Nestled in the stunning Rocky Mountains of Alberta, just outside the Banff National Park, Canmore is a delightful town that’s perfect for those looking to enjoy the best of Canada’s great outdoors. The town is a magnet for sports-enthusiasts searching for an adrenaline fix, but it also has plenty of culture to keep others entertained. Canmore boasts a variety of accommodation options, ranging from simple, self-catering units to unique mountain lodges with cosy cabins and amenities perfect for families. The best places to stay in Canmore are close to the great outdoors, promising picture-perfect views of the Rockies and direct access to the great attractions that the region has to offer.

Outdoors enthusiasts will find a variety of adventure and sporting opportunities, such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snow-shoeing. Canmore is also known for its culture, with a variety of music venues and art galleries, plus the enlightening Canmore Museum which details the town's history. With numerous restaurants and cafes (championing craft beers and a wide range of cuisines) and independent boutiques, it makes the perfect base for exploring the mountainous regions of the Canadian Rockies.

At the nearby Quarry Lake Park, a picturesque locale with picnic areas, resident Canada geese, and a designated off-leash area for dogs, enjoy breathtaking views of the Rockies as you cross-country ski, snowshoe and mountain bike along its well marked trails.

Lastly, don’t miss a chance to visit the fascinating Rat’s Nest Cave, an extensive system of underground passages and chambers, for extended underground exploration.

The best places to stay in Canmore fill up quickly during holidays and ski season, so book in advance to avoid disappointment!

The Best Places to Stay in Canmore

Small and Intimate

There are a number of charming and characterful places to stay in Canmore; here are the Gurus' selection of the best of them:

• Creekside Villa is perhaps the cream of the crop of boutique properties in Canmore, if that is your style. Located on the edge of the town near the start of the Cougar Creek trail, its 12 suites are mostly split-level with spacious living areas in a rustic-chic design. They have a popular restaurant which, unusually, serves Caribbean fare. This is an intimate place to stay for an active break in Canmore.
• More centrally located, Georgetown Inn is a restaurant/pub with rooms. If it's traditional cosy you are after, this place delivers in spades, with its in-room gas fireplaces, floral motifs, and dark wood furniture. The pub serves hearty meals and there's a terrace for the summer months.
• Across the Bow River and on the edge of the delightful Quarry Lake Park, Ambleside Lodge is a three room chalet style B+B with stunning mountain views. Host Dave Booth is a hiking guide with extensive area knowledge, so it's a great place to plan and start a hike. Its spacious wood panelled living room has an enormous River Rock fireplace and vaulted ceilings and large glass picture windows for enjoying the natural surroundings — a great place to relax after a day in the mountains.

Good value basecamps

• For a central location close to shops and restaurants, Basecamp Suites offers 11 good value self-catering suites for all sizes of group. The suites are light and airy with polished wood floors, large swathes of glass, dining areas, and modern kitchens, and there's a rooftop hot tub for enjoying the mountain views.
• Another good value option in the same style is the nearby Lamphouse Hotel. More of a motel than a hotel, it offers functional but sleek modern guestooms, as well as a large self catering apartment that sleeps 10. There's also a communal hot tub for mountain views and star gazing at night.
• For a swisher option, the 22 room Tamarack Lodge is a stylish collection of one or two bedroom self-catering condos with vast windows, good living areas and well-equipped, contemporary styled kitchens. They too have a hot tub to relax in after an active day outdoors. It's a great choice for families or independent travellers,

Self catering adventure resorts

• The all-suite Stoneridge Mountain Resort offers fabulous mountain views and self-catering accommodation. Suites come come in all sizes for couples, families and small groups, with well-equipped kitchens, balconies, and separate living/dining areas. With its outdoor pool, hot tub, and cafe, it's a perfect base for active families or groups.
• For a designer version, check out the sleek Solara Resort, similarly offering self-catering suites of varying sizes with easy access to the surrounding mountains. Each is beautifully designed and well-equipped, with spacious living areas and balconies, many with stunning views. They have an indoor pool as well as a gym, a screening room and sports equipment for hire.

For more self catering options

• Contact our partners Booking.com who have accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes.

Travel Information

• Fly to Calgary (YYC), 1h 20 by road from Canmore.
• Best time to visit — for sunshine, it's July And August, though to avoid the crowds, come in September/Octover or May/June.
• If you want to hire a car, book via our Car Hire page.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include our recommendations in Banff and Jasper.
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Canmore