SkiBig3 Tips: Guide to Canmore in Winter

Welcome to Canmore, a place where you come to catch your breath or chase it. Located just outside Banff National Park, this mountain town blends adventure with laid-back charm. 

It’s the perfect place to kick off your SkiBig3 vacation or take a break between ski days. With a mix of outdoor adventure, indoor comforts, and cozy stays, Canmore has something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the week or just the day, it delivers that perfect balance of wild and welcome.  

How do you get to Canmore?

Getting here is easy. A direct airport shuttle makes travel smooth and stress-free, or rent a car from Calgary International Airport (YYC) for ultimate flexibility.

Shuttle Options:

• Pursuit Banff & Canmore Airport Shuttle
• Banff Airporter

How far is Canmore from Banff and the SkiBig3 resorts?

25 km (15 mi) to the town of Banff
30 km (19 mi) to Mt. Norquay
40 km (25 mi) to Banff Sunshine Village
80 km (50 mi) to Lake Louise Ski Resort

Pro Tip: Plan for Parks Passes

If you’re heading to any of the SkiBig3 resorts or planning to explore Kananaskis by personal vehicle, you’ll need both a Parks Canada Pass and a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Save time by purchasing them online in advance. It’s a small step that keeps your trip running smoothly from the start.

Getting from Canmore to Banff and Lake Louise

ROAM Transit offers affordable, eco-friendly service between Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

While SkiBig3 shuttles don’t pick up in Canmore, you can reach the resorts by first taking ROAM into Banff. Prefer a direct ride? Ten Peaks Shuttle and Alpine Adventures Shuttle both offer service from Canmore straight to the ski hills.

Roam Transit Bus | Photo by Gareth Paget 

Where to Stay in Canmore

From stylish suites to cozy lodges, Canmore has stays for every kind of winter traveller. Whether you’re here for the week or just the weekend, you’ll find space to relax, recharge, and feel right at home.

Condo-Style Stays

Need room to spread out? These condo-style stays are perfect for families and groups, with kitchens, fireplaces, and plenty of comfort.

• Stoneridge Mountain Resort – Spacious suites with full kitchens and a heated outdoor pool.
• Blackstone Mountain Lodge – Modern and stylish, with hot tubs and underground parking.
• Falcon Crest Lodge – Homey and well-equipped, with fireplaces and outdoor hot tubs.
• Basecamp Resorts or Suites – Sleek, simple, and social, with rooftop hot tubs and flexible room sizes.
• Canalta Lodge – Laid-back and lively, with kitchenettes, outdoor firepits, and après vibes.

Hotel-Style Comforts

Prefer classic hotel ease? Canmore has options for families, couples, and anyone chasing a little luxury.

• The Malcolm Hotel – Boutique style in Spring Creek, with alpine views and upscale touches.
• MTN House by Basecamp – Modern mountain luxury with a Nordic spa coming soon.
• Solara Resort – Full-service with spa access, condo-style rooms, and a private theatre.
• Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide – Easygoing and kid-friendly, with complimentary breakfast.
• Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge – Affordable and classic, with big views and local charm.

Need a hand choosing the right spot? Our Vacation Specialists are here to help. Call 1-844-754-2443 to learn more about Ski & Stay packages available in Canmore.

Malcolm Hotel's Outdoor Heater Pool | Photo by Travel Alberta / Kaime Vedres

Things to Do in Canmore in Winter

Canmore is full of ways to explore, unwind, and stay active between ski days. Whether you’re building your vacation around this vibrant mountain town or just taking a break from the slopes, winter here feels alive with adventure, culture, and local flavour.

Outdoor Activities 

• Cross-country skiing at the Canmore Nordic Centre: A world-class facility with trails for all levels, with Olympic history in every glide.
• Snowshoeing: Try local favourites like Grassi Lakes or Grotto Canyon. Snowshoe rentals are available at Gearup Mountain Sports.
• Fat biking: Explore snowy singletrack on two wheels — fat bike rentals are available in town at Rebound Cycle or Chateau Mountain Sports. 
• Skating: Choose from a variety of maintained outdoor rinks. Skate rentals are available at Gearup Mountain Sports.

Skating on a pond downtown, Canmore | Photo by Travel Alberta / Jaime Verdes 

Guided Adventures 

• Canmore Cave Tours: Go underground with a guided caving adventure through Rat’s Nest Cave. 
• Dogsledding: Experience the thrill of mushing through the snow with Snow Owl Sled Dog Tours.

 Dog Sledding in Spray Valley Provincial Park in Canmore with Snowy Owl Sled Tours  Photo by Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel

Indoor Escapes

• One Wellness Spa: Unwind with a massage or soak at this luxury wellness retreat in Solara Resort.
• Canmore Float – Relax, reset, and recharge with a sensory-deprivation float experience in the heart of town.
• Fitness Studios – Find your flow or build strength with drop-in classes at Canmore Hot Yoga and Flex Wellness, or keep your energy up with a spin class, TRX session, or strength circuit at RockyCycle.
• Art galleries and shops: Browse local galleries, artisan boutiques, and cozy bookstores downtown.

Indoor Family-friendly Fun

• Elevation Place: Impressive indoor climbing, swimming pool with a waterslide, fitness centre, and library.
• artsPlace Canmore – Catch a film, take a workshop, or enjoy a live show at this creative community hub.
• Clueslovers – Work together to crack codes, solve puzzles, and complete an escape-style challenge perfect for groups or families.

Rock climbing wall at Elevation Place | Photo by Canmore Kananaskis Tourism

Where to Eat in Canmore

A foodie-friendly town with no shortage of cozy cafés, grab-and-go spots, and chef-driven gems. Here’s a mix of local favourites, organized by mealtime.

Breakfast & Brunch

• Eclipse Coffee Roasters – A local go-to for a quick, quality caffeine fix.
• Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. – House-made bagels and wholesome breakfast sandwiches.
• The Bro’Kin Yolk – Known for epic brunches and locally inspired twists.

Lunch & Dinner

• Communitea Café – Healthy, feel-good bowls, wraps, and loose-leaf tea.
• Fergus & Bix – Casual, contemporary pub fare perfect for a midday refuel.
• Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Co. – House-brewed beers and hearty pub eats in a lively setting.
• Crazyweed – Creative, globally inspired cuisine with big mountain flavour.
• Bridgette Bar Canmore – Stylish, energetic, and perfect for a night out

Group of friends eating at Bridgette Bar | Photo by Travel Alberta / Cakewalk

Why Canmore? Because Winter Feels Different Here

In Canmore, the wild feels a little closer, the trails a little quieter, and the moments more meaningful. Just a short drive from the SkiBig3 resorts, this vibrant mountain town offers space to explore, places to unwind, and a deeper connection to the Rockies. It’s where adventure meets ease, and where winter invites you to slow down, look up, and take it all in.

Ready to add Canmore to your SkiBig3 adventure? Call our Vacation Specialists at 1-844-754-2443 or explore our Ski & Stay packages to start planning.