The small mountain town of Canmore offers travellers a slightly more relaxed experience than that of neighbouring Banff, while also offering incredible access to some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the Canadian Rockies. Canmore is the perfect base camp for a variety of hikes ranging from the relaxing walk through Grotto Canyon to the heart-pumping ascent of EEOR, and the town itself is easily walkable and home to a variety of local restaurants and shops, as well as several breweries, a cidery, and a distillery. While looking for the best hotels in Canmore, there are a wide variety of options to consider, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious condo-style accommodation with tons of amenities.
In this blog post I will highlight fifteen of the best options for accommodation in Canmore, but if you don’t have time to read through them all, here are a couple of my favourites.
- Canmore Downtown Hostel is the nicest budget place to stay in Canmore for backpackers. It’s super clean and offers dorm rooms or private rooms, plus the common room has spectacular views of the mountains
- The Pocaterra Inn is the best place to stay in Canmore for families, thanks to its pool with waterslide, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center.
Canmore Downtown Hostel
Canmore Downtown Hostel is one of the most affordable places to stay in Canmore, making it one of the best options for travellers on a budget. It’s located in a central location close to the highway, and well within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants downtown. There are a mix of dorm and private rooms, ranging from two to eight beds and shared or private bathrooms. In my experience the rooms are all very clean, and the bright and airy common area has tall windows offering gorgeous views of the surrounding mountainscape. Unlike some party hostels, this Canmore hostel is fairly quiet, and there is a wide range in the ages of guests. Make sure to check out Grizzly Paw Brewing, one of the best breweries in Canmore, which is only two or three minutes away on foot.
Canmore Hotel Hostel
The Canmore Hotel was originally built in 1890, and is the second-oldest continuously operated hotel in Alberta. Originally serving rowdy coal miners and railway workers, it’s now popular among backpackers as Canmore’s party hostel. Dorms here are budget-friendly, and private rooms are also available.
The real benefit of staying in the Canmore Hotel Hostel is it’s location right in the heart of downtown Canmore on the main street. There’s nowhere you can stay that would put you closer to the restaurants, shops, and bars of Canmore. The 1890 Smokehouse on the hostel’s ground floor is known for its regular live music and friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect place to meet fellow travellers.
Blackstone Mountain Lodge
Blackstone Mountain lodge is located not far from downtown Canmore, and offers all the amenities you could possibly need – and more, including an outdoor heated pool, two hot tubs, a fitness center, massage rooms, heated underground parking, and an outdoor courtyard with a bbq area. In addition to standard hotel rooms, this condo-style hotel offers spacious suites designed to give you all the comforts of home, including washers and dryers as well as fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances.
Basecamp Lodge
With a wood-burning fireplace in the lobby, cedar sauna available to guests, and rooms stocked with locally made bath products from Rocky Mountain Soap Co, it’s clear that Basecamp Lodge is a cozy and comfortable choice, perfect for visitors on a budget. There are a variety of king and queen rooms here to fit whatever your needs might be. Like most of the other Canmore Hotels on this list, the Basecamp Lodge is within walking distance of downtown Canmore’s shops.
Georgetown Inn
The Georgetown Inn is one of the most unique places to stay in Canmore, with a beautiful English-style pub. downstairs below the boutique inn. This Canmore hotel has a lot of old-fashioned charm, but isn’t short on modern amenities, and still feels clean and well-maintained. Enjoy a fresh-cooked meal in front of the fireplace (they’ve been voted best nachos and fish and chips in the valley!) and sink into the comfortable beds after a long day of hiking.
Basecamp Resorts
You might have seen the mountain views from Basecamp Resort’s rooftop hot tubs on social media, but a variety of other less-instagramable amenities are provided here including pet-friendly rooms, patios, a communal bbq area, and virtual check-in. Suites here include kitchens with modern appliances and tastefully decorated rooms, making it a wonderful option for accommodation in Canmore.
StoneRidge Mountain Resort
Canmore’s Stoneridge Mountain Resort is luxury accommodation in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. From spacious well-decorated rooms with private balconies with BBQs, cozy fireplaces, gourmet full kitchens, spa-inspired toiletries and bathrobes to amenities including their outdoor heated pool and hot tub, every single detail is well thought out.
Lamphouse by Basecamp
Lamphouse by Basecamp is a boutique motel located centrally in Canmore’s downtown. Tastefully decorated rooms and suites feature modern amenities and thoughtful touches such as locally made toiletries, as well as virtual check-in and a hot tub. The highlight here is the location though: you really couldn’t be any closer to the shops and restaurants of Canmore.
Grande Rockies Resort
Grande Rockies Resort has everything you need for a comfortable and hassle-free stay in Canmore, offering a wide range of individual rooms and condo-style suites. Amenities here include a heated indoor pool with waterslide, hot tub, fitness center, and trendy restaurant located on-site. Suites feature full kitchens with laundry and elegant modern decor.
Lodges at Canmore
The Lodges at Canmore is one of the best Canmore accommodations for families, offering one, two, and three bedroom fully furnished suites, as well as a pool and hot tubs, community bbq area, and fitness centre. For added comfort and convenience, guests can purchase ski passes from the reception, and make use of the spa facilities to unwind after a long hike.
Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn
The Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn is a warm and rustic mountain retreat, perfect for relaxation in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. With a spacious yet cozy lobby featuring a large fireplace and complimentary tea and coffee, as well as a 24/7 sauna and complimentary wine receptions, it’s clear that guest comfort is a priority. As well, the Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn offers free bicycle rentals to guests, perfect for seeing everything Canmore has to offer. Order ahead to receive a to-go bagged breakfast including locally baked goods the next morning before you hit the trails. Rooms include jacuzzi suites and pet-friendly options, and all the rooms are tastefully decorated and very clean and spacious. For amenities alone, the Canmore Rocky Mountain is one of the best hotel options in Canmore.
Malcolm Hotel
The Malcolm Hotel is a luxury four star hotel set amidst the dramatic backdrop of the rocky mountains, though conveniently only a short walk from downtown Canmore. The beautiful modern building has 124 spacious and comfortable guest rooms, heated rooftop pool and hot tubs, the Stirling Lounge & Grill, Creekside Patio, games lounge, coffee shop, a conference space and meeting rooms. The ambience and design reflects the pageantry, royalty and heritage of past Scottish King – Malcolm III, who is also known as Canmore’s namesake. Guests staying here will be treated to the absolute best that Canmore has to offer.
Pocaterra Inn
The perfect Canmore hotel for families, the Pocaterra Inn features a large pool and waterslide, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center. Don’t want to worry about breakfast before hitting the trails? The Pocaterra Inn has you covered, with a complimentary continental breakfast including a choice of breads, select hot breakfast meats, other hot items, juice, coffee, tea and more. In addition, the Pocaterra Inn is one of the pet-friendly Canmore Hotels, with several pet-friendly and non-pet-friendly rooms.
Northwinds Hotel
Northwinds Hotel offers a communal patio with spectacular views of the surrounding mountainscape, in addition to spacious and recently renovated rooms with comfortable clean beds, and seamless online check-in. A great budget-friendly alternative to some of the more luxury Canmore hotels, the Northwinds Hotel is one of the best “bangs-for-your-buck” in Canmore. As well, it’s located only several minutes away from Canmore Brewing Company and Core Values Cider Co.
The Drake Inn
The Drake Inn is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Canmore, plus it has the added bonus of being directly next to the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk, one of the best easy walks in Canmore. Guests staying in west-facing rooms will be treated to idyllic views of the Bow River flowing through the heart of Canmore, and the boardwalk beside it. Known for it’s onsite restaurant and bar, the Drake offers nightly events like karaoke and live music, and a menu of pasta, burgers, salads, and various appetizers.
