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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. There is no better place to base as you plan your exploration and discovery of the Canadian Rockies. Canmore is the base camp of choice for the discerning traveler who recognizes the value of an authentic mountain community oriented to sharing a passionate sense of place with its guests. 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.
Summer Loving
Canmore rewards visitors during the spring, summer and fall seasons with an incredible variety of walks, hikes and bike trails. There is a phenomenal variety of mountain bike trails to be enjoyed here. The Spray Lakes area offers quick access to alpine terrain with the average trip taking between two and three hours. A number of longer half and full day hikes are also available.
If you prefer to get your feet wet, you can enjoy placid river paddling on the waters of the Bow River. Guides will ensure you get the best out of your experience. A more interpretive experience can be had on the Bow River, which passes right through Canmore. Float trips take visitors on a calm voyage down the Bow. This trip is a great chance to enjoy incredible scenery and maybe sight some wildlife. Kids as young
as age three can take part, which makes this trip ideal for the young family.
Want to capture some wildlife? You can. Canmore Kananaskis is trout country. The waters of the Upper Bow River are home to naturally reproducing wild brown trout, while the many lakes of the region offer opportunities to pursue rainbow, cutthroat, brook trout, lake trout and there are even golden trout in a few locations.
The very history of the Canadian Rockies has much to do with climbing, and the mountain culture thrives today more than ever in Canmore. In summer, at least eight crags await discovery within half an hour’s drive. These offer a wide range of climbing options, from bouldering to day- long multi-pitch climbs. There is more than enough here to challenge any level of climber.
Closer to Earth
Canmore’s dining scene includes well over 30 eating establishments f rom ethnic cuisine to local Alberta beef, fine dining, family restaurants and cozy cafes. Restaurant decks (patios) abound throughout Canmore and also at the Kananaskis Village. Once you have experienced dining on a deck on a warm day here, you’ll definitely place it on your list of unf rorgettable Canmore Kananaskis experiences.
Strolling around Canmore in summer is a pretty relaxed affair. As you meander along the streets, you’ll very quickly discover that the Canmore shopping orients to tasteful collectibles, a number of outstanding art galleries, an internationally acclaimed quilt store, a chocolatier, a gem factory and much
more. The experience is distinctly casual, and perhaps a little addictive. Unlike most cities, you will not feel rushed or pushed.
And that in a nutshell is the essence on Canmore. Friendly, accommodating locals. A relaxed atmosphere. Unintimidating surrounds. Now isn’t that what a holiday is suppose to be?
Do’s:
• Make the Canmore Visitor Information Centre your first stop.
• Acquire the best information possible regarding the trail of your choice.
• Regardless of trip duration, carry an effective noise maker (air horn or other device), as well as bear spray.
• Advise someone of your selected destination and projected return time.
• Obey trail closures.
Don’ts:
• Never approach or feed the wildlife.
• Keep small children close while in densely forested areas.
• Avoid using forest, and wildland trails on a solo basis.
• Do not approach elk or their calves.
• Avoid any area where you find or smell a dead animal.
HOW TO GET THERE
The total driving distance from Vancouver to Canmore is 542 miles. You can also fly, take a bus or travel by rail. The closest International Airport is in Calgary. Banff does have an airstrip, but there is no commercial service. An expensive charter flight will be required to land right in the park. Vancouver International Airport is an approximate 12 hour drive to the west. Springbank Airport (west of Calgary, towards Banff) is nearly 80 km from Banff. It operates short charter flights.
It Simply Rocks Canmore
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2119 Banff Gate Mountain Resort