Canmore Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit in Canmore and get helpful tips for activities, accommodations, food, and transportation in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Canmore

Nestled in the Alberta Rockies of Canada, Canmore is a scenic town with amazing views and endless outdoor recreation attractions. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests, this charming town is perfect for adventure seekers, families, and nature enthusiasts alike. Canmore was once a coal-mining town but now offers access to some of the most beautiful valleys in the Rockies. In this guide, we will explore the best places to visit, hike/bike routes, activities, local cuisine, and culture in Canmore, Alberta.

List of Places to Visit in Canmore

Canmore has plenty of culturally important attractions, museums, and historical places, and natural attractions such as outdoor adventures, and scenic views that you cannot miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre: This museum showcases local history, geoscience, and Canadian heritage, and is home to a variety of exhibits such as fossils, geology, and mining.

  2. Canmore North West Mounted Police Barracks: A national historic site that was originally built in 1893 and provided accommodation for policemen who patrolled the area.

  3. Miners’ Union Hall: This hall was build in 1905 and is now a community and cultural center. Visitors can learn about the history of mining in the area and attend local events.

Natural Attractions of Canmore: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Banff National Park: This national park has plenty of hiking and biking trails and is home to over 2000 animals such as grizzly bears, wolves, and wolverines.

  2. Canmore Nordic Centre: During winter, this place is ideal for cross-country skiers, snowshoeing, and fat biking trails, while in summer, it offers mountain biking and adventure sports opportunities.

  3. Ha Ling Peak: This peak is located near Canmore and is a popular hiking destination. Visitors can hike up this 2408-meter summit and get breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Canmore

Canmore offers various hiking and biking routes for visitors of different skill levels. Here are the top routes:

  1. Grassi Lakes Trail: This trail is a 4.3 km loop and offers stunning views of views of Canmore’s iconic peaks.

  2. Grotto Canyon Trail: This trail is a 4 km loop that travels along the banks of a creek and takes hikers past some ancient Navajo rock art.

  3. Canmore Nordic Centre Trails: This trail system has over 100 kilometers of trails that offer great opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking.

Best Things to Do in Canmore: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities for visitors to engage in while in Canmore. Listed below are the best things to do:

  1. Whitewater Rafting: The Kananaskis River is perfect for rafting with rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV.

  2. Helicopter Tours: This is the perfect way to see Canmore from a different perspective. Visitors can fly over the Rockies or land on a mountain peak for a panoramic view.

  3. Rock Climbing: There is no shortage of quality rock faces in Canmore for climbers with diverse levels of experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Canmore

If you have a week in Canmore, here is an ideal itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and relax in the town center. Day 2: Hike the Grassi Lakes Trail. Day 3: Explore the nearby Banff National Park. Day 4: Bike the Canmore Nordic Centre Trails. Day 5: Try a whitewater rafting tour. Day 6: Go on a helicopter tour. Day 7: Take a day to rest and enjoy some local cuisine.

Food and Drink Scene of Canmore

Canmore is home to many locally owned restaurants and bars. Visitors must try some of the local dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Poutine: A Canadian dish made with fries, cheese curds, and a brown gravy sauce.

  2. Alberta beef: Alberta is known for its quality beef. Many restaurants serve beef dishes such as steak, burgers, and barbecue.

  3. Perogies: A Ukrainian dish that is served with different fillings such as potatoes, cheese, and bacon.

Local Beverages

  1. Alberta craft beer: Canmore has some amazing local craft beer breweries such as Alpine Brewing Company and Canmore Brewing Company.

  2. Ice wine: This is a unique Canadian wine that is made by freezing grapes on the vine.

  3. Canadian Rye whiskey: A Canadian specialty that is made by distilling rye grain.

Where to Stay in Canmore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Canmore has a great range of accommodations to suit different budgets. Visitors can find hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that offer great amenities and affordable rates. Some recommended places to stay include:

  1. Coast Canmore Hotel and Conference Centre: A 3-star hotel with spacious rooms, a pool, and Jacuzzi.

  2. Hi-Castle Mountain Hostel: An affordable hostel with great amenities including free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and a large communal kitchen.

  3. Paintbox Lodge: A boutique hotel that offers unique rooms, a restaurant and bar, and stunning mountain views.

What to Buy in Canmore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Canmore offers many local products that visitors can bring home:

  1. Canadian Maple syrup: This is a staple Canadian souvenir and is available in many shops in Canmore.

  2. Local Art: Canmore has an active arts community. Visitors can find paintings, sculptures and other art objects in local galleries and shops.

  3. Canadian Rockies Guidebooks: Useful guidebooks are available in local bookstores and souvenir shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Canmore

Canmore is a town with a rich cultural heritage that is deeply interwoven with the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can enjoy local festivals such as the Canmore Folk Festival or explore the local museums to learn about the history of the area.

Best Time to Visit Canmore

The best time to visit Canmore is during the summer months from June to August. This is when the weather is warm, and all outdoor activities are open. Canmore is also worth visiting during the winter months as visitors can experience winter sports and activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Canmore

Do:

  1. Respect the local environment and wildlife, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

  2. Dress in layers, wear hiking shoes, and bring your camera.

  3. Leave enough time for travel, as the roads in the Rocky Mountains can have some limitations.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t forget to book accommodation in advance, as Canmore can get busy during peak season.

  2. Don’t feed the wildlife or approach them too closely.

  3. Don’t litter or disturb the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Canmore

Canmore is a safe place to visit, and crime rates are low. However, visitors should take the following precautions:

  1. Ensure your car is locked and valuables are hidden.

  2. Don’t leave belongings unattended.

  3. Be prepared for unexpected weather changes while hiking.

Health in Canmore

Canmore has a hospital and several clinics. Visitors are advised to purchase travel insurance before the trip, especially if they intend to engage in adventurous outdoor activities.

Getting to Canmore: Transportation Options and Logistics

Canmore is accessible by road and air. The following are the most common transportation options:

Airports Near Canmore

  1. Calgary International Airport (YYC): This airport is located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Canmore by car or shuttle.

  2. Edmonton International Airport (YEG): This airport is located approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes away from Canmore by car.

Bus Stations Near Canmore

  1. Greyhound Bus Station: This station is located in Canmore and offers daily buses to Banff and Calgary.

  2. Brewster Bus Terminal: This station is located in Banff and offers daily buses to Canmore and Calgary.

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to get to Canmore.

How to Get Around in Canmore

Canmore is a small town, and most people prefer to walk or bike around. However, visitors who need a ride can get a taxi or use a ride-sharing service. It’s also easy to rent a car, which offers more flexibility for exploring the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Canmore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Canmore is a great base to explore the surrounding area. Some recommended destinations and excursions include:

  1. Banff: A short drive from Canmore, Banff offers hot springs, scenic views, and outdoor activities.

  2. Lake Louise: This beautiful glacial lake is located less than an hour’s drive from Canmore and offers stunning views and hiking opportunities.

  3. Kananaskis Country: A hidden gem with amazing hiking and adventure sport opportunities.

Conclusion

Canmore is a little town with big attractions and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation in the stunning Alberta Rockies. This comprehensive travel guide will help visitors plan their itinerary, explore local culture and cuisine, and get around efficiently and safely. Whether you want to hike, ski or just relax in charming surroundings, Canmore is a perfect destination for all.

View of the Three Sisters from Police Creek, just south of Canmore View of the Three Sisters from Police Creek, just south of Canmore View from Ha Ling Peak above Canmore View from Ha Ling Peak above Canmore Grassi Lakes just above Canmore Grassi Lakes just above Canmore