Canmore is a small mountain town just outside of Banff National Park. While Banff is a more internationally recognized location, Canmore has become a preferred spot for many visitors. It has grown to become a popular tourist destination for other Albertans, Canadians and international tourists alike.
I enjoy stopping in Canmore for a day trip or for a bite to eat after a hike in Kananaskis. Canmore is only about an hour from Calgary and 20 minutes from Banff. The town is full of location businesses and beloved restaurants. Here are some of my favourite spots to visit when I’m in town.
What’s in this guide?
Where to Eat in Canmore
Canmore is home to many local cafes and restaurants. There are so many great spots, and I still have lots to explore.
My go-to cafe stop before or after a hike is Beamer’s. They have great coffee and tea lattes as well as fantastic breakfast wraps. A number of times I’ve actually brought their feta breakfast wrap as lunch on hikes before. They also offer options with meat and a vegan tofu scramble.
One of my favourite restaurants in Canmore is Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. The restaurant makes wood fired pizzas as well as soups, salads, and pastas. Their pizzas are delicious and taste so so good after a long hike.
If you’re looking for a cozy, local vibe for a coffee or sweet treat, stop by JK Bakery on 7th Avenue. For a lighter lunch or breakfast, consider trying the Rocky Mountain Bagel Company, a local favourite. I’m also a fan of The Grizzly Paw, which is a pub that also brews their own beer and crafts sodas that can be found throughout Calgary grocery stores as well.
Shopping in Canmore
Canmore is home to many unique local businesses. While you’re visiting, make sure to take some time to explore 8th Street and the surrounding areas. I always enjoy taking a look in Stonewaters, which is a home goods store with a variety of goods crafted by local artists and artisans. Across the street, I like to browse The Tin Box, a gift shop full of unique items.
I often like stopping by the Canmore Tea Company, which offers curated tea blends as well as adorable accessories like mugs and teapots. On the same street, you can stop in Mountain Mercantile, a gift shop with locally made jewellery, art, self care products, and other souvenirs. Fiber arts enthusiasts, sewists, and quiltists may also enjoy stopping at the Sugar Pine Company to browse yarn, fabrics, and handmade gifts.
To see a local gem, stop by Rocky Mountain Soap, a Canadian gem originating from Canmore. Their health and beauty products are beloved across Canada and smell so good! If you’re wanting a truly Canadian experience, follow Rocky Mountain Soap up with The Maple Station. This boutique shop offers maple treats, from soft serve to maple lattes and a waffle bar. They also maple syrup and other maple products.
Hikes and Trails Near Canmore
Sitting in the heart of Bow Valley, in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, it’s not surprising that there are some great trails near Canmore. Whether you’re looking for a stroll through nature or a more intensive climb, there are options for every skill level.
For those interested in a nature stroll or a walk to a viewpoint, consider the Three Sisters Viewpoint or Three Sisters Creek Trail. Grassi Lakes is another popular hike near the Canmore Nordic Centre that offers beautiful views of Bow Valley with less than 4 km and 200 metres of hiking.
If you’re interested in exploring a little more of Bow Valley, but want to keep your hiking level fairly easy, I recommend trying Grotto Canyon Trail near Exshaw and the Heart Creek Trail or Heart Creek Bunker. All these easy hikes can be done year round.
If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, I recommend trying Ha Ling Peak, which rises directly above Grassi Lakes and the town itself. Experienced hikers may also enjoy East End of Rundle on the other side of the pass or Lady MacDonald across the valley, in ascending order of difficulty.
If you’re interested in travelling further for your hikes, there are plenty of options in Kananaskis Country along Highway 40 or Highway 742 or Banff National Park further west on Highway 1.
Other Activities in the Bow Valley
If hiking isn’t your thing, or if you’re looking to mix up your activities more, there is plenty to do around Canmore and the Bow Valley. If you enjoy cycling, try biking the Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff. This fully-paved 22 km trail connects the two towns alongside the Trans-Canada Highway.
Cyclists looking for a more mountainous experience may be interested to try the Goat Creek Trail, a 19.3 km path from Canmore to Banff departing from Goat Creek Parking lot where the Ha Ling trailhead is located. This route is unpaved.
The Canmore Nordic Centre is a provincial park area that offers hiking trails, mountain biking, disc golf, and orienteering in the summer and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and biathlon in the winter. There are activities available here for the whole family.
Many visitors to Canmore also enjoy the scenic golf courses available at Stewart Creek and Silvertip Resort. These courses are nestled at the base of the Rockies, so don’t be surprised if you get distracted by the views while lining up your swing.
Finally, Canmore attracts many visitors because of its proximity to Banff. Staying in Canmore makes for a great base from which you can explore Banff National Park and the town.
My Map of Canmore
See the map of my recommended locations below. Star the map to save it to your own Google account for easy itinerary building.