Canmore, Alberta and Kananaskis Travel Guide » Canmore

Weddings in Canmore, Alberta and Banff National Park

Canmore and Kananaskis — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 20:21:27 +0000

Let Western Canada’s Rocky Mountains Provide the Perfect Wedding in Banff and Lake Louise

Banff, Canada, and the Canadian Rockies offer the most visually stunning wedding locations of any destination in the world. A wedding in Banff National Park will certainly be one to remember for both you, your spouse, and your guests.

Just imagine a wedding with beautiful Lake Louise in the background, or perhaps feeling the warm embrace of that special someone on top of a mountain after you were swept to the top in a helicopter. And then retire to your cozy, romantic boutique hotel, or bask in the luxury of a five-star resort hotel.

The power and tranquility of the mountains, lakes, and alpine meadows in and around Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise provide the most awe-inspiring environment, ensuring your wedding will last in your memories for a lifetime. When it comes time to make that commitment to each other, enjoy the moment in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park and Lake Louise.

Banff National Park – From Canmore to Lake Louise, We’ve Got the Best Locations!

Canmore, Alberta — Located in the heart of Western Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Canmore is as convenient of a weddings destination as it is scenic. Only 75 minutes from Calgary International Airport, Canmore is a vibrant town that has an eclectic mix of real Canadian residents and tourists. Canmore is more of a “real” town, you might say, in comparison to Banff and Jasper, which rely heavily on tourism. Here you can find local pubs and true local restaurant flavor, as well as off-beat shopping. Many repeat travelers often lodge and stay in Canmor’s hotels and resorts, since it is so close to Banff.

Banff, Alberta – Canada’s first national park is famous for its natural hot springs and magnificent mountain landscape. As such, Banff is a photographer’s paradise – and a mountain bikers paradise, a hiker’s paradise, a skier’s paradise, a bird-watcher’s paradise, a kayaker’s paradise – you get the idea. But it’s also a luxury-lover’s paradise. Whatever accommodations you prefer – a rustic lodge, a boutique hotel, or world-class resort, it’s here in Banff. The town is located only one-and-a-half hours from the Calgary International Airport and thirty minutes west of Canmore.

Lake Louise, Alberta – This small mountain community is framed by stunning mountains, breath-taking glaciers and beautiful turquoise waters. Smaller and consequently less developed than either Banff or Canmore, Lake Louise is one of the most famous backdrops for weddings. This lakeside village is quiet, but with its world-class accommodations it is perfect for an intimate wedding in an outdoor paradise. Lake Louise is Located two hours west of Calgary on the Trans Canada Highway/Highway 1 – on the way you will pass by both Canmore and Banff.

Transportation services are plentiful and easy from Calgary to most areas around Banff and Banff National Park. Ground connections to Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise include shuttle service, limousines and rental cars. You will be traveling on the Trans Canada Highway/Highway 1 This scenic drive will take you from gentle foothills to the awe inspiring mountains of the Canadian Rockies. We recommend using SunDog Tours. You can also take train if you’re looking for a slower, scenic option.

Weddings in the Banff area are more than just ceremonies in splendid scenery with awe-inspiring mountains in the background, it’s about enjoying a life experience with that special someone. There is nothing like the Canadian Rockies. You’ve picked out the perfect wedding dress – now pick out the perfect spot in which to get married.

Canmore Nordic Center: A playground for athletes

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:14 +0000

Lots to do at the Nordic Center. Photo by John E. Marriott

When it comes to Canada travel in winter, the Canadian Rockies glisten with a flurry of snow activity. Visitors come to ski Canada, snowshoe and ice climb, making their way to Banff, Jasper and Canmore to enhance a perfect holiday. Jasper inn, Banff hotels, Canmore inn and suites are more than accommodating and keep visitors cozy when turning in for the night.

Canmore, Alberta, is one are to really dive into a variety of winter sports. And the Canmore Nordic Center is a winter hub for a number of adventures on snow and even in summer. Canmore hotels compliment those looking to check out all the Nordic Center has to offer, and even Canmore rentals and Canmore condos are available for longer stays.

When the Winter Olympics blew through Calgary in 1988 Canmore built their Nordic Center to host many of the events. Since then the center has grown in popularity and maintains a top-notch reputation in the world of winter athletics across North America. Its 2005 renovations for the Cross-Country World Cup only enhanced the sophistication and professional design, making it ready for future events.

Administered by Alberta Development and claiming provincial park status, the 60 kilometers (37 miles) of trails are well-maintained throughout the year. In the summer the trails are popular with hikers and mountains bikers, while the winter sees biathlon professionals and cross-country skiers.

Not only do these athletes come to the Nordic Center to tackle the trails, they also hang out to train for upcoming events. The trail systems are standard and reach international nordic competition levels, meaning come winter time trails are constantly groomed and maintained for shape and quality. To top it off, the area includes a 6.5-kilometer (4-mile) track lit by floodlights and available for night use.

Even winter vacationers who like to stay warm and cozy can find premium relaxation at the Nordic Center’s Day Lodge. The lodge is equipped with a cafeteria, meeting room, lockers, information area, showers, equipment rentals and lessons.

When summertime rolls around, the Nordic Center and lodge focus on mountain biking events. And as a bonus, the center also holds an 18-hole disc gold course for Frisbee lovers. This activity center is a must-do for any Canmore vacationer any time of year.

Canmore: A winter wonderland for snow sports

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:13 +0000

Cross country skiing in the Canadian Rockies.

There’s no better place to ski Canada and snowboard in North America than the Rocky Mountains. Visiting Canmore in the winter means superb conditions and challenging terrain for all levels. Just 40 minutes from Canmore and Banff, Canada are well known ski areas like Banff Mount Norquay, Fortress Mountain, Lake Louise, Nakiska ski hill and Sunshine Village ski resort.

Canmore hotels and accommodation is perfect to retreat off the mountain. Canmore inn and suites are good values, while Canmore rentals and condos are perfect for longer stays. Those wanting to indulge will like the many Canmore bed and breakfast options, though most Canmore lodging caters to winter sports with gym facilities and spa treatments.

It’s no wonder why the Canmore area played host to the 1988 Winter Olympics for nordic events. Skiers who enjoy cross-country, steep chutes, powder fields and freestyle parks can find what they’re looking for in a beautiful wintery setting.

Cross-country enthusiasts spending vacations in Canada’s Rockies will willingly spend all day at the Canmore Nordic Center. Other sports include snowshoeing around ice falls, ice skating on natural alpine lakes, wildlife watching, dog sledding across tundra fields, and a combination of skiable terrain on and off the mountains.

With snow comes winter hazards such as avalanches and heavy snowfall. Be sure to check conditions before heading out into Canmore’s winter wonderland. And after a vigorous day in the wilderness, Canmore offers cozy and warm accommodation after fun and sunny winter days outdoors.

Canmore: How to get there

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:13 +0000

A sunset shot of Banff National Park. Photo by John E. Marriott.

Nestled in the big and beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains sits the sleepy and cozy mountain town of Canmore, Alberta. Since the Winter Olympics put their name on the map in 1988, Canmore has because a popular place to visit just like their neighbors Banff and Jasper when it comes to Canada travel.

Canmore hotels and Canmore accommodation has never been as varietal, and more importantly comfortable. Canmore inn and suites range from chateaus to Canmore mountain lodge atmospheres and Canmore bed and breakfast homes. Those planning to stay longer to ski Canada or jump into Canmore golf should look into the many Canmore rentals and condos available in town. And luckily, getting there has never been so easy.

Cars cruising along Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, drive west 106 kilometers (66 miles) from Calgary. Canmore sits just outside Banff National Park near the entrance, and the drive itself is a relaxing double-lane highway through prairies and foothills leading up to tall mountains.

Canmore is the first town traffic hits when entering the Canadian Rockies from the west, and there are three exits to take that will lead cars into town. Rental cars are available at the airports, including Calgary International and airports servicing the area of Edmonton (about three hours further).

Shuttle services are provided by Sundog Transportation and Tours, and they will gladly take airport arrivals to Canmore, Banff and other locations. Mountain vacationers wanting to dive into Canada travel should stop by Canmore for their many activities, small-town charm and affordable stays in a beautiful environment.

Canmore: Top 3 moderate hikes

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:11 +0000

A perfect rest spot at one of Canmore's many trails. Photo by John E. Marriott

Canada travel vacations in the Canadian Rockies means sporty adventures by day, and equal relaxation by night. Hiking in particular is an outdoor activity that’s free and enjoyable by many, and those staying in Canmore, Jasper and Banff will have many trails to choose from. In the evening, rest those feet and sink into a comfortable setting in Banff hotels, Jasper inn and Canmore inn and suites.

Canmore shines in rugged paths leading to scenic views, and there is plenty of Canmore accommodation available throughout the year. Canmore lodging ranges from Canmore rentals, Canmore condos and Canmore bed and breakfasts, now all that’s left is knowing where to hike. Here are some recommendations for great and moderate hikes around the Canmore area for those wanting to get a workout and be a part of the outdoor sporting adventure. Regardless of hiking ability, don’t forget your hiking shoes!

Cougar Creek — Hikers looking to up the intensity should try Cougar Creek on for size. It begins at the parking lot on Elk Run Blvd. and continues either up the mountain or along the canyon. Both choices will offer fantastic scenery and photo opportunities that are simply priceless. Watch out for the steep areas, and be sure to bring a hiking partner.

Gnassi Lakes — This is a five-kilometer hike with a lot to see and discover. Begin just after the Canmore Nordic Center at the bottom of Smith-Dorrian Spray Trail. Although the beginning is a fire road, a quick turn leads hikers through the luscious and peaceful forest. As the hike through the woods slowly begins to ascend a beautiful waterfall reveals itself. When hikers arrive at the summit they will be greeted by emerald green and turquoise-colored lakes. Additional pictographs can be spotted, and there’s a rock scramble to climb for a closer look.

Goat Creek — An 18-kilometer trail that cruises from the top of Whiteman Pass to Banff Springs Hotel. Depending on the knees of the visitor, one way is more forgiving than the other. The trail drops a steep 291 meters (957 feet), though to help ease the big up and big down the trail is mostly wise and smooth. It’s an ideal choice for mountain bikers, and the walk back up offers some incredible places to pause and soak up the scenery.

Canmore: Top 3 easy hikes

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:10 +0000

The Three Sisters Mountains near Canmore. Photo by John E. Marriott.

Canmore shines in rugged paths leading to scenic views, and there is plenty of Canmore accommodation available throughout the year. Canmore lodging ranges from Canmore rentals, Canmore condos and Canmore bed and breakfasts, now all that’s left is knowing where to hike. Here are some recommendations for great and easy hikes around the Canmore area for those wanting a simple stroll or walk. Regardless of hiking ability, don’t forget your hiking shoes!

Grotto Canyon — Hikers who love waterfalls and riverbeds will enjoy the hike along Grotto Canyon. The hike starts with a trickling runoff and builds in intensity until a waterfall is presented at the trail’s end. There are also pictographs left by natives, though it is requested to look and not touch. Many of these images have been worn away by from fingerprints and climbers. In addition to the peaceful sounds, running water rushes over beautiful limestone that’s smooth and shiny.

No. 1 Minesite — This is an easy going and brief walk through the area’s historic No. 1 mining site. It’s fun, quick, and exciting for those looking to go back in time. A further walk will bring hikers to waterfalls and cold sulphur springs Canmore is known for.

Policeman’s Creek — This walk is more like a stroll through town. Pass historic buildings and duck ponds, maybe pop into a cafe for a drink. It’s a relaxing walk combining the town charm with surrounding nature.

Riverside Loop — Another mosey through Canmore beside the Bow River, this loop is a scenic waltz in and around town. Park downtown or on River Road and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Canmore’s nature and beauty.

Canmore: Dive into dog sledding

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:09 +0000

Dive into a day of dog sledding in Canmore.

Canada travel and winter activities in the Canadian Rockies are endless. Jasper, Banff and Canmore, Alberta are well-known hubs for sports enthusiasts ready to dive into everything from ice climbing to skiing and ice skating. Visitors come to Canmore for the daytime sports and evening relaxations. Canmore hotels and Canmore accommodations very from inn and suites to bed and breakfasts, though all excel in amenities to keep visitors warm and cozy. Canmore lodging also fits families (like Canmore condos) and long-term visitors (Canmore rentals), making the overall stay pleasant and adventurous.

Visitors ready to try something new and unique should spend a day in the wilderness with man’s best friend by way of adventures in dog sledding. A Canadian past time, dog sledding in Canmore is a popular winter activity amongst beginners and experts.

With a guide nearby, experience the rush when driving a sled through the snow as a team of huskies pull through the fields. Those hesitant on taking the reins can be just as pleased with guided dog sledding, and the experience and view is just as different and adventurous.

It’s the up-close and personal atmosphere and interaction between humans and huskies that really interests visitors and locals to take part in dog sledding. Huskies have an open nature of being friendly and playful dogs, as well as athletic and sporty. It’s a charming venture dog-sled guides harness and offer to visitors, in addition to being a helpful teacher for those willing to learn the ropes on dog sledding.

For thousands of years dog sledding has been encouraged by Canadians each winter. Native Inuits used huskies, and since 1908 the practice has become an official Canadian sport.

Both Canmore and Banff National Park offer dog-sledding services. Regardless of what’s on the “To Do” list, mark down a day of dog sledding and enjoy a local tradition and perspective.

Canmore: Take a scenic drive

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:09 +0000

Shot of Bow Valley in Canmore, photo by John E. Marriott.

No matter where visitors do a bit of Canada travel in the Canadian Rockies, be it Jasper, Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis, all can expect breathtaking scenes every which way possible. Canmore hotels, Banff hotels and Jasper inns are surrounded by beautiful alpine mountain settings — making these towns a hotbed for vacation.

Canmore in particular shines as an affordable option with just as much surrounding attractiveness. Canmore rentals, Canmore condos, and other Canmore accommodations like Canmore bed and breakfasts host a number of visitors and aim to satisfy all who stop by for an adventure.

There are many lovely scenic drives in and around Canmore, so here are a few of the top picks recommended from CanmoreKananaskis.com. Get behind the wheel and do some sightseeing the North American way — it’s a year-round activity enjoyable for the family.

Highway 40 South to Longview

Time: 2 hours
Route: As labeled (closed 12/1 to 6/14)
Condition: Paved

The perfect drive for any summer day, drivers usually begin from the winter gate and cruise through large and wide valleys. Scented alpine trees are beautiful touches as the ride creeps up to Highwood Pass and dips into picture-perfect canyons, waterfalls and prairies.

Highway 40 to Kananaskis Village

Time: 45 minutes
Route: As labeled
Condition: Paved

A beautiful choice that’s short and sweet, with many places to rest and indulge in an al fresco afternoon. The world-class golf course at Kananaskis Village is also accessible, including two ski areas, Nakiska and Fortress Mountain. In the summer the snow melts and endless hiking trails appear within the mountains and fields. A truly supreme view that’s scenic and serene.

Smith-Dorrien Spray Trail

Time: 1.24 hours
Route: Canmore to Highway 40, close to Lower Kananaskis Lake
Condition: Some gravel, and a bit rough.

More adventurous and rustic than the others, but an enjoyable venture into the back roads. This trail is the rear way to Spray Lakes and Peter Lougheed provincial park, a recreation area popular for fishing and boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Take a coffee break at the Mt. Engadine Lodge as cars wind around moose habitat and peer out windows to find these beautiful animals. The trail ends on Highway 40′s winter gate area.

Canmore: Festivals and Happenings

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:08 +0000

Face painter at one of Canmore's summer festivals.

Canada travel always includes a trip to the Canadian Rockies, though coming to Canmore is a dream experience any time of year, though some months bring in a liveliness highlighted by annual events and festivals not to be missed by locals and visitors.

Summertime means hiking, biking, Canmore golf, and an explosive of arts and entertainment. Canmore hotels and Canmore accommodation play host to many out-of-towners wanting sunshine and the natural outdoors in a small-town environment. Canmore inn and suites, Canmore condos and Canmore bed and breakfast spots enhance the warm tones of summer in town to locals and visitors alike.

Jasper and Banff are also big on the festival mark, but Canmore holds something special. When the Winter Olympics graced Canmore in 1988 with its presence it put this tiny town on the map, drawing buses full of tourists from near and far to spend time in Canmore (many for the first time). Tourism lived on well after the games and has left a trail of creativity, artistic motivation and intriguing social activities.

Films like BrokeBack Mountain, Legends of the Fall, Shanghai Noon and Snow Dogs have all been shot in and around Canmore. The town’s breathtaking scenery has left awe-striking interest in the movie industry for decades. But put Hollywood aside and Canmore is still bubbling with fun and flavorful highlights:

24 Hours of Adrenaline: Once known as the world’s fastest mountain biking event, this race revolved around the mission to bike as many laps within a 24-hour period as possible. It’s a nationwide race, dipping into neighboring U.S., and in Canmore the course is the famous 16-kilometer Nordic Center.

Canmore Ice Climbing Festival: Canmore is a play park for winter sports lovers, and this festival is symbolic to the phrase. The 18-meter (60-foot) manmade ice wall skirting the town’s center street is made of hoses, wires and scaffolding. Onlookers can also indulge in climbing culture by attending tent exhibits, climbing clinics and guest speakers.

Rock and Fossil Show: Professional geologists are on deck ready to explain the basics and advanced reasons why rocks and fossils are the way they are. During the fall visitors stop by to study their own rocks and fossils or listen in on an expert’s speech.

Rocky Mountain Ski Challenge: Held in the late spring this ski challenge goes the extra mile by getting creative with all the different ways a skier can race. From style to distance, this event seeks the all-around skiers who are ready for anything.

How to be a seasonal resident in Canmore

asykes — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:07:07 +0000

A Canadian flag waves high in Canmore

The trouble with traveling to paradise is the eventual departure back home. But what if home was paradise? Canada travel to Rocky Mountain areas like Canmore, Banff, and Jasper are not only ideal places to visit but high-quality locales to reside in. Just imagine stepping a backyard view of snow-capped mountains and gorgeous greenery. Mornings are spent fishing in the rivers, grabbing a coffee and enjoying the sun or cooking a breakfast while watching wild deer grazing nearby. It might sound too good to be true, but a long-term stay in Canmore, Alberta is easy if you try.

Canmore condos and other Canmore rentals are a good place to start. Even Canmore hotels and other accommodations are interested in offering long-term rental rates. Canmore inn and suites and Canmore lodging vary from chateaus to cozy, rustic settings. So pick a season to start at and give the small mountain town feel a go — there’s rarely a disappointment with such an easygoing and beautiful lifestyle.

Canmore is especially lenient with living laws due to its out-of-national-park location, unlike other towns located in the National Park boundaries. So while adventuring in the Canmore area snoop around and see which of the darling and comfortable homes and hotels stands out. In the long run, the call to kickback in Canmore might be beckoning for a long-term extension.

Seasonal living in Canmore is just as ideal, as winter sports enthusiasts and summer mountain lovers both local and international will never run out of activities. The Windtower Lodge is the perfect solution to a season session with a touch of class and dazzling style. Just off Main Street the hotel hosts a variety of visitors, and offer monthly stays for as low are $1100 a month.

The Windtower Lodge has a number of room styles to choose from. Suite 446, for example, is over 800 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Not only are the rooms beautiful, but picture the thought of retreating to an outdoor hot tub and work out facilities after a big day in the mountains.

Whether it’s a family in search of comfort or a faculty holiday looking for the ideal retreat, The Windtower Lodge is just one example of the many fine accommodating offers in Canmore. From snazzy modern lodges to rustic themed houses and hotels, Canmore has all their bases covered on accommodation.

Less costly and still just 15 minutes from Banff, Canmore is an ideal location. With a thriving art scene and a laidback image, settling down in a town like Canmore is a peaceful dream that can easily come true.