Situated just 80 km west of Calgary, Canmore is a picturesque town flanked by the spellbinding Canadian Rockies. Adjoining the world-famous Banff National Park, this mining town has become a popular tourist destination after the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park was developed to host the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Winters here provide a perfect getaway for avid ice-climbers, adventurers, and ski-enthusiasts. The Kananaskis Country, home to the Canmore Nordic Centre and Nakiska ski resort is a must-visit for winter sports, hiking, and snowshoeing.
The summer months offer an abundance of scenic trails for mountain biking and seasonal fishing in the turquoise waters of the numerous lakes and rivers dotting the entire landscape. A prominent golfing paradise, Canmore boasts of six golf courses showcasing a beautiful backdrop of the majestic mountains and the lush-green wilderness lined with pine trees. Interspersed with eclectic shopping and incredible dining options, the town portrays a vivid arts and culture scene.
Canada Jetlines operates from Toronto International Airport (YYZ) to Calgary International Airport (YYC). Calgary is conveniently located for tourists traveling to Canmore. The easiest way to get to Canmore from YYC is by rental car. It covers approximately 115 km in an hour and a half through the Trans-Canada Highway.
Canmore is strategically located with an easy access to all the provincial parks, ski resorts, golf courses, and an ecological reserve. It serves as a one-stop destination for all kinds of tourists from nature lovers to thrill-seekers. A thoroughly walkable city, it offers a range of events round the year like winter carnival, folk-music festival, food tours, brewery and distillery tours, and cave tours.
The Roam bus system transits year-round between Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. The best option is to rent a car. There are several Enterprise car locations connecting the city and its attractions. Biking is also a great option in summers. One can rent e-bikes, mountain bikes, and cruisers.
Check out all that Canmore has to offer here
K-Country
The Kananaskis Country or the “K-Country” offers magnificent views like that of Banff minus the crowds. Known as the foothills to the Rockies, it offers a variety of trails and hikes.
The Three Sisters Mountains, Faith, Hope, and Charity (Big Sister, Middle Sister, and Little Sister) stand at 10,000 feet offering stunning views popular for scrambling and hiking. The hike at the East End of Rundle (EEOR) displays astonishing views of Bow Valley, Ha Ling Peak, and Canmore. The Canmore Nordic Centre offers trails of varying difficulty levels in the summers for mountain biking, as it has become one of the most noted sports in North America.
Highland Games
To experience culture, one can head to the Highland Games that occurs in the first week of September to celebrate Scottish culture and ancestry wherein the local men showcase their strengths to get selected as the fittest mail carrier.
Giant Head
Art lovers can visit the “Giant Head” or the “big head”, a local landmark in the Main Street or 8th Street which is lined up with art galleries presenting several sculptures, contemporary paintings, and indigenous art.
Canadian Rockies
For experiencing wildlife, Canadian Rockies is the place to be. Tourists report sightings of Elks, bears, and coyotes frequently. Some sought-after fishing spots are Spray Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Quarry Lake, Bow River, and Grotto Mountain.
Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddle boarding has become one of the to-do things in Canmore in the summers as one can take in the magical views of the surroundings while paddling standing up in the Canmore Reservoir or canoeing in a traditional canoe at the Goat Pond.
Canmore Museum
Museum lovers would love visiting the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre to experience Canmore’s historical past. The most famous exhibit, “From Coal to Community” offers a glimpse into the lives of the native people, the railway system, and the importance of coal.
Languages: English and French
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
