Canmore Travel Guide
So, picture this: you're all set to visit Banff National Park, visions of turquoise lakes and jagged peaks dancing in your head...until you check the hotel prices in Banff. Let's just say your wallet might die of a heart attack. So, instead of selling a kidney, head 20 minutes down the road to Canmore, where the views are just as EPIC, the restaurant scene is next-level, and the price tag won't make you cry - too much.
When you get to Canmore, you might be bewildered by a big head statue in town. Well, that’s because in Gaelic, Canmore translates to Big Head (in the sense of 'Great Leader'). And why Gaelic you ask? That's because the town of Canmore was named for Malcolm Canmore III, who ruled Scotland from 1058 to 1093AD.
WHERE TO STAY
Canmore becomes an enticing area to station yourself in the Rockies due to its close proximity to Banff (only 20 minutes from downtown Banff) at a fraction of the cost. Hotels we recommend in Canmore are:
Canmore Inn & Suites - One of Canmore's most family-oriented stays with a heated indoor pool (with a 3 story waterslide), and hot tub.
Lamphouse By Basecamp - A boutique motel in the heart of downtown. They have a large apartment-style until which sleeps up to 10 people across 3 bedrooms.
Basecamp Suites Canmore - A modern and upscale suite-style hotel located just off Main Street with kitchen equipped suites and a rooftop hot tub.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Canmore's food scene punches well above its weight, blending small-town charm with world-class flavors. Whether you're craving a cozy mountain bistro, a lively craft brewery, or a fine-dining experience, Canmore delivers. Add in artisan coffee shops, craft cocktail bars, and some of the best après-hike eats in the Rockies, and you'll quickly see why Canmore has evolved from a Banff alternative to a culinary destination in it’s own right.
We spent a disgusting rainy day in Canmore which, for us, can only mean one thing - FOOD TOUR TIME.
Instead of letting the drizzle dampen our spirits, we turned it into a perfect excuse to eat our way through town. At each place we ducked into, we asked the staff where they loved to eat - and then made that our next stop! One recommendation led to another, and soon we were hopping between hearty comfort food spots, a speakeasy, cozy breweries, and hidden gems we might never have found on our own. By the end of the day, we were full, happy, and convinced that Canmore in the rain is secretly one of the best foodie adventures you can have.
Bridgette Bar Canmore
Bridgette Bar Canmore is my personal favorite in Canmore. We ended up here during Happy Hour (every day from 2-5pm) which consisted of half off all drinks and pizzas. And let me just tell you that I had one of the best cocktails of my life (called Happy Clouds) here and the pizzas were incredible. It's slightly outside of the main downtown area (about a 1.5km and 20 min walk), but it’s SO worth the little extra effort to get there. Bridgette Bar was a 10/10.
Tank 310 & Grizzly Paw Pub
Not too far from Bridgette Bar is Tank 310. Tank 310 is part of the Grizzly Paw Brewing Co and is a standout spot where you can sip craft beer and savor elevated comfort food with mountain views that steal the show. Now, I'm not the biggest beer fan but the Raspberry Lemon Shandy won me over! It was so good that I ordered an entire pint of it later that evening when we stopped by the Grizzly Paw Pub. Craig IS a beer fan and his favorite is the Beavertail Raspberry Ale. Grizzly Paw Pub is located more centrally in downtown Canmore so it may be easier to get to than Tank 310 but whichever you choose, you won't be disappointed. Both offer great food and beer.
Where The Buffalo Roam Saloon
Just about every local we asked suggested we go to Where The Buffalo Roam Saloon. Nestled on Main Street in the heart of Canmore, Where the Buffalo Roam Saloon has earned its reputation as a local favorite for its warm, intimate setting, creative cocktails, and comfort-forward cuisine which blends rustic charm with vintage flair.
Tavern 1883
Tavern 1883 is definitely a hidden gem. This place wasn't on our radar at all but was suggested to us by a local. Tucked in a charming early-1900s home just off Main Street, Tavern 1883 is pure Rocky Mountain magic. Inside, you’ll find a warm, rustic-Canadiana atmosphere where cozy meets cool. It’s famous for its award-winning burgers (voted best in the Bow Valley for years!) and inventive pub fare - from elk and wild boar burgers to tacos and blueberry bruschetta (sounds weird but trust us, it’s drool-worthy). Locals call it the best pub in Canmore, the go-to for happy hour, and a reliably stellar spot to unwind after a day on the trails.
The Wood Restaurant & Lounge
Located inside a charming historic log building right at the corner of Main Street, The Wood is all about cozy, casual vibes and unbeatable mountain views. Whether you’re dining inside by the roaring fireplace or lounging on the spacious, dog-friendly patio, this place serves up hearty comfort fare - think Alberta steaks, homemade burgers, pasta, and BBQ ribs.
4296 & Bar Deja Vu
Craig's all time favorite cocktail is the cherry bomb made at 4296, a stylish, intimate hideaway off an alley just steps from Main Street in downtown Canmore. The vibe is modern mountain chic, with a refined touch and cozy bar ambiance. And tucked away behind a mirrored door at the back of 4296 is Bar Déjà Vu, Canmore’s first-ever speakeasy! Giving off major underground New York vibes with mood-lit mirrored lounge seats, textured brick walls, and a midnight-black bar that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another universe. It boasts craft cocktails that are as inventive as they are beautiful, plus a playful riddle adventure to gain entrance - “follow the rabbit” indeed. Whether you’re sneaking in for a post-dinner elixir or diving straight into the speakeasy first, it’s a stylish, unforgettable nightcap that locals and visitors rave about .
BeaverTails
BeaverTails is our favorite dessert spot. Fried dough topped with creamy pistachio spread, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of crunchy pistachio crumbs = HEAVEN.
Rocky Mountain Bagel Company
Rocky Mountain Bagel Company is the place to go for breakfast sandwiches in Canmore. Since 1995, this family-run gem has been handcrafting artisan Mountain-Style bagels fresh every day. With two locations in Canmore, each brimming with community charm, you can enjoy bagel sandwiches piled high with local ingredients.
Blondies Cafe
Blondies Cafe serves up some amazing coffee and is your go-to for a relaxed coffee break. Definitely add this bright and welcoming spot where you can “Have a Blonde Moment” over a great cup of Aussie-style coffee.
WHAT TO DO
Unfortunately we ended up in Canmore on a cold, rainy, and snowy weekend so many of the activities we had planned didn't pan out. But that's weather in the Rockies for you. So I'm going to include what we did manage to do, along with things I had planned but that got cancelled due to weather, and one activity that Craig has done on a previous trip.
Grassi Lakes Trail
We managed to sneak in the Grassi Lakes hike before the weather turned. It was overcast and cloudy but the wonderful thing about this trail is that the lakes and forest are the stars of this hike so this is a perfect hike on an overcast day when the mountains may be hiding. This is a moderate loop trail about 4km (2.5 miles) roundtrip with an elevation gain of 125 meters (400 ft).
There are two path options to take, the Interpretive Trail and the Upper Trail. We took the Interpretive Trail and highly recommend this route. It's pretty flat for the first half then there is a short but steep section but after that, the whole second half of the hike is downhill. It took us approximately 2 hours to complete which included many photo stops and a black bear spotting!
Cave Tour
Canmore Cave Tours offers cave tours of the Rat's Nest Cave for the adventurous. A few years back, Craig took the Adventure Tour which includes rappelling 18 meters! This tour is not for the faint of heart - or the claustrophobic. But if you are brave enough to venture in, you will have an epic underground experience.
Alpine Helicopters
I had booked us the Three Sisters Peak Tour at Alpine Helicopters which is a 25 minute ride and, as of 2025, costs $320CAD per person; however, they have other helicopter rides to choose from as well. We were so excited about this tour; albeit, the weather did not cooperate and the tour was cancelled twice due to the weather which I completely understand and respect. I value the integrity of the company not flying when the weather is bad due to safety. Hopefully next time we will get luckier with the weather 🤞
Policeman Creek Trail
Policeman Creek Trail looks amazing from what I've seen online but this is another thing which we didn't get to because of the bad weather. If you have nice weather, we'd definitely recommend adding this to your Canmore itinerary. It's listed as an easy stroll that showcases the town’s natural beauty without ever leaving its center. Stretching about 4km round-trip, the trail meanders along wooden boardwalks and quiet forest paths, following the clear waters of Policeman’s Creek. Along the way, you’ll spot reflections of the Three Sisters, birds darting through the reeds, and maybe even a deer or elk grazing nearby. With its flat terrain and convenient access from downtown, it’s perfect for a leisurely walk, a family outing, or a quick escape into nature between adventures in the Rockies.
Did we miss your favorite spot in Canmore? Let us know down in the comments so we can add it to our next trip!
For more inspiration, check out our other Canadian Rockies travel guides:
The Ultimate Guide to Driving the Icefields Parkway
Ultimate 1-Day Lake Adventure in Banff (+Yoho)
Things to do in Banff: No Car Required
Check out our YouTube video of Canmore to see more of what we got up to ↓
If you got this far, thanks for reading and remember to STAY CLASSLESS 😉
