Canmore: More than It Seems
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

Nestled in Bow Valley, along the banks of the Bow River, Canmore is an outdoor adventure paradise embraced by the front ranges of Alberta's majestic Rockies. Superbly located on the east edge of the famous Banff National Park and just north of beautiful Kananaskis Country, this true mountain village is in the thick of the wild, and is only about an hour from Calgary International Airport. Needless to say, the town sees a lot of visitors and temporary residents, attracted by the wealth of outdoor adventures waiting in the mountains and on the river.

	Mainstreet, Canmore 1

Canmore is actually one of Alberta's largest towns and is not only renowned for its scenic beauty and boundless recreational opportunities, but also for its friendly, welcoming locals and relaxing atmosphere. Generally more understated than its prominent neighbour, Banff, Canmore is appreciated for its laid-back mountain village character, with the steep roofs and simple chalet-style architecture typical of such a place. Mountain lodgings, alpine homes, shops, galleries and restaurants huddle in the town centre, watched over by the area's most famous peaks, The Three Sisters.

Visitors will find a deep sense of community and environmental consciousness in Canmore. Passionate about their town, residents generally take a fervent interest and are involved in its planning and growth. The community also actively contributes to the conservation of the area's stunning natural environment and wildlife. Supporting principles of sustainable development, renewable energy sources are implemented where possible, and wildlife corridors are maintained on the edges of town to facilitate the safe passage of wild animals roaming between habitats.

However, Canmore was not always appreciated for its natural beauty and endless recreational possibilities. Like all diamonds, this gem of a town emerged from a sooty bedrock of coal.

HISTORY

Founded in 1883 as a railway switching station, Canmore received its name from a Scottish Canadian Pacific Railway employee, Donald A. Smith, who named it after a town on the northwest shore of Scotland. In 1884, a new station was built, forming the backbone of the young village. The Canadian Pacific Railway both consumed and transported coal, and in answer, Canmore's first mine was opened in 1887. As the population and a tendency toward bootlegging grew, the Northwest Mounted Police rode into town and by the 1890s a police barracks was established in the village centre, where it still stands today in all its restored glory.

Rail: the Beginnings of Canmore2

In time, as technology evolved enabling trains to travel further between service points, Canmore became unnecessary as a rail switching station. It focused its attention on mining and was to become one of the most important and profitable coal mining centres in southern Alberta. During the early 1900s, while many coal mines in the surrounding Bow Valley closed, Canmore's growth accelerated as residents and buildings from these mining areas were relocated there. Canmore was incorporated in 1965, boasting a population of 2,000. Life was good. However, it is said all good things must come to an end. During the following years the demand for coal began to dwindle. On July 13, 1979, Canmore Mines Ltd. ground production to a halt. With a population of 3,000, Canmore was the last mining centre in the Bow Valley to shut down permanently and left many people jobless. Due to Alberta safety policies at the time, most of the mines were quickly demolished. The old lamp house, a few intact mine entrances and weathered relics of forgotten structures remain, the surviving evidence of a once thriving industry.

But all was not lost. Ten dim years later, the 1988 Winter Olympics brought enthusiasm and optimism back to the once proud economy. Canmore was selected as the location for the Games' Nordic events and suddenly, the whole world sat up and took notice of this stunning little natural playground. Since then, both tourism and the population has boomed, and today Canmore is a world-renowned recreational destination, with a strong tourism-based industry.

CLIMATE

Canmore's relatively mild weather, compared to most of Canada, is very conducive to virtually all recreational possibilities that adventurers can think up in its great outdoors.

Four distinct seasons turn a kaleidoscope of colour over Canmore's Rocky Mountain landscape. The long winter dresses the town and surrounding mountains in a thick blanket of sparkling snow from November to March, perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Maintaining this winter wonderland, January temperatures hover between an average low of -15°C (5°F) and an average high of -5°C (23°F). The temperature begins to warm up in March and April, with rain in the valley melting snow and nurturing the pastel hues and sweet scents of spring. April's average low dips to -3°C (27°F) and its average high reaches 9°C (48°F). Summer paints the valley in bright blues, greens, yellows and reds as the sun reflects the river, forests and wildflowers. Hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers and anglers come out to enjoy the colours and pleasantly warm temperatures which average a balmy high of 23°C (73°F) and cool to an average low of 9°C (48°F) in July. Fall is also blessed with a vibrant palette, splashed with the brilliant oranges and yellows of turning leaves. Temperatures are agreeable to getting out and enjoying the foliage while hiking, or perhaps from horseback. The average high reaches 12°C (54°F), dropping to an average low of -1°C (30°F) in October.

It should be noted that sudden weather changes are common year round in this area due to the mountainous terrain. Even summer requires an extra layer of clothing as evenings often cool right down. Chinook winds that bring warm air to southern Alberta from the coast can suddenly warm a chilly mid-winter day with snow-melting temperatures within hours. It is a good idea to dress in layers which can be removed or added as needed. Of course for winter, thermals, a very warm jacket, boots, gloves and toques are packing essentials, while summer demands a sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against the strong UV rays.

TRANSPORTATION

	The Rockies watch over the Trans-Canada Highway3

Situated 100 km (62 mi) west of Calgary, Canmore is easily accessed from there via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) year round. Greyhound coaches provide multiple departures daily from Calgary's city centre and are a comfortable and affordable travel option. Canadian and international travellers landing at Calgary International Airport can rent a car or hop aboard the Banff Airporter shuttle to make the one and a half hour trip directly from the airport to Canmore.

Once in Canmore, visitors won't find much in the way of public transportation, except for taxis. Exploring the town centre is easily accomplished on foot or by bicycle as the downtown core spans a cosy six by six blocks. Surrounding neighbourhoods are connected by a network of attractive forest and riverbank trails. To widen the exploratory radius and venture into the surrounding parks the most convenient way to travel is by car. Rental car companies are located in town for travellers without their own vehicle. There are also plenty of ski shuttles departing regularly from town during the long ski season, heading for the five surrounding ski hills located less than an hour away.

RECREATION & FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

When visitors arrive in Canmore they will truly realize the full potential for fun and relaxation. Thanks to the illuminating effect of the 1988 Winter Olympics, Canmore is now a world renowned outdoor recreational destination. However, until the pure mountain air is breathed and the awe-inspiring landscape is seen with one's own eyes, Canmore's utopian lifestyle just cannot be fully appreciated.

Snow
Canmore's top quality snow essentially made it famous and during the colder months plenty of snow can be found at the Canmore Nordic Centre, a sprawling winter playground purpose-built for the aforementioned 1988 Winter Olympics. With over 70 km (43 mi) of groomed trails that vary in levels of difficulty, the Canmore Nordic Centre is one of Canada's prime cross-country skiing venues. Canmore is also well-placed for easy access to five nearby ski hills for the down-hill skiers and snowboarders. Within 20 minutes to one hour in almost all directions, snow-fiends have access to world-class slopes, including Banff's Sunshine Village and the Lake Louise Resort.

Cross-country grooves at Canmore Nordic Centre4

For something really special, experience Canmore's magical winter mountains and Canadian heritage from a cosy sled pulled by a team of beautiful huskies. Canmore is a popular place to engage in the thrill of dog-sledding and offers visitors a wide choice of tours.

Where there is snow there is usually ice, and it is ice that attracts a significant proportion of visitors to Canmore. Ice climbing opportunities abound here and a number of professional operators offer lessons and tours to numerous ice falls in the area. Every March, a glistening wall of ice is erected in town for the Canmore Ice Climbing Festival. All aspects of winter can be enjoyed during February's Winter Carnival, from ice-sculpting to beard-growing!

Sunshine
When the snow melts, the area's parks and mountains give way to equally rewarding activities in the warmer months. In addition to the walking and cycling trails that weave their way leisurely through and around town, serious hiking and mountain biking trails await in the mountains. Hiking trails vary widely from flat strolls through lush forests to grueling up-hill climbs with mind-blowing views. A number of tours can introduce visitors to a variety of amazing hikes.

Hard-core mountain bikers love Canmore for the area's gut-busting biking trails. After all, real mountain biking takes place in the mountains with bumpy terrain, steep up-hill climbs, awesome views, screaming down-hills and stunning wilderness. With the disappearing snow, Canmore Nordic Centre's cross-country skiing tracks melt into 70 km (43 mi) of mountain biking trails. Here, newbies to the sport can access some tamer trails and take a lesson, while pros can get their thrills from some of the steeper tracks. The Nordic Centre hosts the annual 24 Hours of Adrenaline in July, a huge mountain biking event attracting North America's best. Plenty of bike tours and rentals are available in town.

	SilverTip Golf Course, Canmore5

Sunshine and warm temperatures also attract many to the crystal clear waters of Bow River for canoeing, rafting and fishing. Along its banks people on horseback pass by on scenic trail rides. While out and about in Canmore during these warmer months visitors should always be on the look-out for the local wildlife. Elk, moose, bears and bighorn sheep are often seen, even on the area's stunning golf courses. Canmore's golf courses are almost as popular with elk as they are with golfers! Caution and respect should always be exercised when encountering a wild animal.

Downtown
Before Canmore was known as the adventure centre it is today, its life purpose was quite different. Canmore's heritage is kept alive in a number of downtown attractions. The Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre on Seventh Avenue reveals what life was like in the mines as it represents the town's rich rail and mining history. Maps for heritage walking tours can be found at the museum. The museum also manages the Northwest Mounted Police Barracks on Main Street. Visitors may still hear the ghostly clanging of chains at the restored barracks which was originally built in 1892 and features historical furniture, artifacts, a tearoom and a pleasant garden out back. A little further up Main Street, the Canmore Hotel still stands proudly after more than 100 years. Today, visitors can appreciate its sturdy architecture while catching upcoming Canadian bands and downing a cold beer.

Plenty of modern-day shops, restaurants and bars also line Canmore streets, offering world-class food, commodities and entertainment. Visitors will find lots to do in town after a day of alpine adventure, and plenty of places to rest their weary heads. With abundant hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, camping grounds and vacation rentals there is no shortage of great mountain hospitality in Canmore.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. Travel Alberta; Mainstreet; Canmore, AB, Canada
2. Rail: the beginnings of Canmore; Canmore, AB, Canada
3. Dana Kwak; The Rockies watch over the Trans-Canada Highway; Canmore, AB, Canada
4. Trail Sports Inc.; Cross-country grooves at Canmore Nordic Centre; Canmore, AB, Canada
5. Travel Alberta; SilverTip Golf Course; Canmore, AB, Canada