Nestled in the heart of Alberta's Rocky Mountains, Canmore is a vibrant town known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture. With a population of 14,798 in 2020, Canmore is the ninth-largest town in Alberta, offering a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities.
Canmore's history dates back to 1884 when it was officially named by Canadian Pacific Railway director Donald A. Smith. The town was named after Malcolm III of Scotland, also known as Canmore, a Gaelic term meaning "Big Chief". In 1886, Queen Victoria granted a coal mining charter to the town, marking the beginning of Canmore's coal mining industry.
The town's economic future took a turn in the early 1980s when Calgary was chosen to host the 1988 Winter Olympics. Canmore was selected to host the Nordic events, leading to a surge in tourism and transforming the town into the recreational tourist destination it is today.
Canmore is ideally situated within the Bow Valley, sharing borders with Kananaskis Country and the Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8. The town is bisected by the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City railway, making it easily accessible for tourists and residents alike.
The town is surrounded by majestic mountains, including Mount Rundle, Mount Lawrence Grassi, and the Three Sisters. The area is also home to a series of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, and paved trails, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Canmore enjoys a relatively mild climate compared to other regions of Alberta. The town experiences short summers with daytime temperatures ranging from 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F).
As of the 2021 Census, Canmore had a population of 15,990, a 14.3% increase from its 2016 population. The town is diverse, with about 81% of residents identifying English as their first language, 5% identifying French, and 2% identifying German.
Canmore is home to a thriving arts and culture scene. The town boasts a large number of writers, painters, and photographers, and has been the filming location for several feature films and series.
The Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre serves as the custodian of the town's heritage, preserving its artifacts and archives and offering exhibitions and interpretive programming for residents and visitors.
Canmore hosts a variety of annual events and festivals, including the award-winning food festival Canmore Uncorked, the 24 Hours of Adrenalin mountain bike race, the Canmore Winter Carnival, and the Canmore Folk Music Festival, the longest-running music festival in Alberta.
Canmore offers a range of attractions for visitors of all ages. Elevation Place, the town's recreation facility, features an 8-lane 25m lap pool, a world-class climbing wall, and a host of fitness programs. The Canmore Nordic Centre, originally constructed for the 1988 Winter Olympics, provides world-class trails for cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.
Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Canmore has made significant efforts to provide affordable housing for its residents. The Canmore Community Housing Corporation administers a Perpetually Affordable Housing Program, offering ownership and rental housing units at below-market prices.
Canmore is well-equipped with modern infrastructure, including the Canmore General Hospital and Roam transit for public transportation.
Canmore's picturesque landscapes have made it a popular filming location. The town has been featured in several films and series, including HBO's The Last of Us, the hockey movie Mystery, Alaska, and The Last of the Dogmen.
Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a culture lover, Canmore, Alberta has something for everyone. Come and discover the charm of this Rocky Mountain gem.
