Basic Info
"Canmore is located on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, 1 hour west of Calgary (1.5 hours west of the Calgary airport). Banff National Park lies just to the west and north of Canmore, with the town of Banff only fifteen minutes away.
Established in 1884, Canmore grew from humble beginnings as a coal mining town. In fact, it was only in July of 1979 that the whistle blew for the last time signaling the end of an era and what was soon to become the beginning of a new one.
Since hosting the cross country ski and biathlon components of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, Canmore’s growth and evolution has been nothing short of meteoric. Despite astounding growth and very rapid changes, the community still retains and conveys a strong sense of place.
Canmore and Kananaskis Country together create the perfect combination of a four season mountain village coupled with incredible wild land areas well suited for a variety of recreational pursuits, yet effectively managed under a Provincial Parks and Protected Areas network assuring responsible human use.
Within the downtown core of the town you will find the Canmore Visitor Information Centre where getting information is just the beginning, as the information centre staff can and will assist you in booking all the activities you wish to try. Directly opposite the Visitor Information Centre, located in the Canmore Civic Centre (town hall), building you will find the Canmore Centennial Museum and Geoscience Centre.
You will very quickly discover that the Canmore shopping experience is unique and orients to tasteful collectibles, a number of outstanding art galleries, an internationally acclaimed quilt store, a chocolatier, a gem factory and much more. The variety and quality of dining offered is truly amazing and of exceptional quality, so much so that even the most discerning palate can enjoy many days of varied and superb dining. Most Canmore accommodation is within easy walking distance of stores on Bow Valley Trail as well as in the downtown core. In fact, the community is really well connected by a network of multi-use trails which accommodates walkers, bikers, wheelchairs, and strollers – refer to the Walk, Hike & Bike section of this website.
Among Canmore’s many outstanding features is the truly striking and constant presence of the Canadian Rockies which dominate your views from any location and in any direction from within the town. Many of these bear the names of individuals who in one way or another influenced the history of the town, the Bow Valley or even the Canadian Rockies. "
- www.tourismcanmore.com
