Melissa & Sunny's Winter Canmore Guidebok
Food scene
All of these food places in Canmore are our favourite go-to places. We hope you enjoy them too.
Best coffee in town. Eclipse Coffee Roasters (formerly Rave Coffee) is a local specialty coffee roaster carrying 15 to 20 different coffees at any time. Super friendly staff and cute and cozy cafe area to take a break. After a cup, you'll want to take some home with you.
84 locals recommend
Eclipse Coffee Roasters
1516 Bow Valley TrailBest coffee in town. Eclipse Coffee Roasters (formerly Rave Coffee) is a local specialty coffee roaster carrying 15 to 20 different coffees at any time. Super friendly staff and cute and cozy cafe area to take a break. After a cup, you'll want to take some home with you.
Perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. Eat in and order some bagels for the road. Everything is made from scratch and they have the most delicious gluten free scones.
99 locals recommend
Rocky Mountain Bagel Co
830 8 StPerfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. Eat in and order some bagels for the road. Everything is made from scratch and they have the most delicious gluten free scones.
Local favourite for fresh, healthy, and delicious meals. Try the buddha bowl and yoga tea while you’re trying to decide on what other tea to try from their tea wall! Their menu includes gluten free, vegetarian/vegan options and their space is bright and energizing. Communitea also offers live music in the evenings.
128 locals recommend
Communitea Cafe
117-1001 6 AveLocal favourite for fresh, healthy, and delicious meals. Try the buddha bowl and yoga tea while you’re trying to decide on what other tea to try from their tea wall! Their menu includes gluten free, vegetarian/vegan options and their space is bright and energizing. Communitea also offers live music in the evenings.
Every time we visit the BLAKE the food is consistently so good! Definitely worth a visit. There are a variety of food options and creative cocktails on the menu. They also have partnered with RAW distillery within the location and have a huge patio. Happy hour is from 3-6pm with food specials.
66 locals recommend
BLAKE
810 Bow Valley TrailEvery time we visit the BLAKE the food is consistently so good! Definitely worth a visit. There are a variety of food options and creative cocktails on the menu. They also have partnered with RAW distillery within the location and have a huge patio. Happy hour is from 3-6pm with food specials.
100% gluten free restaurant and kitchen. It is absolutely amazing to be able to order anything on the menu without having to worry. Wonderful and unique dishes with delightful staff.
28 locals recommend
Wild Orchid Bistro
1818 Mountain Ave100% gluten free restaurant and kitchen. It is absolutely amazing to be able to order anything on the menu without having to worry. Wonderful and unique dishes with delightful staff.
For a special night out, you'll have a wonderful experience at Sage Bistro. Family owned and operated, you'll settle in instantly within their log building. The menu offers a variety of Canadian dishes focusing on high quality ingredients from local farms. They have sharing plates and a huge wine list.
39 locals recommend
Sage Bistro
1712 Bow Valley TrailFor a special night out, you'll have a wonderful experience at Sage Bistro. Family owned and operated, you'll settle in instantly within their log building. The menu offers a variety of Canadian dishes focusing on high quality ingredients from local farms. They have sharing plates and a huge wine list.
Hikes & Trails
The trails listed below are for beginner to moderate hiking experience levels. These trails can be explored year-round. Head on out in the winter for beautiful scenery and frozen waterfalls. Before visiting, please consult National park websites for trail conditions and any temporary closures in the area.
For a relaxed hike in beautiful scenery, head to Grassi Lakes. The trail is 4.3 kilometres there and back and is rated at a moderate level. The trail is a bit steep at the beginning, but is still considered kid friendly. In the winter, only the “easy trail” is open for use. Plan for about 1-2 hours for this hike and wear ice cleats or spikes on your shoes for icy conditions.
155 locals recommend
Grassi Lakes
For a relaxed hike in beautiful scenery, head to Grassi Lakes. The trail is 4.3 kilometres there and back and is rated at a moderate level. The trail is a bit steep at the beginning, but is still considered kid friendly. In the winter, only the “easy trail” is open for use. Plan for about 1-2 hours for this hike and wear ice cleats or spikes on your shoes for icy conditions.
Ha Ling Peak is rated as a hard 8 kilometer trek up (due to elevation gain) beyond the tree line to a summit with spectacular views of Canmore. In the winter this trail is considered BACKCOUNTRY. Please check the avalanche forecast for Kananaskis before going
(https://www.avalanche.ca/forecasts/kananaskis) and wear the proper gear for a more enjoyable hike.
45 locals recommend
Ha Ling Peak trailhead
Alberta 742Ha Ling Peak is rated as a hard 8 kilometer trek up (due to elevation gain) beyond the tree line to a summit with spectacular views of Canmore. In the winter this trail is considered BACKCOUNTRY. Please check the avalanche forecast for Kananaskis before going
(https://www.avalanche.ca/forecasts/kananaskis) and wear the proper gear for a more enjoyable hike.
Johnston Canyon is the perfect easy winter hike. You’ll come across two frozen waterfalls. Parts of the trail are likely to be icy so having a pair of ice cleats will come in handy.
18 locals recommend
Johnston Canyon, Upper Falls
Johnston Canyon is the perfect easy winter hike. You’ll come across two frozen waterfalls. Parts of the trail are likely to be icy so having a pair of ice cleats will come in handy.
The views from Sulphur Mountain are a must see during your trip to the Rocky Mountains in Banff. You can either take the gondola up to the top of the Mountain or hike up. At the top you’ll be met with an interpretative boardwalk to walk across the summit, restaurants, observation deck, and hiking trails. If you hike up, you can ride the gondola down for free.
25 locals recommend
Sulphur Mountain
The views from Sulphur Mountain are a must see during your trip to the Rocky Mountains in Banff. You can either take the gondola up to the top of the Mountain or hike up. At the top you’ll be met with an interpretative boardwalk to walk across the summit, restaurants, observation deck, and hiking trails. If you hike up, you can ride the gondola down for free.
Activities
Beautiful facility to visit year round with views of of Canmore and surrounding mountains. There are over 6km of groomed trails for cross country skiing and 100km of trails for mountain biking and trail running in the summer. During the winter season, there is also biathlon, tobogganing, ice skating, winter disc golf, fat biking, and snowshoeing available. On site, you'll find a daylodge which provides lockers, a seating area, and a cafe. Rentals and lessons are also available.
163 locals recommend
Canmore Nordic Centre station
Beautiful facility to visit year round with views of of Canmore and surrounding mountains. There are over 6km of groomed trails for cross country skiing and 100km of trails for mountain biking and trail running in the summer. During the winter season, there is also biathlon, tobogganing, ice skating, winter disc golf, fat biking, and snowshoeing available. On site, you'll find a daylodge which provides lockers, a seating area, and a cafe. Rentals and lessons are also available.
Well known local micro-brewery offers an hour long tour with samples of their brews and handcrafted soda. After the tour stay for a bit to eat and marvel at the views of the Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak and Mount Rundle. Booking tour tickets in advance is recommended.
160 locals recommend
Where The Buffalo Roam Saloon
626 8 StreetWell known local micro-brewery offers an hour long tour with samples of their brews and handcrafted soda. After the tour stay for a bit to eat and marvel at the views of the Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak and Mount Rundle. Booking tour tickets in advance is recommended.
Family friendly facility with lots of different fun activities to choose from. Grab a day pass and enjoy the pool, climbing gym, or fitness centre.
119 locals recommend
Elevation Place
700 Railway AveFamily friendly facility with lots of different fun activities to choose from. Grab a day pass and enjoy the pool, climbing gym, or fitness centre.
Play a round of golf (18 holes) while being surrounded by spectacular mountain views. At the 18th hole, grab a bite to eat at Stoneys Bar and Grill or treat yourself to dinner at Rusticana steak house.
43 locals recommend
Silvertip Golf Course
2000 Silvertip TrailPlay a round of golf (18 holes) while being surrounded by spectacular mountain views. At the 18th hole, grab a bite to eat at Stoneys Bar and Grill or treat yourself to dinner at Rusticana steak house.
Bright and lovely yoga studio with a variety of classes for all levels. If you have a chance to take a class with Chesa, don’t miss it. They also offer a free monthly book club.
WildHeart Canmore
826 6 AveBright and lovely yoga studio with a variety of classes for all levels. If you have a chance to take a class with Chesa, don’t miss it. They also offer a free monthly book club.
Take in the views of Mount Rundle while relaxing in the hot springs. Come in the morning for a more relaxing visit with smaller crowds or after a day of skiing.
94 locals recommend
Banff Upper Hot Springs
1 Mountain AveTake in the views of Mount Rundle while relaxing in the hot springs. Come in the morning for a more relaxing visit with smaller crowds or after a day of skiing.
If you have a chance to receive a massage, reiki, or spiritual healing experience from Carrie - do it. We can't recommend Carrie enough. Carrie's caring approach to healing practices and wisdom will help you relax and feel rejuvenated.
Healing Earth Therapy Canmore
If you have a chance to receive a massage, reiki, or spiritual healing experience from Carrie - do it. We can't recommend Carrie enough. Carrie's caring approach to healing practices and wisdom will help you relax and feel rejuvenated.
Arts, Music & Culture
Curious about the history of Canmore? Come hear the stories of the mountains and the Canmore community at the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre. Along with their collections, the museum offers guided tours of Canmore's coal mining past and self-guided walking tour of downtown Canmore’s historic sites.
45 locals recommend
Canmore Museum and Geoscience Center
902B 7 AveCurious about the history of Canmore? Come hear the stories of the mountains and the Canmore community at the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre. Along with their collections, the museum offers guided tours of Canmore's coal mining past and self-guided walking tour of downtown Canmore’s historic sites.
The Drake Pub
909 Railway AveLive music on the weekends.
Please check their website (www.banffcentre.ca) to see what art offerings are happening during your visit. It’s an amazing place to go for ballet, opera and live concerts. The Banff Centre hosts more than 400 shows, an outdoor amphitheater, an art gallery and 3 restaurants. The 45th annual Mountain Film and Book Festival kicks off from October 31st - November 8th, 2020.
28 locals recommend
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
107 Tunnel Mountain DrPlease check their website (www.banffcentre.ca) to see what art offerings are happening during your visit. It’s an amazing place to go for ballet, opera and live concerts. The Banff Centre hosts more than 400 shows, an outdoor amphitheater, an art gallery and 3 restaurants. The 45th annual Mountain Film and Book Festival kicks off from October 31st - November 8th, 2020.
Beautiful museum. They have awesome exhibitions and programs that are really well put together and often changing. Worth a visit to see what’s on!
11 locals recommend
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
111 Bear StBeautiful museum. They have awesome exhibitions and programs that are really well put together and often changing. Worth a visit to see what’s on!
A community arts centre offering classes, programs, movies, and live music performances.
64 locals recommend
artsPlace Canmore
950 8 AveA community arts centre offering classes, programs, movies, and live music performances.
Shopping
Fantastic sports rental place. Very knowledgeable staff and high quality equipment. They are also located minutes from the legacy trail. Rent a bike, helmet and go for a bike ride to Banff!
49 locals recommend
Gear Up
1302 Bow Valley TrailFantastic sports rental place. Very knowledgeable staff and high quality equipment. They are also located minutes from the legacy trail. Rent a bike, helmet and go for a bike ride to Banff!
Fabulous local book store. You’ll find a great selection of books from local Canadian authors, guide books to explore the area and gifts. When you visit, make sure to go all the way to the back to visit the little tea shop. It’s such a delightful surprise.
17 locals recommend
Cafe Books Ltd
826 8 StFabulous local book store. You’ll find a great selection of books from local Canadian authors, guide books to explore the area and gifts. When you visit, make sure to go all the way to the back to visit the little tea shop. It’s such a delightful surprise.
Pick out something special to take home with you. Everything in the shop is made by Albertan artisans.
31 locals recommend
Alberta's Own Marketplace
826 8 Street Pick out something special to take home with you. Everything in the shop is made by Albertan artisans.
Local handmade makers of soaps, washes and body butters. 100% natural, simple ingredients safe for ourselves and our environment. The lemongrass soap and wash are our absolute favourite.
41 locals recommend
Rocky Mountain Soap Company
204 Banff AveLocal handmade makers of soaps, washes and body butters. 100% natural, simple ingredients safe for ourselves and our environment. The lemongrass soap and wash are our absolute favourite.
Hello Vintage
717 10 StSuch a fun vintage shop to visit. You’ll never know what you’ll find. Worth a peak.
Essentials
Local grocery store with pharmacy. You’ll find everything needed to prepare meals during your stay.
116 locals recommend
Save-On-Foods
950 Railway AveLocal grocery store with pharmacy. You’ll find everything needed to prepare meals during your stay.
Nutters Everyday Naturals
900 Railway AveAmazing natural and organic grocery store.
Stop by to gather information, maps, and advice for your stay in Canmore, Banff, and the Kananaskis area.
7 locals recommend
Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Information Centre
2801 Bow Valley TrailStop by to gather information, maps, and advice for your stay in Canmore, Banff, and the Kananaskis area.