Canmore, Alberta, Canada Profile

Photo: Towering Above Canmore - The Three Sisters - Faith, Hope & Charity

Demographics:

Populations by age:

• 0 to 14 years 12.9%

• 15-64 years 69.7%

• 65 years and over 17.4%

• 85 years and over 1.4%

Average age of the population is 42.7 years old.

Population: 15,990 (2021 census) permanent residents

(non-permanent residents (i.e., own a second home in Canmore) is approximately

another 4,000 to 5,000 people)

History:

Town was founded in 1884 and incorporated in 1965.

The Town of Canmore is located within the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta. The Canmore area is known as “Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “shooting at the willows”) and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda). 

Canmore is located an hour west of Calgary (81 kilometers to the city limits), 22

kilometers east of Banff, and nestled in the vast wildlands of Kananaskis Country in the Bow Valley within the Rocky Mountains. The town shares a border with Kananaskis Country to the west and south and the Municipal District of Bighorn to the north and east.

Visitors and residents of Canmore are energized and inspired by its incredible location. Our beauty is enviable, geography mind-boggling. We take advantage of the environment that surrounds us, and we’re committed to sustaining it. With the arms of the majestic Rockies wrapped around us and a pulse that resembles a much larger city, being in Canmore feels larger than life. We’re made up of an eclectic mix, this quaint small town in the wild. We’ve got endless amounts of outdoor activities, world-class mountain sports, and standout wellness facilities combined with impressive food and dining experiences, one-of-a-kind locally-owned boutiques, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. All this within the backdrop of provincial parks, unspoiled wilderness, and show-stopping mountain peaks means Canmore is rapidly becoming celebrated as an unrivalled tourist destination in the Canadian Rockies.

Weather/Language:

• Winter (December – February) • Spring (March – May) • Summer (June – August) • Fall (September-November )
• Predominant languages in the community: English and French

Neighboring cities/towns/hamlets:

• The city of Calgary is 81 KM south/west of Canmore and is home of the               University of Calgary and the Calgary International Airport.

• The Town of Banff is 25 KM from Canmore, with the Banff National Park gates 12 KM away. There are three ski hills in Banff National Park – Mt. Norquay, Banff Sunshine, and Lake Louise Ski Resort

• The hamlet of Lake Louise is 80 KM from Canmore.

• The hamlets of Harvey Heights, Deadmans Flats, and Exshaw are between 8.6 KM and 16 KM from Canmore.

Main industry is tourism.

We are proud to coexist with incredible wildlife and delicate ecosystems that surround us. We ask all visitors to take great care of the land, animals, and people that make this region so special. Visitors can sign the Pledge to the Peaks and help preserve their beautiful areas: https://www.explorecanmore.ca/pledge-to-the-peaks/Tourist 

Attractions/points of interest:

• Attractions & Sightseeing: whether you’re climbing mountains or climbing walls,

Canmore has some of Canada’s most landmark attractions in our backyard: the Rocky Mountains.

• Tours & Experiences: soar high above the mountains in a helicopter or make the climb on your own on a trail. Explore lakes, sip crafted local brews, or climb through wild mountain caves.

• Dining & Nightlife: from globally-inspired cuisine, farm-to-table fare, and fine dining, to classic comfort food and everything in between, Canmore is a small town with a world of culinary experiences.

• Hiking & Biking: massive mountains and sprawling valleys mean hundreds of

kilometers of majestic trails, from steep, adrenaline-pumping tracks, to rolling routes when you’re just in the mood for an easy stroll.

• Sports & Recreation: love to climb, golf, downhill ski/snowboard, bicycle, or cross-country ski? You can do it all in Canmore!

• Nature & Parks: beautiful lakeside parks with canoe and kayak rentals. Boardwalks, picnic areas, and a wildlife trail through a picturesque provincial park. One visit and you’ll understand why we love to play outside.

• Wellness: when it comes to helping you relax and unwind, Canmore Kananaskis is a natural. Shake off everyday life at one of our popular spas, salons, or wellness

centers.

-Shopping: shopping might not be the first thing on your mind when you come to

Canmore, but it doesn’t disappoint. One-of-a-kind boutiques, the best in outdoor

clothing, handcrafted art, and even chocolate can all be found on Main Street.

• Arts & Culture: beautiful street murals. Vibrant markets and festivals. Exciting

museums, galleries, and studios. Crafts and local cultural activities. The mountains aren’t the only things that are inspiring around here.

• Events: they say Canadians live by the seasons, but here we live by an exciting

calendar full of festivals and events, from Winter Carnival to the summertime Folks Music Festival, to comedy nights and poetry readings, any day of the week.

Schools:

• Canmore Collegiate High School

• Elizabeth Rummel School

• Lawrence Grassi Middle School

• Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy

• Ecole Notre-Dame des Monts

• Canmore Preschool

The extent of government interest in support for city pairing:

• Canmore Mayor Krausert has expressed interest and is assisting in moving the

conversation forward.

The extent of private groups/affinity organizations’ interest in the city pairing:

• Canmore Museum

• artsPlace

• Canmore Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA)

• Bow Valley Builders and Development Association (BOWDA)

• Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC)

• Canmore Hotel and Lodging Association (CHLA)

• Tourism Canmore Kananaskis (TCK)

Pairing interests:

• We are interested in collaborating with other communities that:

  Prioritize the environment and sustainability.

•  Coexist with wildlife.
• Have a limited growth footprint, which leads to potential housing issues and high land prices.
• Want to explore best practices with respect to sustainable tourism.
• Are solution focused with respect to climate change and transportation.