Why Canmore is the Perfect Destination for Your Next Work-cation

In this new age of remote work, many of us now work outside our traditional workspaces. Getting out of the office – home or otherwise – can be a great way to ignite creativity in your work and blend a little vacation into your work routine. Just a short hop from the Calgary International Airport, Canmore offers dependable internet connectivity (not to mention free downtown Wi-Fi), ensuring you stay connected to the world even while you’re nestled in the heart of the mountains. Come experience our warm hospitality and take in the inspiring surroundings to spark your creativity and elevate your work-cation experience.

A comfortable place to lay rest for the night is the cornerstone of any “bleisure” trip.  Hotels and accommodations in Canmore have a lot of great features and amenities, including the incredible Rocky Mountain backdrop right outside your window.

The Malcolm Hotel blends upscale comforts with personalized service, complete with spacious work desks, kitchenettes, and an outdoor heated pool and hot tub. With The Pulse Coffee Bar located right in the hotel, you’re sure to be able to get your caffeine fix at any time of day – not to mention, you are conveniently located just steps away from the scenic Policeman’s Creek and lively downtown Canmore.

The Chateau Canmore also includes functional work desks in its rustic-style rooms as well as a pool and hot tub, a dry sauna and a fully serviced gym. All this combined with friendly and accommodating staff makes for the right choice to enjoy a quality and comfortable work-cation.

Basecamp Lodge is another option for a great stay that is central to all Canmore has to offer. Take your pick between the open-concept common area, the cozy lobby lounge beside the fireplace, or one of the several coffee shops within walking distance to set up shop for your workday.

To start off your day, head downtown for a hearty breakfast from Harvest Café. The mouth-watering menu includes delicious house-made wraps, soups, and the best cinnamon buns in the Rockies. After breakfast, take the opportunity to check out downtown Canmore and breathe in the inspiration of the valley before kicking off your workday.

If your ideal breakfast looks more like a quick pastry and steaming latte, swing by one of the Eclipse Coffee Roasters locations. Let the bright atmosphere of the new roastery or the bustling ambience of the downtown café energize your workday as you sip on your coffee before diving into your inbox.

Want more options? There are an abundance of breakfast and brunch options in Canmore that suit any palette.

While your hotel room is a great option to get some privacy for online meetings, there are many other options around town to break out of your accommodations and help you get the job done.

Try reserving a quiet place to work in the Beamer’s Coffee Bar meeting room – free of charge for customers. Voted as a local favourite many times over, you won’t regret making Beamer’s your coffee of choice to conquer your workload.

For something a little more secluded, e=mc^2 offers a variety of desk space, services, and resources to help you get the job done at a reasonable cost. The only distractions you’ll find here are the smell of complimentary coffee and the breathtaking views out the window of your workspace.

Need a quick break from staring at your computer screen? There are plenty of ways to get away from the desk for a leisurely adventure just outside your doorstep.

Stroll

With over 80 km of walking paths and trails in Canmore, there is no shortage of local attractions and things to see. To make the most of your time on the trails and get to know Canmore from a local perspective, join Get Outside on their Discover the Mountains walking tour. Experienced guides will start spilling insider knowledge about Canmore’s wild terrain and rich history. Take in a bird’s-eye view of the valley as you hike along a ridge line and discover how beautiful this region truly is.

Cycle

No matter what time of year, one of our favourite ways to get around this charming mountain town is by bike. While some accommodations like Basecamp Lodge include a seasonal bike loaner as part of your stay, shops like GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals, Rebound Cycle and Sports Garage offer hourly and daily rates on commuter and e-bike rentals. Depending on the season, you may even want to jump on a fat bike to ease your trek through the snow-covered pathways.

Stretch

WildHeart Canmore offers different styles of yoga and barre fitness classes designed to still the mind and move the body. Leave your work behind you as you step onto the mat and take some time to mellow out or get energized. With classes throughout the day, you’re bound to find something that fits within your work schedule.

Photo by: @wildheartcanmore

Climb

Canmore Climbing Gym (CCG) offers a different kind of experience to a typical workout. As Canmore’s first boulder-only gym, staff are always willing to give you a run-down on basic technique if you’re a beginner or trying it out for the first time. A blend of social space, training areas, and bouldering walls, CCG will undoubtedly leave you feeling accomplished and satisfyingly exhausted by the end of your session.

Learn something new

Nothing quite beats the landscapes and scenery in Canmore and Kananaskis, and there’s no better way to explore than through an Indige-scape adventure. Heather Black of Buffalo Stone Woman offers tours that explore our alpine meadows, staggering peaks, and pristine lakes through an Indigenous lens and will teach you about the traditional history of this region.

Explore like never before

Grown from a passion for exploring our mountain home, Canadian Rockies Experience invites you to embrace moments of wonder and connection to nature on a luxury sightseeing tour of Kananaskis Country. The tour guides will deliver personalized experiences within the hidden gems of our stunning mountain ranges, giving easy access to the best that the Rocky Mountains have to offer.

High adventure, underground

For an action-packed day, caving is an invigorating activity that can be enjoyed year-round. Canmore Cave Tours will guide you through the fascinating caves and tunnels of Rat’s Nest Cave in Grotto Mountain, ranked among the best excursions in Canada by TripAdvisor in 2022 and 2023. Discover the incredible history of the cave and sit in awe of the massive Grand Gallery as your guide fills you in on the 7000-year natural formations and fossils.

Discover your inner foodie

Eat, drink, and explore Canmore’s world-class dining options with Alberta Food Tours. On this self-guided foodie tour, you will decipher clues and complete activities to uncover the hidden gems of our culinary scene. On your journey, you can learn more about the amazing local food and culture we have here in the Bow Valley. The only tools you require to take on your mission are a fully-charged mobile device and an empty stomach!

Get your buzz on

Hop aboard the Mountain City Brew Bus with Canmore Brewery and Distillery Tours and meet the amazing folks who create some of Alberta’s award-winning beers and spirits. On this adventure tour, you’ll be escorted around town in style, and get a taste of our variety of breweries and distilleries. Tours are led by local experts and include a shuttle to and from your destinations, tasty food pairings, and a gift card to the local Iron Goat Pub. Bottoms up!

Taste-test the best

A must-visit for all travellers, Wild Life Distillery is a craft distillery situated in Canmore producing vodka, gin, and whisky from world-class Albertan grains. The range of custom cocktail recipes will leave you wondering – what should I try next?

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.