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 and explore the mountain lifestyle between ski days. With a mix of outdoor adventure, indoor comforts, and cozy stays, Canmore 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, you’ll need a Parks Canada Pass. If you want to explore beyond Banff into Kananaskis Country, you'll need 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.
• Copperstone Resort Hotel  – Modern and stylish, with a year-round hot tub and indoor 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.
• White Spruce Lodge by Spring Creek – Modern mountain living with stunning views and easy access to downtown Canmore. 

Stoneridge Mountain Resort outdoor heated pool and barrel sauna. 

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.

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

Boutique Hotel Stays 

Canmore is full of one-of-a-kind stays, ideal for couples, families, or anyone after a unique mountain experience.  

• Paintbox Lodge – An artsy, chef-owned boutique lodge that blends rustic charm with creative flair, right in downtown Canmore.
• Creekside Villa – Tucked in a quiet forested spot, Creekside Villa offers a cozy, alpine escape with a modern twist.
• Lamphouse by Basecamp – boutique stay in the heart of Canmore, perfect for adventurers and urban explorers alike.

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. 

Lampouse by Basecamp Double Queen with a View Room | Photo by Basecamp Resorts

Things to Do in Canmore in Winter

Canmore is full of ways to explore, unwind, and stay active between ski days. Winter here feels alive with adventure, culture, and local flavour – be sure to take the time to explore this quaint town and see what makes us special.. 

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 and Rentals.
• Fat biking: Explore snowy singletrack on two wheels — fat bike rentals are available in town at Rebound Cycle or Trail Sports.
• Skating: Choose from a variety of maintained outdoor rinks. Skate rentals are available at Gearup Mountain Sports. You can also take lessons with MJ's Bow Valley Ice Skating. 

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 WildHeart Canmore 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.

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.
• Uprising Bakery – Uprising is a cozy café and bakery known for sourdough and great coffee. 

Lunch & Dinner

• Communitea Café – Healthy, feel-good bowls, wraps, and loose-leaf tea.
• Tavern 1883 – 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 Kitchen – 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.