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When you think of Alberta what do you think of? Cowboys and the Calgary Stampede? The excitement of the famous ski hills of Banff? If you prefer something with smaller crowds, the unique Canadian town of Canmore offers a rich history and a quaint charm about 15 minutes from Banff.
Canmore is a quiet community known for its’ friendly people, it’s small size and population make it seem like one big neighbourhood. Most tourists pass by it on their way to Banff and may not even know it is there. It sits beside the famous Three Sisters Peaks and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is home to the ski-bums and nature fanatics and is not as well known to other ski towns making it rarely over-crowded.
Its history began when Queen Victoria granted a coal mining charter to the town with its first mine opening in 1887. The coal mining industry in Canmore boomed well into the 20th century and in 1965 was deemed a town as the population hit 2000 residents.
Much of the town’s history remains intact, including the Mounted Police Barracks and the old Hotel, among the new small shops, galleries and restaurants. But the town is most famous for the major trails systems that can be used for hiking, mountain biking and horse-back riding. The town also does their part to preserve natural wildlife habitats as much of the area has been designated as a wildlife corridor. The corridor allows for the natural surrounding species such as bears, cougars, wolves and elk to move between habitat patches undisturbed.
The next time you pass through on your way to do some skiing, stop by and pay a visit to the locals in Canmore, one of Canadas hidden gems.
