmore is a great little town right in the heart of the rockies. It is very close to Banff, without the cost of staying right in Banff. It is close to many outdoor activities for both summer and winter. Both Lake Louise and Sunshine Village ski resorts are within an hour. There are lots of hiking opportunities with some even starting in town. We have enjoyed many of the local restaurants, and there is a lot of variety to please any palate. While it can sometimes get busy, it is easy to get around and easily walkable for most people.
It is a lovely town with world-class views of the rocky...
28 January 2024
It is a lovely town with world-class views of the rocky almost on your doorstep on both sides. It's not as busy or touristy as Banff and it has some wonderful shops. It has two supermarkets both offering a massive choice of goods, and plenty of restaurants. There is the Nordic Centre which is brilliant for hiking in summer and cross-country trails in winter. I could easily live there. The only downside is that it is expensive, as is Canada in general.
I'm not sure what there is to do in Canmore, been there...
27 January 2024
I'm not sure what there is to do in Canmore, been there may times and never once done anything worth remembering. I've heard there are caves and great hiking trails. Unfortunately nothing is well marked and haven't stumbled across them yet.
Canmore, Canada
From £218 per night
Canmore, Canada
From £277 per night
Canmore, Canada
From £235 per night
Canmore, Canada
From £155 per night
Canmore, Canada
From £231 per night