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Overview

Alberta, Canada’s Icefields Parkway has long been called one of North America’s most beautiful drives, offering spectacular views as the route winds through the Canadian Rockies. Nestled at its foothills is the popular year-round resort destination of Canmore. The town in Alberta provides an ideal setting for summer or vacation travel. Fresh air, unparalleled scenery, and an abundance of activities attract hundreds of thousands of tourists per year. 

Exploring the City

The main point of entry to the city is through the Calgary Airport, which then offers airport shuttles such as Banff Airporter, Brewster Airporter & Resort Connector, and Mountain Connector. All the shuttles provide daily trips to Canmore. It is a relatively small town; travelers can easily walk to just about anywhere. There are taxis that can be summoned throughout the city for just $5. There are numerous nature trails that bring travelers to Bow River’s random adventures. Walking is easy, as most of Canmore’s activities are just 10 to 20 minutes away. For faster trips, commuters can also make use of biking rental services. Tourists can bike through trail riding paths, or hike through trails which lead to waterfalls, streams, and forested areas. Even the incredible mountain views are just a bike away. 

Things to Do

Some of the most spectacular sceneries in the world lie between the cliffs of the Canadian Rockies. Hiking atop the summits such as Ha Ling Peak may be daunting for some, but the views are worth it. Companies offer stress-free options for tourists to enjoy the view without the long hike upland. Guides also offer friendly and informative tours around the Banff area. Vacationers can also indulge in spa, dog sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, and golf activities in the playground of the Rockies. Tourist can also indulge in a short hike to Grassi Lakes, or try the cross-country skiing offered by the Nordic Centre. Discover a cosmopolitan collection of cafes, boutiques, and galleries at Canmore’s multitude of shops. 

When to Visit

In December, the town celebrates its world-famous Canmore Ice Climbing Festival which features a manmade ice wall that spans 18-meters. Events include climbing clinics and exhibitor tents. Other activities during the winter include the annual ski marathon known as the Rocky Mountain Ski Challenge, the Canmore Winter Carnival, and the Canmore ArtsPeak Arts Festival. In autumn Canmore celebrates its Festival of Eagles, which includes theatrical performances, interpretive displays, bird walks, and guided hikes. Other notable celebrations include the Vic Lewis International Band Festival in November, and the Canmore Highland Games in September. 

Best Hotel Accommodations

Midrange Hotels such as Holiday Inn Canmore and Banff Boundary Lodge can be found in the city, which have both breathtaking views of the Rockies. The latter has 2-bedroom chalets equipped with fireplaces. 

 Numerous hostels and bed-and-breakfasts are available at either end of the parkway. For a real splurge on accommodations, consider staying at one of the region’s shitroci railway hotels, each one sited to take full advantage of the stunning views: Banff Springs Hotel, Chateau Lake Louise, and Jasper Park Lodge. The Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge is adjacent to downtown, and everything is just within walking distance.