7 Reasons to Add Canmore to Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

Canmore, Alberta offers an unbeatable combination of breathtaking mountain scenery, thrilling outdoor adventure, and authentic local charm. You’ll find Canmore in the midst of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, bordering Banff National Park and surrounded by the provincial parks of Kananaskis Country. Recently named one of Expedia’s Trending Detour Destinations for 2025, discover why you should add Canmore to your itinerary when planning your trip to the Canadian Rockies.

Canmore is located just over an hour away from Calgary International Airport and a mere five-minute drive from the gates of Banff National Park. This easily accessible mountain town makes an ideal gateway to your exploration of the Canadian Rockies.

Surrounded by the dramatic peaks and pristine wilderness of Kananaskis Country, Canmore is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Kananaskis consists of nine provincial parks and more than a dozen recreational areas offering over 4,000 square kilometres (1,544 square miles) of protected spaces and hundreds of trails. You’ll find year-round opportunities for exploring the unfiltered wilderness, from hiking and snowshoeing to wildlife viewing and stargazing, and everything in between.

Located just beyond the borders of Banff National Park, Canmore offers a unique relationship to the Canadian Rockies. While Banff has rightfully achieved iconic status for its breathtaking landscapes, Canmore provides a more peaceful, authentic mountain experience. With its charming small-town atmosphere and rugged natural beauty, you can explore Canmore and Kananaskis at your own pace and truly connect with the Rocky Mountains.

Canmore and Kananaskis feature a range of accommodations, all with stunning mountain views and easy access to outdoor attractions in the Bow Valley. Find your adventure in one of our family-friendly suites, cozy cabins and lodges, work-friendly rooms, or rustic hotels, B&Bs, and inns.

In Canmore, you can indulge in the flavours inspired by cultures all over the world. Breweries and distilleries? We’ve got ‘em. Breakfast and brunch cafes? You betcha! Delectable desserts? But of course! From dishes made from ingredients sourced right in our backyard to eclectic twists on classic comfort foods, this mountain town is a foodie’s paradise. Nourish your soul with happy hours and happier nights.

Canmore and Kananaskis strive to be leaders in sustainable tourism. Visitors are encouraged to live like locals and find eco-friendly ways to explore the region. Who knows? You may find ways to transform the way you live in the world back home!

Here are some ways you can embrace sustainable travel in the region:

• Discover how to get in and around Canmore sustainably on foot, bike, or public transit and explore all the adventures you can have that don’t require a vehicle.
• Read up on wildlife education to keep yourself and our favourite locals safe from negative encounters.
• Be prepared for all your adventures, whether you’re learning how to cross-country ski at the Canmore Nordic Centre or summitting the tallest peak in Kananaskis (Mt. Joffre!).
• If you venture out for a paddle on one of our pristine alpine lakes, make sure you learn how to keep our water clean and healthy.

Take the extra step and sign the Pledge to the Peaks to commit to mindful exploration of the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or seeking quiet moments in nature, Canmore and Kananaskis offer activities for every type of traveller. There is no limit to the ways you can uncover the natural beauty of the region, no matter the time of year. Find your astonishing adventure in Canmore and Kananaskis.

In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.