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Explore Canmore, Alberta

Just an hour west of Calgary you will find the stunningly charming little mountain town called Canmore. This authentically beautiful place is home to some of the best food, the best views, and most importantly the best people. Spring Creek is the Heart of Canmore. It’s nestled right between two rivers, and so close to the downtown area. It’s the perfect little oasis.

Canmore offers year-round adventures for travelers looking for the ultimate Canadian Rockies experience. In the summer Canmore offers world class hiking and biking trails, fishing, golfing and so much more. In the winter there’s skiing, ice climbing, and dog sledding. But year-round there are always exciting things to do in Canmore.

Outdoor Adventures

When you stay at Spring Creek you have access to a network of trails, paths, bridges, and gathering places just outside your door.

Within these picturesque trails and boardwalks, you will find gathering places, picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, and plenty of benches to dream along the bubbling creeks. The walking bridge at the Canmore Opera House will take you along Policeman’s Creek boardwalk, offering plenty of view spots to watch wildlife or admire the mountain views Canmore is famous for. Follow the tree-lined boardwalk to downtown Canmore’s restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, and Elevation Place.

1. Hiking & Biking

Canmore is a hikers and bikers nirvana. From afternoon strolls to overnight backpacking extravaganzas, Canmore offers trails for all ages and skill levels. Our favourite hikes include the Chester Lake Hike, Goat Creek Trail, and the Bow River Loop. The Canmore Nordic Centre offers a network of over 100km of trails for some of the best mountain biking in the Canadian Rockies. Explore Canmore’s hiking and biking trails to discover your favourite!

  • Two cyclists bike along a narrow trail on a mountainside, looking over green land, sharp mountain peaks and blue skies in Canmore, Alberta.
  • Two women walk along the streets of Canmore, Alberta, shopping in the town's boutique shops, with flowers and greenery surrounding them, and Canmore's mountains in the background.
  • A semi-blurred view of a family having dinner, with a man and woman in stronger focus at the back laughing, while people around them sip from wine glasses, during a meal in Canmore, Alberta.
    Image by © Tim Pannell/Corbis
  • A mother and father hold their two children while sledding through the snow in Canmore Alberta, dressed warmly for the cold snowy weather, with bright, sunlight trees in the background.
  • A father is bent over helping to teach his young daughter to skate along the ice in Canmore, Alberta.

2. Golfing

Canmore’s mystical mountain golfing experience will have you on the top of your game. The unique terrain in Canmore results in courses unlike any urban golfing experience, you’ll never want to golf anywhere else.

Check out Silvertip Resort or Canmore Golf and Curling Club for an unforgettable day on the greens.

3. Skiing & Snowshoeing

The winter adventures in Canmore are endless. Within a short distance, you have access to some of the world’s most exciting ski hills. Get your adrenaline pumping at Lake Louise Ski Resort, less than an hour away, or Mount Norquay in Banff which is only a 30-minute drive.

Not an adrenaline junkie? If you’re looking for a more laid back winter sport, we also have snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat-biking, and even dog-sledding.

4. Shopping

Downtown Canmore rocks the authentic mountain vibe. Specialty shops, funky boutiques, and inviting doorsteps await you for a one-of-a-kind mountain shopping experience. If you’re looking for something unique you’ll find it shopping in Canmore. From outdoor apparel to local art and handmade soap, there’s something for everyone’s tastes.

Looking for a marathon shopping mall trip? Calgary is just an hour away – perfect for a day trip of retail therapy.

5. Arts & Culture

With views like these, Canmore is every artist’s muse. Check out the art galleries in Canmore and find inspiration around every corner. You might even catch an artist at work! The Spring Creek neighborhood is home to The Edge Gallery, Studio 604 Art Studio & Gallery, and Virginia Ann Hemingson Art Gallery.

Canmore has a rich heritage. Established in 1884 as a coal mining community along the Canadian Pacific Railway, Canmore has hundreds of years worth of historic tales to share. The Canmore Museum dedicates itself to preserving the town’s history and retelling its stories for the generations to come.

6. Spas

Looking to relax on your mountain holiday? A spa day in Canmore is essential. Let go of all your stress and tension, and feel recharged to adventure some more at Evergreen Spa. Relax during a therapeutic massage. Treat yourself, or even better, book a mother-daughter spa day for facials, pedicures, hair colour and make-up application.

Canmore also has Salons to find your style, and Yoga studios to find your zen. Check out Jackie Elliot Salon for a fresh cut!

Where to Eat

The gourmet mountain style cuisine of Canmore will nourish the soul and appease any appetite. From fine dining to casual eats Canmore food is an attraction in itself. You don’t have to go far to find good food either. Spring Creek is home to both Mineshaft Pub and Stirling Lounge so you can satisfy your cravings within walking distance.  

1. Mineshaft Tavern

Every neighborhood needs a friendly neighborhood pub. You’ll fit right in at Mineshaft Tavern if you enjoy comforting pub grub and beer. It’s the best place to grab a pint with your pals after an action-packed day.

The Mineshaft Tavern sign hanging outside the restaurant, a circular sign with mining gear designed in the background, in Canmore, Alberta.

2. Stirling Lounge

Stirling Lounge at the Malcolm Hotel boasts a rustic-elegant ambiance with a splash of Scottish flair. An outdoor patio with views of Spring Creek and the Three Sisters Mountain Range presents the perfect backdrop for your elegant dinner. Featuring Alberta’s finest ​local ingredients, Stirling Lounge is Canmore’s most prestigious upscale contemporary dining experience.

The interior of the Stirling Lounge restaurant at the Malcolm Hotel in Canmore, Alberta, which is decorated with rich, dark wood, warm lighting, brick accents, and plenty of tables and seating.

Check out Canmore Community Resources for more information about local businesses and services to plan your next Rocky Mountain vacation! You can also visit our neighbourhood directory to see what’s nearby in the Spring Creek neighbourhood.

Reserve your Canmore vacation rental and start exploring our charming little mountain town!