This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
In the beautiful Bow Valley of Alberta, lies Canmore, a quaint and charming mountain community that isn’t just your average town. It may be small, but there are tons of fun and exciting things to do in Canmore!
Expect exhilarating outdoor activities, such as world-class mountain sports and hiking, and magnificent food and dining experiences. There are also locally-owned boutiques, art galleries, and cafes adorning the busy streets. On top of that, Canmore is located right next to Banff, making it easily one of the best places to visit in Alberta – and all of Canada, for that matter!
The truth is, you’re going to need to spend a few days to take in all that Canmore has to offer. And with that comes the tedious process of deciding where to stay in Canmore.
Canmore is packed with hotels and resorts that cater to different types of travelers. In fact, there are well over 200 different properties available for accommodation in this small town! While having lots of choices is good, it can make selecting just one hotel a bit tricky and time-consuming.
Which is why I’ve written this blog! We’ve visited Canmore countless times and stayed in countless hotels. We’ve also lived in Canmore for short periods of time (we even lived in one Canmore hotel for two months once upon a time!) This blog narrows down the choices when it comes to hotels and accommodations in Canmore to the 5 absolute best!
We’ve taken the guesswork out of the best hotels in Canmore – let’s dive in!
5 Tips for Choosing a Hotel in Canmore
Before we go about the hotels, let me first give you five tips for choosing where to stay in Canmore. These tips will guide you in finding the best hotel for you, so it’s important that you don’t skip this section.
1. Choose the right location
Location is one of the most important factors to consider when picking a hotel in any destination. When it comes to Canmore specifically, we recommend that you choose a hotel close to the downtown area. This gives you several advantages, such as going to and from the hotel without having to drive and being closer to all of the action.
Also, in Canmore, public parking lots often come with a fee, so the proximity of your hotel to the town center can save you from paying.
For this reason, all of the hotels we’ve included in this blog are within walking distance of Canmore’s vibrant downtown core.
2. Ensure parking is included
If you want to avoid having to find a parking space, make sure that the hotel you’re staying in has an on-site parking lot. Also, if underground parking is important to you (especially during the winter season), this tip is something to keep in mind when booking, too.
3. Rooms with a view are worth it
Not all hotels offer views, so if you prefer to have a room with picturesque scenery, don’t forget to take this into account when deciding where to stay in Canmore. You wouldn’t want to miss the epic views of the Rocky Mountains, now would you!?
4. Be aware of highway noise
Lots of Canmore hotels sit right on the highway, so if you’re a light sleeper, this is something you should check before booking.
5. Check for all facilities and amenities
Several hotels in the town feature hot tubs, pools, saunas, and gyms, while others don’t. There are also instances wherein some facilities are seasonal, so be aware of this.
The 5 BEST Hotels in Canmore
1. Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre (Our Top Overall Choice) – $$
- Location: About a 10-minute walk from downtown Canmore. One of the most centrally-located hotels in Canmore
- Price Range: Rooms start from $110 CAD mid-week during the low season, but can go upwards of $400 CAD per night during the busiest times of the year
- Types of rooms: Standard hotel-style rooms with two queen beds or one king; King suite with sofa and soaker tub
- Parking: Free onsite parking. Outside only.
- Pet-friendly: Yes, select rooms only. Be sure to make a note of this with your booking.
- Best for: Those looking for a central location without breaking the bank!
Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is our top choice among the many Canmore hotels on offer. In fact, the last few times we visited Canmore, this is exactly where we stayed. Why? Well, to us, it is the perfect combination of comfort and affordability. Plus, the location is about as central as it gets!
Coast Canmore is located only about a 10-minute walk from the heart of 8th Street (main street) in downtown Canmore. Also, right next to the hotel is a huge local brewery, several restaurants, and cafes (including one of our favorite takeaway places – Rocket Pie Pizza.)
You’ll also love the other amenities at the hotel, such as a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center with modern equipment including two Peloton Bikes. They even have an on-site restaurant called Table Food + Drink, which is so good! Honestly, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Table Food + Drink offers a seasonal outdoor patio with a garden where the hotel grows the spices and vegetables they use for the dishes they serve. They have nightly specials here and even serve breakfast for those days when you want to just roll out of bed and wander down the hall to grab a bite to eat and coffee. We often visit Table Food + Drink for cocktails in the evening as well; their cocktail menu is varied and features seasonal specialties.
Another thing that sets Coast Canmore apart from other hotels is its space for various events. They house the largest full-service conference space in the town, with 10 venues and more than 10,000 square feet of space for meetings, social gatherings, and more.
If you’re visiting during the winter months, you get to experience the hotel’s seasonal fire pit & s’mores that are available every Friday and Saturday night. You can also expect a newly renovated business center where you can get your work done. It is equipped with touch screens and fast internet access and is open 24 hours a day. The complementary Wi-Fi is speedy and is actually available throughout the hotel.
Now, about Coast Canmore’s actual hotel rooms – they house rooms and suites that offer perks like triple-sheeted beds, a flat-screen TV, in-room Starbucks coffee and tea, and clean modern decor.
Only some of the accommodations offer great views of the mountains, while others have limited views. There are pet-friendly rooms, too! So, you need not worry about leaving your furry companion at home.
Travelers can book a room with two queen beds or a king bed, plus a patio; or a premium king suite, which is complete with a sofa bed, a fireplace, a soaker tub, a steam shower, and fantastic mountain views. Room prices start around $110 CAD per night which is great value considering how beautiful Coast Canmore is.
It’s a beautiful hotel with an ideal location and a fair price tag – you really can’t go wrong.
You can book Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre on their website or on Booking.com.
Related Read: Heading to Banff? Check out our guide about where to stay in Banff National Park!
2. Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge (Most Affordable Hotel in Canmore) – $
- Location: A 17-minute walk from downtown Canmore, the heart of Mainstreet
- Price Range: Rooms starting from $88 CAD per night during low season
- Types of rooms: Queen room; room with two queen beds; one-bedroom apartments; one-bedroom loft; double room with a kitchen
- Parking: Outdoor free parking.
- Pet-friendly: Yes, be sure to note this when booking.
- Best for: People traveling on a limited budget, that still want a nice place to stay.
Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge is one of the Canmore hotels that offer customers good value for money. It is centrally situated in the town, putting you just minutes from Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country.
Here, you can choose from a mix of accommodations, ranging from hotel rooms to apartments and lofts. There are a total of 40 apartment units and 43 standard hotel rooms available for both solo travelers and groups.
Take note that not all rooms have a kitchen, so if you prefer to have your own, carefully check the amenities of the room you’re going to book. Also, if you’re bringing a pet along with you, be sure to mention this when making a reservation to get suggestions for the hotel’s pet-friendly rooms.
Each hotel room, apartment, and loft vary in conveniences, but their common features include spectacular mountain views, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. A one-bedroom apartment here at Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge comes with a private bedroom with a queen bed, a kitchen, a living room, a gas fireplace, and one full bathroom.
Regarding the hotel’s amenities, there is a hot tub, a sauna, and BBQ, and a picnic area with a kids’ playground, plus laundry facilities and a meeting room with a kitchen.
The heated indoor hot tub is open daily, so you can drop by any time of the day after an incredible hike or a full day of skiing. If you want to take your relaxation to the next level, you can proceed to the sauna next to the hot tub!
In the laundry area, you can find an iron and an ironing board, a vending machine available with washing powders, and of course, a washing machine. The meeting room is not only ideal for meetings but also for seminars and family or social gatherings for up to 25 people.
Furthermore, the Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge offers complimentary parking, ski locker storage, bike rentals, and a computer with a printer. To rent a bike, just head to the front desk for assistance.
To be honest, Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge is not the most luxurious hotel in Canmore, but it’s a great option for anybody looking for an affordable, yet comfortable stay. Dan and I have stayed here several times, and it was our go-to place when we were a little younger and traveling on a tighter budget.
You can check availability, prices, and book Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge on Booking.com!
3. Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide (Best Hotel for Families with Kids) – $
- Location: About a 20-minute walk from downtown Canmore. Near Tim Hortons on Bow Valley Trail
- Price Range: Rooms start from $107 CAD in the low season mid-week.
- Types of rooms: 8 different types of hotel rooms that sleep 2-5 people.
- Parking: Yes, outdoor free.
- Pet-friendly: Yes. A $25 CAD surcharge.
- Best for: Families with kids due to the large pool and waterslide, as well as included breakfast.
For families or groups who aren’t sure where to stay in Canmore, I suggest you book Pocaterra Inn. This hotel has a feature that no other hotel in Canmore does – a pool with a waterslide! It’s sure to keep the kid busy while you relax in the adjacent hot tub. There’s even a sauna that is perfect for those cold winter days in Canmore.
There is a mix of traditional hotel rooms, from standard queen rooms to suites that sleep up to 5 people. These rooms are super convenient if you want to keep your kids close while still having enough space for everybody.
If your furry friend is coming along, see to it that you let the resort know about it since there are some pet-friendly rooms. Bringing your pet comes with a $25 CAD surcharge.
The hotel rooms come with a mini-fridge, a microwave, an iron and ironing board, a flat-screen TV, and a bathroom with a bathtub/shower combo. WI-FI is free and offered throughout the hotel. Rooms also come with a Keurig coffee maker. Select rooms have a fireplace and air conditioning.
One of our favorite things about Pocaterra Inn is that they offer free breakfast to all hotel guests. The continental breakfast includes both hot and cold food options and is the easiest way to start your day. It is also a huge budget-saver since you don’t have to buy breakfast each day.
Besides the various accommodations, what makes Pocaterra Inn one of the best hotels in Canmore is its amazing facilities, including an indoor swimming pool with a water slide, hot tub, and sauna. They also have a fitness room that is complete with weights and 24-hour guest laundry. Free parking is also available.
The location of Pocaterra Inn is also central. Although a little further from downtown than some of the other hotels in this blog, it is still within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and stores.
You can check availability, prices, and book Pocaterra Inn on Booking.com
Related Read: If you’re driving to Canmore, check out all the best road trip stops on the drive from Edmonton to Canmore!
4. Sunset Resorts Canmore (Best Hotel with Apartments and Suites) – $$
- Location: A 13-minute walk from downtown Canmore, right next to the Grande Rockies Resort
- Price Range: Rooms start from $155 CAD per night mid-week during the low season
- Types of rooms: One to three-bedroom apartments.
- Parking: Yes, free underground parking is available.
- Pet-friendly: No.
- Best for: Those who want a full apartment with a full kitchen.
When it comes to mid-range hotels in Canmore, Sunset Resorts Canmore and Spa is one of your best options. It is located just adjacent to Grande Rockies Resort. They solely offer suites that have one to three bedrooms – this is ideal for groups or those who like to have a full home while they are away as opposed to a standard hotel room.
Each suite is designed with an array of amenities, such as air conditioning, a fireplace, a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining area, in-suite laundry, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some have an ensuite bathroom and a jacuzzi tub. All suites also feature a full kitchen, which we love because it makes it easy to save money and cook your own meals.
Want to have mountain views? You can book their suites with a balcony.
At the hotel, there’s a full-service spa where you can pamper yourself after a day full of fun. They offer everything from massages to hair, makeup, and nails. For entertainment, you can stay in the guest lounge to watch a movie or some sports. There’s a Family Fun Zone where you can enjoy some Wii games and some rounds of billiards or foosball.
Kids and adults are also given access to the mini-water park that has pools and a small water slide at the nearby Grande Rockies Resort. You’re also free to use the indoor or outdoor hot tub.
If you’re in the mood for working out, Sunset Resorts Canmore and Spa offers you a state-of-the-art gym. Craving for some barbecues? Don’t worry—they have a BBQ area, too! Moreover, you can hang out with your family members or friends in an outdoor fire pit or an outdoor courtyard with a picnic and game area.
Other amenities at the resort include free high-speed internet, which is available throughout the hotel, a complimentary heated underground parking lot with elevator access, and a meeting room.
That’s not all. Sunset Resorts Canmore and Spa offer guests a discount card for local area merchants. They also have a service team that can help you plan your daily activities, such as giving you advice on one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants with stunning views, most scenic hiking trails, routes that increase your chances of wildlife sightings, and tours for all ages.
You can check availability, prices, and book Sunset Resorts Canmore on Booking.com!
5. The Malcolm Hotel (Best Luxury Hotel in Canmore) – $$$
- Location: A 10-minute walk from the heart of downtown Canmore
- Price Range: Rooms start from $279 CAD per night during the least busy time of year.
- Types of rooms: Various queen and king rooms, some with extra features including mountain views. A room with two queen beds is also available.
- Parking: Free underground parking is available.
- Pet-friendly:? Yes, a charge will apply and you must make a note when booking – only some rooms are pet friendly.
- Best for: Couples and those looking for a luxurious hotel in Canmore.
If you’re planning to have a luxury stay in Canmore, The Malcolm Hotel is the right one for you! It’s situated in the heart of the town along the beautiful Spring Creek, just a five-minute walk to Canmore’s authentic main street filled with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and amazing mountain attractions nearby including Bow Valley Provincial Park.
You will absolutely love the wide variety of amenities at the hotel, including a heated outdoor pool with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, hot tubs, an open-air mezzanine, and an outdoor fire pit area.
They also house a full-service gym, which is open 24 hours a day and is complete with a treadmill, elliptical, and weight circuit. In the lobby of the hotel is The Pulse General Store and Coffee Bar which is open daily.
Not only that but The Malcolm Hotel features multiple on-site eateries. The Stirling Lounge offers a cozy and casual dining experience, while fine dining is available at Stirling Grill. You can also enjoy premium dining on the Creekside Patio, or indulge in a comforting breakfast at Stirling Grill Breakfast.
The rest of the hotel amenities include a Highland Games Lounge, a 1,200-square-foot outdoor event space hosting events for up to 280 people, a stretch room, an underground parking lot, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Let’s move on to the accommodations offered at the luxury hotel. There are a total of 124 well-appointed guest rooms, and the types include Double Queen, Single Queen, King, Superior King, Royal King, Executive King, premium suites, and one-bedroom suites. Rates start from $279 CAD per night.
All rooms offer beautiful mountain and creek views, while some rooms are pet friendly. Malcolm Double Queen, in particular, offers two queen-size beds, large 50” TV with satellite, a walk-in rain shower, and a wet bar with a mini-fridge. On the contrary, Mountain View Royal King comes with a king-size bed, sofa bed, and bathroom with a walk-in shower and a deep soaker tub.
Apart from the various on-site amenities, another thing that makes The Malcolm Hotel one of the best hotels in Canmore is its full-service concierge. They can help you plan your itinerary, attend to your requests, and other assistance you need.
You can check availability, prices, and book The Malcolm Hotel online here!
Other Things to do While You’re in Canmore
If you’re still putting together your Canmore itinerary here are some of my personal favorite activities across all seasons that I would recommend to anyone!
- Explore the Canmore Caves – one of the best and most popular adventure tours on the outskirts of Canmore is this Canmore Caving adventure tour. You’ll rappel down into the Rat’s Nest Cave system and explore underground through narrow spaces before reaching a clear pool of water with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. This tour lasts 6 hours, costs $179 CAD, and includes all climbing gear and your own guide so you don’t get lost.
- Go ice skating on a frozen lake – if visiting Canmore in the winter one of the most epic and non-touristy experiences to have is to go skating on one of the area’s frozen lakes (usually frozen solid by mid-December). A few of my favorites are Gap Lake, Lake Louise, and Vermilion Lakes. If you don’t have your own skates you can easily rent a pair from Gear Up in town.
- Whitewater Rafting – an iconic Canadian activity that is sure to provide lots of scenic views, thrills, and laughs! After a safety briefing, this whitewater rafting tour will have you splashing through rapids for around 2 hours. It costs $130 CAD and is available in the summer from mid-May until mid-September.
- Wildlife Safari – Canmore is home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, grizzlies, moose, bighorn sheep, foxes, cougars, elk, coyotes, lynx, mountain goats, wolves, and more. Spotting wildlife on your own is often a coinflip so I recommend going on a wildlife tour with an expert who knows where and what to look for along with how to do so in a safe manner. This private half-day wildlife safari tour is a fantastic option that spends 2 hours on a drive through the Rocky Mountains and a 1.5-hour nature walk to track wildlife. It is pricey at $325 per person but it’s worth it if you’ve been dying to see the native animals!
- Hike to Grassi Lake – this hike to a naturally emerald-colored lake is one of Canmore’s main attractions. The color is so bright it’s hard to believe it’s real! This 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) long trail only gains 125 meters (410 ft) in elevation and takes most people about 2 hours to complete. It’s totally doable for most ages and experience levels so you really have no reason to miss out on the incredible views of Grassi Lake! Just get here early before the parking fills up.
Related Read: Heading to the Icefields Parkway? Consider staying a night and check out our guide about where to stay on the Icefields Parkway!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Now you know what the absolute best hotels in Canmore are. From a luxurious stay at The Malcolm to our favorite hotel at Coast, I hope this blog has helped you decide where to stay in Canmore.
Of course, if you found this blog helpful, we have lots of other blog articles about Canmore and Banff. You can also check out some of our favorite articles below: