Visiting Canmore
Once a sleepy mining town, Canmore used the 1988 Winter Olympics to begin its transformation into a vibrant mountain village bustling with sportsmen and tourists. Skiers, hikers and bikers use Canmore year round as a base to explore the towering mountain peaks, clear turquoise lakes and dense pine forests of Alberta's Rockies.
Canmore is an hour from Calgary and the last major stop on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) before entering Banff National Park from the east. Since the town is a few minutes from the national park gates and does not lie within the boundaries of the park, a pass does not need be purchased to park a vehicle in the area.
MAIN STREET
Downtown Canmore is centred on Main Street (Eighth Avenue), in the middle of the valley, surrounded by 1,000-m (3,000-ft) peaks. This avenue is only a few blocks long but is a hub of activity with trendy stores, gourmet restaurants, eclectic galleries and cozy cafes. The historic Canmore Hotel is the only hotel situated right on Eighth Avenue but several hotels are located in and around the street. The Bow River flows past the west end of Main Street, while parallel to the street, running east-west, is a beautiful trail—one small part of a network that weaves through the main town site, over bubbling creeks, through wildlife corridors and past bright spring wildflowers.
On the east end of Main Street is Spring Creek, bordered by two mountain streams. Luxury accommodations can be found in this area, including the Rundle Cliffs Mountain Lodge, which offers beautifully furnished guestrooms in a modern mountain style.
Across the tracks at the end of Main Street are more personal hotels. The Georgetown Inn was custom built by Doreen and Barry Jones, in the traditional Tudor style of their native country, England. Each guestroom has been individually decorated with antique furnishings and collectibles from the old country. Warm days can be spent relaxing in the traditional and beautiful English gardens and in the evenings guests gather at the Miners Lamp Dining Room and Pub for a drink by the fire and friendly banter. Also close by is the smaller Lady Macdonald Country Inn, which has a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Here, guests will appreciate the warm hospitality and comfortable country-style rooms.
BOW VALLEY TRAIL
Most hotels in Canmore are farther east of the main townsite on Bow Valley Trail (Highway 1A). There are plenty of shops and cafes in this area but they are not as densely packed as on Main Street. Visitors will find a range of accommodations on Bow Valley Trail, from economical to more upscale dwellings.
Budget-conscious travellers may want to consider staying in an economy chain hotel, such as the Econo Lodge and the Quality Resort Chateau, both of which feature clean, comfortable rooms and a number of complimentary services and amenities, including in-room coffee and tea, breakfast, access to a high-speed wireless Internet connection and use of an on-site fitness centre.
Families often prefer the extra space and extended recreational amenities of mid-range accommodations. The Canmore Inn and Suites is an award-winning hotel boasting a three-storey waterslide, an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre. The Best Western Pocaterra Inn has similar facilities and rooms are equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, cable television, fireplaces and balconies.
Upscale hotels in the Rockies are often fashioned in a mountain-lodge style suited to the surrounding landscape. A deceptively rustic atmosphere is created by integrating the rugged Canadian terrain into the dwelling's design, however, these lodges offer luxury amenities and services. Guestrooms at the deluxe Blackstone Mountain Lodge feature suites with fireplaces, flat-screen televisions and hot tubs. Likewise, the Falcon Crest Lodge is a beautifully decorated hotel with full amenities. These hotels, as well as similar properties in Canmore, treat guests to breathtaking mountain views while relaxing in outdoor hot tubs or taking a dip in heated outdoor swimming pools.
THE SUNNY SIDE
The sun sets early on this alpine town because it lies in a mountain valley, but the sunny side of Canmore, particularly the higher Benchlands area, stays light for longer in the evenings. It is a real treat to stay on the sunny side, far from the train, highway and bustle of town. Smaller, more intimate accommodations allow visitors to relax and provide excellent opportunities for recreational activities and wildlife viewing.
The Creekside Country Inn, a timber-framed inn with 12 rooms, is decorated in a modern cabin style with slate and river-rock fireplaces. Relaxing at Creekside is easy; guests can enjoy the magnificent panoramic views, savour a drink by the fire, have a private massage or step outside and onto the many walking, hiking, and biking trails in the area. The Bear and Bison Canadian Country Inn, at the base of Lady MacDonald Mountain, is likewise quiet and serene. Wildlife can be seen daily from the large windows in each room and on personally guided tours. The owner (and chef) has a passion for food and offers an ever-changing gourmet menu. Start the evening with a tantalizing gourmet experience then relax in a Jacuzzi tub or unwind in front of the large fireplace.
Canmore is an hour from Calgary and the last major stop on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) before entering Banff National Park from the east. Since the town is a few minutes from the national park gates and does not lie within the boundaries of the park, a pass does not need be purchased to park a vehicle in the area.
MAIN STREET
Downtown Canmore is centred on Main Street (Eighth Avenue), in the middle of the valley, surrounded by 1,000-m (3,000-ft) peaks. This avenue is only a few blocks long but is a hub of activity with trendy stores, gourmet restaurants, eclectic galleries and cozy cafes. The historic Canmore Hotel is the only hotel situated right on Eighth Avenue but several hotels are located in and around the street. The Bow River flows past the west end of Main Street, while parallel to the street, running east-west, is a beautiful trail—one small part of a network that weaves through the main town site, over bubbling creeks, through wildlife corridors and past bright spring wildflowers.
On the east end of Main Street is Spring Creek, bordered by two mountain streams. Luxury accommodations can be found in this area, including the Rundle Cliffs Mountain Lodge, which offers beautifully furnished guestrooms in a modern mountain style.
Across the tracks at the end of Main Street are more personal hotels. The Georgetown Inn was custom built by Doreen and Barry Jones, in the traditional Tudor style of their native country, England. Each guestroom has been individually decorated with antique furnishings and collectibles from the old country. Warm days can be spent relaxing in the traditional and beautiful English gardens and in the evenings guests gather at the Miners Lamp Dining Room and Pub for a drink by the fire and friendly banter. Also close by is the smaller Lady Macdonald Country Inn, which has a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Here, guests will appreciate the warm hospitality and comfortable country-style rooms.
BOW VALLEY TRAIL
Most hotels in Canmore are farther east of the main townsite on Bow Valley Trail (Highway 1A). There are plenty of shops and cafes in this area but they are not as densely packed as on Main Street. Visitors will find a range of accommodations on Bow Valley Trail, from economical to more upscale dwellings.
Budget-conscious travellers may want to consider staying in an economy chain hotel, such as the Econo Lodge and the Quality Resort Chateau, both of which feature clean, comfortable rooms and a number of complimentary services and amenities, including in-room coffee and tea, breakfast, access to a high-speed wireless Internet connection and use of an on-site fitness centre.
Families often prefer the extra space and extended recreational amenities of mid-range accommodations. The Canmore Inn and Suites is an award-winning hotel boasting a three-storey waterslide, an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre. The Best Western Pocaterra Inn has similar facilities and rooms are equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, cable television, fireplaces and balconies.
Upscale hotels in the Rockies are often fashioned in a mountain-lodge style suited to the surrounding landscape. A deceptively rustic atmosphere is created by integrating the rugged Canadian terrain into the dwelling's design, however, these lodges offer luxury amenities and services. Guestrooms at the deluxe Blackstone Mountain Lodge feature suites with fireplaces, flat-screen televisions and hot tubs. Likewise, the Falcon Crest Lodge is a beautifully decorated hotel with full amenities. These hotels, as well as similar properties in Canmore, treat guests to breathtaking mountain views while relaxing in outdoor hot tubs or taking a dip in heated outdoor swimming pools.
THE SUNNY SIDE
The sun sets early on this alpine town because it lies in a mountain valley, but the sunny side of Canmore, particularly the higher Benchlands area, stays light for longer in the evenings. It is a real treat to stay on the sunny side, far from the train, highway and bustle of town. Smaller, more intimate accommodations allow visitors to relax and provide excellent opportunities for recreational activities and wildlife viewing.
The Creekside Country Inn, a timber-framed inn with 12 rooms, is decorated in a modern cabin style with slate and river-rock fireplaces. Relaxing at Creekside is easy; guests can enjoy the magnificent panoramic views, savour a drink by the fire, have a private massage or step outside and onto the many walking, hiking, and biking trails in the area. The Bear and Bison Canadian Country Inn, at the base of Lady MacDonald Mountain, is likewise quiet and serene. Wildlife can be seen daily from the large windows in each room and on personally guided tours. The owner (and chef) has a passion for food and offers an ever-changing gourmet menu. Start the evening with a tantalizing gourmet experience then relax in a Jacuzzi tub or unwind in front of the large fireplace.
Hotel with Jacuzzis
Fully Equipped Suites
Fully Equipped Units
Luxury Suite Lodge
Pet Friendly
