With a history of coal mining until 1979, Canmore came into its own after hosting the Nordic (Cross Country and Biathlon ) events of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, at that time the little town had a population of approximately 3200 people. It was this signature event that truly exposed Canmore to the world for the first time, and in truth exposed the residents of Canmore to their true calling.

The next sixteen years would see incredible changes; the evolution of a wide selection of stunning full service hotel accommodations and self catering or all suite chalet style units, charming bed and breakfasts, an eclectic gathering of incredible restaurants, pubs and patios capable of sating the most discerning palate, all this built around a community of active outdoor access, with year round recreation opportunities which just have to be experienced.

Some things don’t change, as today visitors to Canmore continue to comment on the qualities of the town and the congeniality of the people. There is a certain authenticity here, and it yields an almost magical feeling of belonging. The sense of community is deep, and despite dynamic growth and demand for Canmore Real Estate, the indomitable spirit of the place has held.

A visit to downtown Canmore reveals a low key Alpine village atmosphere, with a significant selection of exquisite galleries and unique gift shops. This very contemporary character is not immediately visible, but as one explores business after business, the experience takes shape, and you begin to sense the true character of the place. Simply put, Canmore is a place of understated excellence.

Location, Location, Location
Enviable geographic placement positions Canmore, conveniently just West of Calgary, only 1.5 hours from Calgary’s International Airport, 5 minutes East of Banff National Park (20 minutes to the town site of Banff ), and virtually nestled into the northwest corner of Kananaskis Country, which is home to a multitude of Provincial (equivalent of state parks in the U.S.) and Wild-land Parks. Stand most anywhere in Canmore, turn around 360 degrees, and you will fully appreciate the term “Mountain” community, we are surrounded.

Canmore is the base camp of choice for the discerning traveler who recognizes the value of an authentic mountain community oriented to sharing a passionate sense of place with its guests.

Photo Courtesy Glenn Naylor

There is no better place to base as you plan your exploration and discovery of the Canadian Rockies. Whether your plans entail horseback riding, short front country forays and scenic drives looking at scenery, sights, and animals, or longer day trips sightseeing or perhaps venturing off the beaten path and into surrounding wild-lands, Canmore is the ideal “Discovery Base”.

The Four Seasons
Definitely a town for all seasons, Canmore moves effortlessly from season to season and you can be as laid back and casual as you like or as active and engaged as you desire. Recreational opportunities abound, with Recreational Facilities, absolutely more hiking than you can shake a stick at with enough variety to accommodate all levels ranging from casual walks on in town trails, to significant backcountry excursions which means naturally that there is also incredible cross country skiing and snow shoeing in wilderness settings. Within a 15 to 60 minute drive are 5 Ski Hills to enjoy. Mountain Biking in summer on the trails of the Nordic Centre will yield to the soft swish of Cross Country skiis as Olympians and beginners alike enjoy the incredible 1988 Olympic legacy facility of the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Fishing and paddling on the waters of the nearby Spray Lakes in summer will yield effortlessly to Ice Fishers who will pursue wild reproducing populations of Lake Trout, while the sound of excited sled dogs announce the presence of one of Canmore’s premier winter recreational activities -  Dog Sledding. The interpretive walks and hikes of summer as well as the aboriginal Bush-craft experiences, will change subtly with the mantling of winter but they won’t stop. Wild Cave tours offered in all seasons is unique to the area, and there is nothing else like it anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. And of course, lets not forget the World Class Golf!

The fall is the season of the Eagles in Canmore as October welcomes the annual migration of the Eagles over the Bow Valley, bringing birders from around the world to participate and enjoy the phenomenon.

The Arts
In Canmore, when we invite you to “do more, play more, and live more” we mean every word including Culture and the Arts. The year round inventory of activities is formidable to say the least, not that you necessarily have to do anything once you get here. A quick look at our Calendar of Events however will attest to our community’s commitment to the words Do More, Play More, Live More. Naturally our events and festivals are yours to enjoy as well, and you will find yourself welcomed and immediately immersed in living like a local.

In the event that as you explore our website we inspire some questions that are not answered in the site, then do contact us directly. A sitemap is available as well.