Canmore Alberta: The Hidden Gem Between Calgary And Banff

Canmore Alberta is a small town in the Canadian Rockies. Although it isn’t technically a part of Banff National Park, there are some pretty impressive scenic spots in Canmore that are worth checking out.

It’s like a sneak peak of what you’re about to see in Banff National Park. It also makes the perfect stop on the drive from Calgary to Banff. So here’s what you can expect from a pit stop in Canmore Alberta, and who knows, you might even find yourself wanting to come back for more!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

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Where Is Canmore Alberta

Canmore Alberta is just over an hour drive from Calgary, and only 20 minutes from Banff (the total drive from Calgary to Banff is about an hour and a half). So although it doesn’t exactly break up the drive that evenly, it still makes a great pitstop.

If you’re planning on stopping in Canmore Alberta, I recommend stopping on your way to Banff instead of on your way back to Calgary. Otherwise Canmore might be a bit underwhelming after seeing Banff National Park!

The town of Canmore also is right before the entrance to the National Park, so it’s completely free to access. You will need a park pass to enter the Banff National park and I highly recommend buying one in advance.

P.S. Check out my Banff travel checklist available on Etsy. Plan the best possible trip to Banff National Park and Canmore!

the most relaxing view of the bow river in canmore alberta. Mount Rundle lines the frame leading your eye from the left to the distance, where you meet engine bridge, a brown rustic, and very practical looking bridge taking you across the rushing teal water below and onto the other side of the river. On this side, tall trees line your view. In between the tall trees, you can see something red, it's someone sleeping in a bright red hammock.

Why Stop In Canmore On The Drive From Calgary To Banff?

If Canmore is just an underwhelming version of Banff, then why stop here at all?

As I mentioned, it makes the drive from Calgary to Banff a tad shorter, and it gives you a taste of what you’re about to see in Banff National Park. But Canmore is also known for a few Canadian Rocky scenic spots, mainly the Three Sisters (a three peak mountain range), and Grassi Lakes.

In recent years, it’s also known for being the filming location for HBO Max’s hit series The Last of Us.

And on top of all that, it’s a lot more local feeling than Banff town. Not only do more people call Canmore home, but it has more local restaurants and shops (for some Banff souvenir shopping). It doesn’t feel as overpriced as some restaurants in Banff.

All this to say, the town of Canmore is definitely worth visiting. It’s a lot smaller and more quaint, but offers some wonderful views in the town and along Bow river that you can’t get anywhere else! Let’s just say, my second time visiting Banff, I actually decided to stay in Canmore instead.

an example of local vibes in canmore alberta. Outside a house are two signs. One is attached to a mini raised house, with a glass door, showing off some books inside. The attached sign says: 13 Street Back Alley Books, Take one Return one.

Next to it is a larger sign with the painted outline of a dog bone, it reads below: dog library. Take a stick, Leave a stick. There are two outlines of sitting dogs looking at each other below the text.

How To Get To Canmore Alberta From Calgary

If you’re flying in to Calgary, you have two options to get from Calgary to Canmore. You can either rent a car at the airport, and drive to Canmore, or book a direct shuttle.

Both times I visited Banff, I opted to rent a car and drive. I’ve rented from both rented from Avis and Enterprise. Renting from Avis was mainly out of necessity and wouldn’t recommend it. Instead I recommend renting from Enterprise, but they sell out faster if you’re visiting during high season.

If you’d rather not rent a car, you can book a direct shuttle from the airport to Canmore (this way you can also enjoy the views!). From Canmore, you can simply jump on the public transit bus (Route 3) to Banff. P.S. for easier trip planning, download my travel planner from Etsy.

the long road forward leading you towards the canadian rockies in the distance. Even though it looks like summer where you are with green trees and grass, the mountains in the distance are still snow capped.

How Is The Drive From Calgary To Banff (Canmore)

It’s a pretty easy drive from Calgary to Banff, you’re just following the TransCanada Highway the whole way. If it’s a clear day, the drive is spectacular for views (why you might want to actually book a shuttle so you can also enjoy the views). It’s quite beautiful as the mountains in the distance gradually become larger and larger.

How Long Do You Need In The Town of Canmore?

The first time I visited, I was in Canmore for about half a day, and I could have easily stayed longer. So the next time I visited, I stayed in Canmore for a week with some day trips to visit the park instead.

It all depends on what you’re interested in doing, and your budget. For example, there are countless hikes in the area that would take you the better half of a day to finish! But if you’re okay with a simple walk to the main sights, enjoying a delicious lunch at a local cafe, and perusing some of the art galleries, then a half day is all the time you need!

Canmore is also a lot more affordable than Banff National Park, in terms of both accommodation and restaurants (or even groceries). You’re paying a premium once you enter the park.

beautiful 8th street in canmore alberta. The photo is framed by bright purple and pink flowers. BEhind them is a crosswalk connecting both sides of the road. On one side is a large, cabin like building. On the other is the canmore hotel, a much smaller, simple, brown building

What To Do In Canmore

There’s more than enough things to do in Canmore that you can easily spend an entire day (if not more!) to explore the small town and it’s surroundings.

P.S. I included a checklist of what to do in Canmore in my Banff travel checklist available on Etsy. Check it out to stay organized and plan the best possible trip to Banff National Park!

Walk, Shop, & Eat Along 8th Street (Town Centre)

The town of Canmore isn’t very large but it’s worth walking around. 8th Street is the main street you’re interested in, and it’s actually pedestrian only, making it very peaceful to walk along.

The street is lined on both sides with art galleries, shops, and restaurants. This is the best place to have lunch if you’re starting to get a bit peckish! I ate at the Rocky Mountain Bagel Company and highly recommend it, although expect a line (and they do sell out of bagel flavours later in the day!).

Although, a less popular spot, but maybe better is the Harvest Cafe. A nice benefit of eating here is that you might actually get a view of the mountains from your seat in the restaurant! For dinner, head to the Grizzly Paw Pub, which you might also be able to get a mountain view and some unique craft beers.

The best coffee in town is from Eclipse Coffee Roasters (p.s. rate and review their coffee with my coffee tasting journal!). I also recommend the Grizzly Paw

colourful homes line the pedestrian only 8th street in canmore alberta. There's not a car in site, but people sitting on the terraces for the restaurants. The buildings are painted such colourful colours like yellow, pink, green and red. Behind the street are the towering mountains of the Canadian rockies.

Policeman’s Creek Trail

If you continue along 8th street, you’ll eventually reach the trail head for the Policeman’s Creek Trail. From 8th Street, there are actually two directions for Policeman’s Creek Trail that give you a completely different experience.

If you turn right, you’ll reach a beautiful boardwalk that takes you through more flat marshland and mountains in the background (of course…!)

If you turn left, the path is less groomed, but you will have the opportunity to meet other hiking trails in Canmore, like the Spur Line Trail (which takes you to another top spot to visit in Canmore Alberta, the Canmore Engine Bridge and Bow River!).

policemans creek trail when you turn left. There are two parts to the picture. On the right is the ungroomed pathway leading you further into the tree covered woods. To your left is the calm lake with a reflection of a mountain, you look up from the lake to see the giant mountain looming above.

Canmore Engine Bridge & Bow River

As I was mentioning if you take the Spur Line Trail you’ll eventually reach the Canmore Engine Bridge & Bow River, two Canmore must-sees. This was my first (but certainly not least) taste of that crystal blue waters of the Canadian Rockies, and let me tell you, it’s BEAUTIFUL!

From the bridge you’re connected to even more hiking trails, but you can also keep it simple and just continue your walk on Higashikawa Friendship Trail next to the Bow River. This trail takes you back to the Canmore town centre and beyond! In fact, I recommend walking all the way towards Millenium Park for some of the best views of Rundle and the Three Sisters.

Bonus! Float Along the Bow River!

See the Bow River from an entirely new perspective. Don’t just walk along the trail next to the Bow River, go on a boat ride down the Bow River. This family friendly activity takes you in a large boat along the river. This isn’t extreme white water rafting but a calm guided tour through the Canadian wilderness.

rushing teal coloured water of Bow river is surrounded by evergreen trees on either side. Closest to you is a bridge to sit on and enjoy the view across the river of the rocky mountains. On the right of the frame you see a large iron bridge, engine bridge, to cross the river safely.

Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre

If the weather isn’t holding up, you can take shelter at the Canmore Museum. Although it’s not a very large museum, and probably a little over priced for what it is, you do learn more about the history of the town. They also have temporary exhibits, which can be more or less interesting. When I visited it was all about Avalanches, and the rescue services they need.

If you aren’t interested in the museum, it’s still worth going inside to their tiny gift shop!

Top Nearby Canmore Activities

Just outside the town of Canmore are a few more sights to see and outdoor activities.

a gorgeous view of the bow river in the spring. Evergreen trees line the river on both sides. There's a bridge to cross it in the distance. And above the trees sits the snow capped Rundle mountain that goes all the way from canmore to banff.

The Three Sisters Viewpoint (71 Bow River – Off Leash Dog Park)

The Three Sisters are a set of three mountain peaks (yes, there’s also the Three Sisters in Scotland!). The best viewpoint of the Three Sisters is actually after a short hike from the highway.

You’ll want to park at the off leash dog park just off the highway (71 Bow Valley Trail). From the parking lot, DO NOT TRY TO RUN ACROSS THE HIGHWAY, there’s a path that goes underneath the highway… unfortunately, we made that mistake…

On the opposite side of the dog park, you’ll notice a gravel ravine, this is where you’ll find an underpass safely taking you underneath the highway!

three vertical photos showing the different parts of the path that lead to the three sisters viewpoints.

Once you’re on the other side of the highway, continue past the train tracks (you can also simply walk underneath them), then the gravel path will become a dirt trail leading you through the trees.

Follow the path a short way to the opening that leads you to a small lake and a gorgeous view of the Three Sisters! Hopefully you get a view of them, but of course, it’s always weather dependant!

There are usually people walking on this path path trying to find the same view (at least there were when we went) so you shouldn’t have a problem finding the right way to go. And if you’re unsure, just don’t go, it’s not worth getting lost over!

a wide angle view of the three sisters near canmore alberta. A calm lake leads your eye to the reflection of the three sisters, towering above it. It's a cloudy day, the blue sky is able to peak through behind the clouds, but the three peaks of the three sisters struggle. They do manage do break through enough to see that there are in fact three peaks next to each other. Trees line the base of the mountains.

Rundle Forebay Reservoir

The Rundle Forebay Reservoir, also known as the Canmore Reservoir, is a popular spot for kayakers and Stand-Up Paddleboarders. You can rent at Bow Valley SUP in town, and even book a guided tour.

Grassi Lakes Hike

If you’re up for a more challenging hike, but still for beginners, the Grassi Lakes trail might be for you. There are two trail options at Grassi Lakes, beginner and moderate, so you can choose the trail based on your hiking level. The hikes aren’t short though, taking about 2-3 hours total that takes you to, a teal lake at the end!

Quarry Lakes

Quarry Lakes is a very calm park if you’re looking to escape some of the crowds of the town! If there’s no wind, you get a magnificent reflection of the mountains above in the lake too. And since you are in the Canadian Rockies there are some hiking trails around the park as well.

P.S. If you have a packed lunch, this is the perfect spot to set up a picnic! You can also pick up something to go from the town (like at the Rocky Mountain Bagel Company) before heading here.

the incredible view from quarry lake park in canmore alberta. A vertail portrait that leads you from the grassy sands below, towards the extremely calm lake giving you a nearly perfect reflection in the clear teal waters before you stand in awe at the mountain range above. The clouds provide a rather ominous feel to the photograph, as they look like a storm could be brewing behind.

More Stops Between Calgary And Banff?

If you’re looking for some more stops on the drive from Calgary to Banff there are two more worthwhile stops.

Brekkie For Breakfast!

Just outside of Calgary (about a 15 minute drive) is one of the best breakfast spots. The service was really fast so it really didn’t add too much time either. Plus the food IS DELICIOUS.

Kananaskis

I didn’t go to Kananaski, but my parents stayed here for a few days before going to Banff (I actually met them in Canmore afterwards). My parents described it as more of a resort town with only one hotel. But, there are some hikes and even a golf club in the area. More importantly, it’s on the way to Banff if you’re looking for another place to stop on the way!

a photo take from above of a brekkie menu, written all in capital letters in red and black. There's a cappuccino in a white mug with a white saucer on top. Next to the menu on the right is a brown speckled plate with a piece of french toast topped with yellow custard, and the freshest berries, and everything has been sprinkled with powdered sugar to top it off!

Stay In Canmore: Some Hotel Recommendations

Canmore is a great alternative to staying in Banff. The accommodations tend to be a bit cheaper and it’s more local, less touristy. I booked an Airbnb in Canmore my second time visiting Banff and it was just a 20 minute drive to Banff town. I would recommend either leaving early every morning, or buying a family pass for the year to avoid the line into the park.

My parents stayed at The Malcolm Hotel, just a 5 minute walk to Canmore city centre. They had nothing but good things to say about their stay and said they would come back just to stay at this hotel and sit at the pool overlooking the Three Sisters.

If you wanted to stay closer to the city centre, stay in the trendy full apartments at Basecamp Suites. It just two blocks from 8th Street and overlooks the Canadian Rocky Mountains. You can’t get a better view or location!

Or cozy up for a night at the Ambleside Lodge Bed & Breakfast for the full rustic Canadian cabin experience in the woods!

For more hotel options in Canmore Alberta, see Booking.com.

vibrant pedestrian only street in canmore alberta. The street is lined on both sides with fenced in terraces for people to enjoy lunch and dinner. The left side has bright red umbrellas open to provide shade, the large tree above them aren't enough. The right side only has small baby trees, and lack umbrellas opened up

Or Check Out My Banff Hotel Recommendations

You have to book your hotels EARLY in Banff. We booked the Buffalo Mountain Lodge for June back in February… and most hotels were already fully booked at that point.

The place to stay is at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – but that will cost you. We opted to just visit the Banff Springs instead, but you can check rates and availability on Booking.com.

We stayed at the much more affordable Buffalo Mountain Lodge. They have some renovated rooms, which I recommend booking. It was more of a resort hotel, with a cozy room and balcony to enjoy! Breakfast is also included which is a great way to start the day of hiking! It is a 15 minute walk to the town of Banff though. Check availability and room rates on Booking.com.

If you’re looking for a more reasonable priced hotel, in the town of Banff, we really wanted to book the Mount Royal Hotel (see it on Booking.com). Although the rooms are a lot smaller, there’s a fun jacuzzi on the roof, and you cannot beat the location on Banff Avenue – you can’t get a better location than that! Check availability and room rates on Booking.com.

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Banff Travel Guide

Use it digitally on your phone to check off top attractions as you do them. Or print it out in one of three size formats.

9 Pages included:

Cover page
Banff at a Glance: with tips for travelling to Banff National Park
Packing Guide (summer & winter)
Things to do on the way to Banff (Canmore)
Things to do in Calgary
Banff National Park checklist
Souvenirs to Buy
Additional notes

Shop Banff National Park checklist on Etsy

My Banff National Park Amazon Must Haves

There’s no denying that a trip to Banff is outdoor focused. Even if you aren’t planning on doing any intense hikes or outdoor activities, there are a few essentials I pack. For example, these protein bars and a refillable water bottle. You’re visiting more remote locations, that won’t have a place to buy any food or water so it’s important you always have something on hand.

I also like these Columbia Newton hiking boots because they also double as my waterproof shoes during the summer months and they also worked in the winter as a pair of lighter boots.