Guidebook for Canmore
Food Scene
Amazing tapas style food for sharing. Quaint vibe. Great wine list - especially if you like Pinot Noir!
73 locals recommend
Tapas Restaurant
633 10 StAmazing tapas style food for sharing. Quaint vibe. Great wine list - especially if you like Pinot Noir!
Freshly made bagels daily. Try the breakfast lox with salmon - a local fav!
99 locals recommend
Rocky Mountain Bagel Co
830 8 StFreshly made bagels daily. Try the breakfast lox with salmon - a local fav!
Need to grab a coffee on the go with a muffin? This is my go-to spot.
47 locals recommend
Beamer's Coffee Bar
737 7 AveNeed to grab a coffee on the go with a muffin? This is my go-to spot.
Health conscious eats bursting with flavour. Open for breakfast and lunch. Great vibe and amazing muffins made fresh daily. One of my favourite places for coffee. Check out the buddha bowl full of yummy goodness! Also a good live music scene in the evenings. Check out their schedule online.
128 locals recommend
Communitea Cafe
117-1001 6 AveHealth conscious eats bursting with flavour. Open for breakfast and lunch. Great vibe and amazing muffins made fresh daily. One of my favourite places for coffee. Check out the buddha bowl full of yummy goodness! Also a good live music scene in the evenings. Check out their schedule online.
One of my favourite restaurants in the Bow Valley. Great selection of food and amazing service.
The Maple Leaf
137 Banff AveOne of my favourite restaurants in the Bow Valley. Great selection of food and amazing service.
Great greek food for take-out. Bill is the local business owner who has been in Banff for a very long time and there is a reason why! Delicious food!
Barpa Bill's Souvlaki
223 Bear StreetGreat greek food for take-out. Bill is the local business owner who has been in Banff for a very long time and there is a reason why! Delicious food!
Amazing French pastries and dessert options! Clean and bright atmosphere - a great place to visit to start your day!
69 locals recommend
Le fournil Bakery
101-1205 Bow Valley TrailAmazing French pastries and dessert options! Clean and bright atmosphere - a great place to visit to start your day!
Coyotes Southwestern Grill
206 Caribou StQuaint and absolutely delicious southwestern fare!
Always a great place with lots of people and energy and a great selection on the menu as well. A 10-15 minute walk.
20 locals recommend
Murrieta's West Coast Bar & Grill
808 1 Street SouthwestAlways a great place with lots of people and energy and a great selection on the menu as well. A 10-15 minute walk.
A new restaurant to town with an uptown feel. It has a unique menu with mouth watering dishes.
66 locals recommend
BLAKE
810 Bow Valley TrailA new restaurant to town with an uptown feel. It has a unique menu with mouth watering dishes.
One of the top restaurants in Canada - the Crazyweed will not disappoint. It also has a grass roof which makes it extra cool. Enjoy the wide wine selection as well. One of Canmore's favourite restaurants.
158 locals recommend
Crazyweed Kitchen
1600 Railway AveOne of the top restaurants in Canada - the Crazyweed will not disappoint. It also has a grass roof which makes it extra cool. Enjoy the wide wine selection as well. One of Canmore's favourite restaurants.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a restaurant and bar that turns into a "nightclub" at night with live music and d.j.s. Great burger on the menu here.
89 locals recommend
Tavern 1883
709 9 StThis is a restaurant and bar that turns into a "nightclub" at night with live music and d.j.s. Great burger on the menu here.
Where the Buffalo Roam Saloon is here for anyone who needs a place to meet, drink, date, socialize or to just get away.
They are a drink focused business but our cutting edge food menu. I love going out for a drink here!
160 locals recommend
Where The Buffalo Roam Saloon
626 8 StreetWhere the Buffalo Roam Saloon is here for anyone who needs a place to meet, drink, date, socialize or to just get away.
They are a drink focused business but our cutting edge food menu. I love going out for a drink here!
Sightseeing
An absolute must if you haven't been. Gorgeous views anytime of year whether you snowshoe around the lake, mountain climb at the routes at the back of the lake or walk around. Step into the iconic Fairmont Hotel for tea in the afternoon. Also take the Gondola an there is a good chance you'll see bears when they are out.
371 locals recommend
Lake Louise
Lake Louise Lakeshore TrailAn absolute must if you haven't been. Gorgeous views anytime of year whether you snowshoe around the lake, mountain climb at the routes at the back of the lake or walk around. Step into the iconic Fairmont Hotel for tea in the afternoon. Also take the Gondola an there is a good chance you'll see bears when they are out.
Take in the mountain vistas of the majestic Rocky Mountains at the top of the gondola.
86 locals recommend
Banff Gondola
100 Mountain AveTake in the mountain vistas of the majestic Rocky Mountains at the top of the gondola.
I love Emerald Lake! There is a reason it's called "emerald" too! The silt from the glacier that was once there creates the deep bluish-green colour in the lake. There is a lodge there as well where you can have lunch or dinner and a bar to have a drink. I recommend calling ahead and making a reservation. Also check out the natural bridge on the road up to Emerald Lake.
18 locals recommend
Emerald Lake Lodge
1 Emerald Lake RdI love Emerald Lake! There is a reason it's called "emerald" too! The silt from the glacier that was once there creates the deep bluish-green colour in the lake. There is a lodge there as well where you can have lunch or dinner and a bar to have a drink. I recommend calling ahead and making a reservation. Also check out the natural bridge on the road up to Emerald Lake.
Whether it's for walking around, visiting the world renown Willow Stream Spa, or for breakfast, lunch or dinner – experiencing this Scottish Castle is a must if you visit Banff. The weekend brunch is wonderful. Check website for dates and times.
47 locals recommend
Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs
405 Spray AveWhether it's for walking around, visiting the world renown Willow Stream Spa, or for breakfast, lunch or dinner – experiencing this Scottish Castle is a must if you visit Banff. The weekend brunch is wonderful. Check website for dates and times.
Seeing the mountains from the ground is one thing, but getting a bird's eye view from a helicopter is another! Treat yourself to a trip in the ski of the incredible majestic Rocky Mountains!
51 locals recommend
Alpine Helicopters Inc.
91 Bow Valley TrailSeeing the mountains from the ground is one thing, but getting a bird's eye view from a helicopter is another! Treat yourself to a trip in the ski of the incredible majestic Rocky Mountains!
Entertainment & Activities
Feel like going out and socializing? Check out High Rollers bowling alley in Banff. Super fun bar-like atmosphere where you can eat and drink while you bowl.
26 locals recommend
High Rollers
110 Banff AveFeel like going out and socializing? Check out High Rollers bowling alley in Banff. Super fun bar-like atmosphere where you can eat and drink while you bowl.
a welcoming, user-friendly space where Bow Valley residents and visitors can gather to explore, discover, and celebrate the adventure of art and creativity through a full range of classes, workshops, camps, performances, films, and exhibits.
64 locals recommend
artsPlace Canmore
950 8 Avea welcoming, user-friendly space where Bow Valley residents and visitors can gather to explore, discover, and celebrate the adventure of art and creativity through a full range of classes, workshops, camps, performances, films, and exhibits.
Canmore's indoor playground. Elevation Place offers a large pool, climbing gym, fitness gym, and numerous daily drop in core classes.
119 locals recommend
Elevation Place
700 Railway AveCanmore's indoor playground. Elevation Place offers a large pool, climbing gym, fitness gym, and numerous daily drop in core classes.
Check out the Banff Center for Entertainment - whether it be music, dancing or a
Canmore Public Library
700 Railway AveCheck out the Banff Center for Entertainment - whether it be music, dancing or a
If you are into mountain biking, nordic skiing, or trail running - this is your place!
163 locals recommend
Canmore Nordic Centre station
If you are into mountain biking, nordic skiing, or trail running - this is your place!
If you have a bike (mountain or road) riding the Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff is a must! Enjoy the great views as you parallel the #1 highway between Canmore and Banff. You can ride your bike one way, stop for lunch and take the Roam Public Transit bus with your bike in tow on the way back! They have bike racks in the front of the bus!
33 locals recommend
Legacy Trail station
If you have a bike (mountain or road) riding the Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff is a must! Enjoy the great views as you parallel the #1 highway between Canmore and Banff. You can ride your bike one way, stop for lunch and take the Roam Public Transit bus with your bike in tow on the way back! They have bike racks in the front of the bus!
Check out the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefields on the Banff-Jasper Highway (look up "Brewster" online). They also have a skywalk attraction as well.
14 locals recommend
Athabasca Glacier
Check out the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefields on the Banff-Jasper Highway (look up "Brewster" online). They also have a skywalk attraction as well.
Enjoy the outdoor pool where visitors can look across the valley to Mount Rundle.
94 locals recommend
Banff Upper Hot Springs
1 Mountain AveEnjoy the outdoor pool where visitors can look across the valley to Mount Rundle.
Parks & Nature
This is a favourite local hike that is short and easy - a half day is plenty for this hike. The perfect family hike! The trail winds past a waterfall where it eventually leads you to two majestic turquoise lakes. You can't miss the panoramic views of Canmore that surround you every step of the hike. The trail has two routes. The easy route takes you up a gravel access road with a gentle rising slope to the lake. The difficult route takes you through the wooded trail out to the Grassi Lakes Waterfall before a steep accent to the lake. Grassi Lakes is also a popular rock climbing spot.
35 locals recommend
Grassi Lakes Trail Head
Ken Richie WayThis is a favourite local hike that is short and easy - a half day is plenty for this hike. The perfect family hike! The trail winds past a waterfall where it eventually leads you to two majestic turquoise lakes. You can't miss the panoramic views of Canmore that surround you every step of the hike. The trail has two routes. The easy route takes you up a gravel access road with a gentle rising slope to the lake. The difficult route takes you through the wooded trail out to the Grassi Lakes Waterfall before a steep accent to the lake. Grassi Lakes is also a popular rock climbing spot.
Another popular hike along a lower and upper waterfall. Where appropriate shoes especially in the winter as it can get icy. Check out the website for more details. This can be a very busy tourist attraction because it so beautiful! This is an easy 3.5 km loop which has great views, possibility of seeing wildlife, and a beautiful mountain lake close to Banff. They key is to go early and enjoy the solitude of the area. If you are luck you will hear and see the resident loons.
99 locals recommend
Johnston Canyon
Bow Valley ParkwayAnother popular hike along a lower and upper waterfall. Where appropriate shoes especially in the winter as it can get icy. Check out the website for more details. This can be a very busy tourist attraction because it so beautiful! This is an easy 3.5 km loop which has great views, possibility of seeing wildlife, and a beautiful mountain lake close to Banff. They key is to go early and enjoy the solitude of the area. If you are luck you will hear and see the resident loons.
The 21km long lake just outside of the town of Banff is ideal for swimming, fishing, and canoeing on it's waters as well as hiking and biking around it's shores. The trail goes around the north side Lake Minnewanka. It has minimal elevation gain, just go as far as you want and turn around. Wait until berry season is over. In the fall there there are a ton of golden aspens along the trail.
75 locals recommend
Lake Minnewanka
The 21km long lake just outside of the town of Banff is ideal for swimming, fishing, and canoeing on it's waters as well as hiking and biking around it's shores. The trail goes around the north side Lake Minnewanka. It has minimal elevation gain, just go as far as you want and turn around. Wait until berry season is over. In the fall there there are a ton of golden aspens along the trail.
easy 2 to 3 km stroll off the trans Canada Hwy. Very popular due to it's easy access.
20 locals recommend
Heart Creek Trail Head
New exit from Highway 1 to New Roundabouteasy 2 to 3 km stroll off the trans Canada Hwy. Very popular due to it's easy access.
Hoodoo Trail from Surprise corner, Banff. This is a little-known trail that most locals don't even know about. Go up Buffalo St. in Banff towards the Banff Centre and when the road takes a hard left there is a small parking lot-park there. From there simply hike out for 45 min and come back the same way. It's not worth going all the way to the hoodoos, the first part is the pretty part.
Hoodoos Trail
Hoodoos TrailHoodoo Trail from Surprise corner, Banff. This is a little-known trail that most locals don't even know about. Go up Buffalo St. in Banff towards the Banff Centre and when the road takes a hard left there is a small parking lot-park there. From there simply hike out for 45 min and come back the same way. It's not worth going all the way to the hoodoos, the first part is the pretty part.
Find out all the activities and sightseeing adventures the Bow Valley (and Alberta) has to offer in one stop.
Travel Alberta Visitor Information Centre
2010 26 AveFind out all the activities and sightseeing adventures the Bow Valley (and Alberta) has to offer in one stop.
Pop over to our neighbouring province, British Columbia, and take in this incredible hike. This is truly one of the most beautiful trails in Yoho Park. You can do it as a full day loop 17 km and 710m elevation gain. Or hike up 6.5 km to the summit and back. This is a challenging full day hike but worth it.
Iceline Trail
Iceline TrailPop over to our neighbouring province, British Columbia, and take in this incredible hike. This is truly one of the most beautiful trails in Yoho Park. You can do it as a full day loop 17 km and 710m elevation gain. Or hike up 6.5 km to the summit and back. This is a challenging full day hike but worth it.
Plain of Six Glaciers is busy, but so beautiful its worth it. Check out the tea house too!
Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse
Plain of Six Glaciers is busy, but so beautiful its worth it. Check out the tea house too!
Marble Canyon
Marble CanyonA great alternative to Johnston Canyon Hike.
A great local trail overlooking the Canmore townsite. A steep hike that will take you 3 - 4 hours to complete the 6 km loop.
86 locals recommend
Ha Ling Peak
A great local trail overlooking the Canmore townsite. A steep hike that will take you 3 - 4 hours to complete the 6 km loop.
Another well-used trail in the Rocky Mountains – an early morning start is best. This hike encompasses a myriad of nature’s work: remnants of a forest fire, a hanging valley, high peaks (Stanley Peak, Storm Mtn., Mt. Whymper and Boom Mtn.) and the receding Stanley Glacier.
Time: Half-day trip
Distance: 4.2 km (2.6 miles) one-way
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 365 m (1200 feet)
Stanley Glacier Trail
Kootenay HighwayAnother well-used trail in the Rocky Mountains – an early morning start is best. This hike encompasses a myriad of nature’s work: remnants of a forest fire, a hanging valley, high peaks (Stanley Peak, Storm Mtn., Mt. Whymper and Boom Mtn.) and the receding Stanley Glacier.
Time: Half-day trip
Distance: 4.2 km (2.6 miles) one-way
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 365 m (1200 feet)
Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley Trail is a 10.8 km heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from June until August.
Sentinel Pass
Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley Trail is a 10.8 km heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from June until August.
Shopping
Looking for something to bring back from your vacation for a loved one? Or maybe you're treating yourself? This is the store with lots of goodies from kitchen ware to jewelry.
14 locals recommend
The Tin Box
637 8 StLooking for something to bring back from your vacation for a loved one? Or maybe you're treating yourself? This is the store with lots of goodies from kitchen ware to jewelry.
Women's stylish clothing store with everything to dress you up from head to toe!
10 locals recommend
Indigo Bay
801 8 StWomen's stylish clothing store with everything to dress you up from head to toe!
Want to use non-toxic healthy products on your skin? This is the most wonderful store full of soaps, creams, lip balms, bath bombs and body butters. Great for gifts!
41 locals recommend
Rocky Mountain Soap Company
204 Banff AveWant to use non-toxic healthy products on your skin? This is the most wonderful store full of soaps, creams, lip balms, bath bombs and body butters. Great for gifts!
Essentials
Save-On-Foods
950 Railway AveIf you forget anything or just want to pop in to get a carton of milk or a case of eggs, Rusticana is your place! They also have a liquor store located right next door.
36 locals recommend
Rusticana Grocery
801 8 StIf you forget anything or just want to pop in to get a carton of milk or a case of eggs, Rusticana is your place! They also have a liquor store located right next door.
Safeway Canmore
1200 Railway AveLaundromat
610 8 StLocated on main street/8th street
Looking for specialty coffee or cooking products? This is your place! They also serve amazing food and coffee in the cafe. Any time my recipe has a special ingredient, I go here to find it!
48 locals recommend
Mountain Mercato
102-817 8 StLooking for specialty coffee or cooking products? This is your place! They also serve amazing food and coffee in the cafe. Any time my recipe has a special ingredient, I go here to find it!
One Wellness
177 Kananaskis WayPamper yourself at this local spa!
Take the day (or night) to enjoy lounging around at one of the best spas in North America. Book a treatment (additional cost to entry fee) or use the pools and outdoor hot tub to nourish and rejuvenate yourself!
47 locals recommend
Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs
405 Spray AveTake the day (or night) to enjoy lounging around at one of the best spas in North America. Book a treatment (additional cost to entry fee) or use the pools and outdoor hot tub to nourish and rejuvenate yourself!