The small town of Canmore has been drawing visitors from all around the world for decades. If you’re not sure why, then I suggest checking out the view from nearly any window anywhere in Canmore. Perfectly situated in the Rocky Mountains with access to incredible hiking in the summer and excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Canmore is a magnet for both adventure lovers and sightseers. With an eclectic and diverse population drawn from around the globe, it’s no surprise that the food offerings in Canmore are equally diverse and interesting. Despite this, many of Canmore’s best restaurants and eateries also maintain a focus on fresh and local, like dishes made with hand-foraged ingredients paired with local beer or cocktails made with local spirits. Whether you’re unwinding after a day in the mountains or just spending a day strolling (and eating) your way through town, Canmore has something for everyone.
This list is not ranked, but is instead ordered from breakfast to dinner. It’s also not comprehensive – there are tons of great places to eat that aren’t listed here that I may not have even discovered yet. If you know of an eatery that deserves a mention, feel free to reach out and let me know.
Le Fournil Bakery
The aroma of freshly baked bread greets you as soon as you step into Le Fournil Bakery, an authentic French bakery opened by Pascale Tétreault in 2012. This quaint spot offers a delightful selection of artisan bread, pastries, and sweets, all crafted with traditional French techniques and Canadian ingredients. In addition to the baked goods, it’s also a great spot for an espresso and to explore their gourmet grocery section highlighting local, Canadian, and International products. It’s hard to pick a single highlight, as everything from the rich and delectable desserts to the perfectly crispy croissants and baguettes stand way above what you’d expect from a typical Canadian bakery.
Eclipse Coffee Roasters
Eclipse Coffee Roasters, founded in 2014 in Canmore by Dean Smolicz, specializes in ethically sourced, high-quality coffee, appealing both to the connoisseur and the casual lover. Coffee beans are sourced from reputable local farms from around the world, many of which in turn support their local communities by contributing to schools and hospitals, and are then roasted in a custom-built Toper roaster from Turkey, with the end result being over 10 different varieties of coffee available. Sandwiches and pastries are also available. Since opening, Eclipse has expanded to include three different locations in Canmore, making it easy to get your morning fix wherever you’re staying.
Rocky Mountain Bagel Company
The Rocky Mountain Bagel Company has been Canmore’s go-to spot for authentic, daily-hand-made-bagels for over two decades. In that time they’ve expanded to a second location but the downtown spot is still my favourite. They offer a wide variety of bagels and creative sandwiches and spreads that have both locals and visitors lining up at the door. It’s the ideal place for a hearty breakfast or a casual lunch, with a warm and casual atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the community and feels just like a living room.
Rocket Pie Pizza
For pizza aficionados, Rocket Pie, established in 2020 by a father/son duo, is a destination unto itself. Located in the heart of Canmore just around the corner from Grizzly Paw Brewing Co, Rocket Pie serves up artisanal stone-fired Neopolitan pizzas with a focus on fresh toppings. The result is a menu of mouth-watering pizzas that are as delicious as they are unique. Make sure to try the Margherita, plus if you like spicy the house-made chili oil is to die for. With a lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and fantastic pizza, Rocket Pie is the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the mountains.
Grizzly Paw Brewing Company
It’s impossible to say who makes the best beer in Canmore, but there is no debate to be had about which brewery has the best views. From the top floor of Grizzly Paw Brewing’s brewery location (they also have a taproom downstairs, a cozy pub downtown, and a backyard food truck), it’s possible to enjoy some of the best panoramic mountain views from anywhere in Canmore, and that’s before even mentioning the beer and delicious food! The third-floor balcony is the perfect place for an après-hike beer and burger while enjoying views of some of Canmore’s most iconic hiking peaks such as the Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak, EEOR, and even the waterfall below Grassi Lakes, many of which have had a Grizzly Paw brew named after them at one point or another. Make sure to check out the Three Sisters Pale Ale, named after the iconic peaks that seem to appear in every Canmore photo.
Sauvage
Chef Tracy Little, with her rich background in cooking across Canada and New York, has rooted her culinary expertise in the mountains of Canmore, curating tasting menus that are a reflection of what’s available in the moment, not just the season. The prix fixe menus at this Canmore restaurant are designed to showcase the art of wild food, focusing on sustainability and the inventive use of foraged ingredients. I’m always looking for “local flavour”, which can mean completely different things depending where in the world I am, but there aren’t many restaurants I’ve found that embrace the concept as well as Sauvage. The building it’s housed in has a very special sense of place as well; it’s an early 1900s judge’s house transported from the nearby now-ghost town of Bankhead.
Crazyweed Kitchen
Opened in 1997 by Jan and Richard Hrabec, Crazyweed Kitchen continues to dazzle locals and visitors alike with its bold flavors and innovative dishes. Located not far from Core Values Cider Co, this restaurant offers a modern, airy dining space with atmosphere that competes only with the food. Crazyweed serves up a fun exploration of global cuisines, made with locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite is a discovery.
Änkôr Restaurant
Opened in November 2020, Änkôr has quickly established itself as a destination for contemporary Canadian fine dining, drawing diners not just from Canmore but also from Calgary and Edmonton. The brainchild of Québec-born Chef and Owner Danny Beaulieu, this Canmore restaurant offers a six-course tasting menu for $115 or allows diners to select from the à la carte offerings. There’s a focus on in-season Canadian produce, foraged when possible, and as such the menu changes with the seasons. The food at Änkôr is enhanced by a meticulously curated wine list, recognized with a Wine Spectator Award, particularly noted for its strong selection of reds. There’s also a fantastic selection of cocktails, using plenty of local ingredients of course.
Where the Buffalo Roam Saloon
Where the Buffalo Roam Saloon in Canmore is celebrated for its exceptional cocktails and Canadian-inspired tapas. Established in 2014 by Oona Davis and Shelley Young, it has earned a reputation for its focus on local and premium spirits, making it the Best Cocktail Venue in Canmore in 2020. This cozy saloon, located on Canmore’s bustling Main Street, invites guests to enjoy a range of local craft beers, ciders, cocktails, wines, and globally-inspired dishes. Their commitment to local suppliers ensures a menu filled with seasonal and high-quality ingredients.