Banff (Canmore), Alberta, Canada
Just an hour west of Calgary and approximately a 20-minute drive from Banff, Canmore sits where the prairies give way to towering peaks. Tucked along the edge of Kananaskis Country, this town isn’t just in the mountains - it's with the mountains. Canmore is home to wanderers, creatives, mountain athletes, and seekers—people drawn to something deeper than just the view. Here, you’ll find both adventure and calm: technical mountain routes and quiet valley strolls, alongside a community that values good food, creative expression, and meaningful connection. Nestled between the glacier-fed waters of the Bow River, the picturesque walking trails along Policeman’s Creek, and the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, you will discover a downtown unlike any other. Stroll down Main Street and explore incredible art galleries, shop stylish boutiques, or indulge in a delicious patio lunch, all while soaking in the dreamy mountain views.
Next, explore nearby Banff, nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Banff/Lake Louise area is a crossroads for international visitors and offers everything from spiritual retreats to contemporary art exhibits and theatrical performances. Vacation possibilities here are as diverse as the Canadian Rocky Mountain landscape. Airplane tours offer guided flights for a unique view of the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Relax aboard glass-enclosed boats as you travel through the Minnewanka Valley to Devil’s Gap on Lake Minnewanka. Fish peacefully along the shore of an alpine lake or stream. Cast at will, timelessly drifting along. Tee off amongst the backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges, with local wildlife as your gallery. Enjoy panoramic views, short hiking trails, interpretive exhibits, and restaurants. For the adventurer, take part in heli-sightseeing or heli-hiking. Learn a new skill with training programs for all skill levels in the disciplines of rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, outdoor leadership, avalanche awareness, and ski mountaineering.
For those who prefer a more relaxed, slower-paced alpine experience, backpacking or mountaineering adventures are offered. ATV tours are designed to get you off the main roads and into the wilderness. Kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and floating are also part of the fun on the local rivers and lakes. Horseback ride through a pine forest with a nature guide, bask in a natural hot spring or a luxury spa, or explore a glacier at the Columbia Icefield. Finally, enjoy strolling alongside locals and world-travellers in downtown Banff as you discover a cosmopolitan collection of galleries, boutiques, and cafés. Shops range from internationally recognized clothiers and independently-owned establishments to Canada’s oldest department store.
Park Pass: The city of Banff is located in one of Canada's National Parks. Everyone entering the parks must purchase a park pass. The rate is approximately $11 CAD per day for 1 adult or $22 CAD total per day for 2 or more persons in the same vehicle. Daily passes are sold for no more than 6 days, so if you are staying longer, you must purchase a yearly pass for $75.25 CAD per adult or $151.25 CAD for family. Visit https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/tarifs-fees#admission for more information. Prices are subject to change without notice.
You can purchase your pass online and print it out in advance: https://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca/en?_ga=2.213620820.1177900272.1678494073-1442293178.1678228104