Just 16 miles (26 kilometers) miles east of Banff National Park, Canmore has emerged as an up-and-coming resort town. It’s located on Treaty 7 territory in the Alberta Rockies—meaning that nature lovers will find plenty of things to do here. Wander the Grassi Lakes Trail for views of waterfalls, stroll down Canmore’s charming Main Street, or bike the trails of the Canmore Nordic Centre—whether you’re here for a week or in town as a quick stop on a wider Banff National Park itinerary, there is no shortage of adventure in Canmore.
Canmore is an excellent summer or winter vacation spot. For winter sports enthusiasts, the ski hills typically open in mid-November and close in May, while the ice climbing season is from November to the end of April. In the summer, you can hike, mountain bike, or relax while floating down the Bow River on a raft. Beat the peak of the summer crowds by arriving in June.
It’s handy to rent a vehicle in Canmore: The Rockies are full of provincial and national parks, which are much easier to access if you have your own transport. However, if you want to take a day trip to Banff National Park and not have to worry about parking, the number 3 bus that runs between downtown Canmore and downtown Banff leaves every hour; the trip takes about 30 minutes.
Make like a cowboy and hop on a horse—the trails around Canmore are ideal for riding, and it’ll give you a sense of the town as it was. There are several ranches around, and you can rely on the horse as you climb into the mountains. Canmore’s historic atmosphere attracts more than tourists—several films and TV shows have used the town as a backdrop, including Brokeback Mountain and The Last of Us.
