Bundle Up and Cuddle Up in Canmore This Winter

Imagine: the most exquisitely perfect snowflakes fall from the sky and large, majestic mountains tower above you as you leisurely wander the streets of Canmore, Alberta. You sip a piping hot coffee as you check out local shops, galleries and restaurants. Sounds magical, doesn’t it? Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Canmore is the perfect place to bundle and cuddle up this winter. Don’t miss out on these top visitor musts! —Heather Reynolds

stay. Cosy up together by a fireplace with a glass of wine at the Inn of the Rockies in Harvie Heights, just a short drive from downtown Canmore. Fifty-seven townhouses make this charming hotel the perfect place to stay for the entire family (it boasts breathtaking mountain views to boot).

shop. Go for a walk downtown to see the many quaint and quirky shops that Canmore has to offer. The Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe is the perfect stop for those with a sweet tooth (load up on floral gums and Jelly Bellies). Next stop: Stonewaters Home Elements to shop beautiful home dêcor and furnishings and see stunning mountain-inspired jigsaw puzzle-like artwork by local artist Fraser McGurk.

sip. Quench your thirst on a tour of the Grizzly Paw Brewing Company, followed by an awesome meal at the Grizzly Paw Pub. Order Granny B’s Mountain Roughage salad for lunch, paired with a Beavertail Raspberry Ale or a non-alcoholic handcrafted soda (ginger beer’s our fave).

ski. Don your warmest winter gear and head out to the mountains. Sunshine Mountain Village, Lake Louise, Nakiska and Mount Norquay are each a short drive from Canmore, offering super skiing and stellar après. There are also plenty of snowshoeing trails nearby, with varying levels of difficulty. Troll Falls is a relatively easy and short trail perfect for the whole family—kiddies, included.

savour. Indulge in some couture chocolate at Jacek Chocolate Boutique, located inside of Stonewaters and, after you’ve licked your lips, head to Evoolution tasting bar to sample a range of delicious oil and vinegar pairings (if you’re lucky staff may be handing out popcorn drizzled in oils and sprinkled with specialty salt). Our favourite twinning: Butter Flavour Olive Oil and Wild Anithos Dill Olive Oil with Lime Fresco Salt.