Wherever in the world you are reading this, chances are you are aware of Alberta’s Banff National Park, a bustling tourism icon of the Canadian Rockies. But you may not be aware that just a hop, skip, and a jump from Banff is the lively mountain town of Canmore, a treasure trove of hidden gems, local secrets, and unforgettable experiences - and the place that Cluesolvers calls home!
Here are a few reasons why we think Canmore is the place to be, and why you absolutely cannot skip Canmore on any trip to the Canadian Rockies…
REAL “authentic Mountain Town” Vibe
“Authentic” is a word that gets overused, especially when describing mountain towns, but Canmore genuinely does ooze “authentic mountain town” charm, with a rich history and a population of ‘real’ people who live, work and play in Canmore and the Bow Valley.
Canmore was founded as a coal-mining town in 1883, principally to service the trains of the Canadian Pacific Railway as it neared the completion of its coast-to-coast network. But the townsite and valley had been hunting grounds for Indigenous peoples for millennia before that, and the area boasts archaeological sites nearly 10,000 Years old.
After the mines closed in 1979, the town became a haven for artists who thrived amid the inspirational scenery, creating a scene that has left its mark strongly in the community today. It was the arrival of the Winter Olympic Games in 1988, and the establishment of the Canmore Nordic Centre, that drew the eyes of the world, and attracted not just Olympians but passionate people of all sorts from around the world.
Adventure Awaits Around Every Corner
Canmore and Kananaskis are an outdoor lover’s playground. Hiking and biking, golfing and skiing, rafting and paddle boarding… so much to do with a full spectrum of adventure from the adrenaline thrill of crawling through Rat’s Nest Cave with Canmore Cave Tours, to winter’s moderate Grotto Canyon Ice Walk, to the gentle learning of the Canmore Museum’s walking tours.
And in Canmore, wildlife encounters aren’t just possible—the community sits within the Bow Valley wildlife corridor and the locals have learned to treat local animal populations with respect and care. Sightings of deer and elk are extremely common, black and grizzly bears frequent the mountain slopes, and even the occasional moose may be spotted around the quiet parts of the river.
Canmore’s scenic spots are stunning—discover the serene beauty of Grassi Lakes, where emerald waters and ancient pictographs await. Or find your zen at Quarry Lake, a local favorite for picnics and paddleboarding. Downtown there are no end of fabulous vistas along the Bow River trails, by the ‘Canmore Pond’, and along the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk.
Arts, Shopping and Dining to Savour
Canmore’s food scene is a delicious surprise. Chefs from around Canada and the world have migrated to the town, resulting in an eclectic mix of world flavours, fine dining, great casual fare, pubs, breweries, distilleries, and of course the award-winning Canmore Uncorked Food & Drink Festival.
Canmore’s Main Street is home to unique locally owned shops and art galleries, offering a great downtown shopping and browsing experience with a little less of the tourist bustle than Banff, and the exceptional facilities at Elevation Place and artsPlace offer you a chance to test your own skills.
Canmore knows how to party, and locals love to share the festivals that take place in town year round; from Winter Carnival to Canada Day, to Canmore Folk Fest, to the Highland Games.
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So why not come visit…
With this rich palette of experiences on the doorstep, it is easy to see why Cluesolvers calls Canmore home, and we hope that you will come and try playing with us in our own backyard.
But even if cluesolving isn’t your thing, we think you should come anyway. This town is a blend of natural beauty, adrenaline-pumping activities, and local charm that promises a rich and authentic experience. Next time you’re in the Canadian Rockies, make a visit to Canmore—you’ll quickly see why locals and savvy travelers can’t get enough of it.
