Canmore
A mountain town in the Bow Valley at the edge of Banff and Kananaskis.
About Canmore
Canmore sits about 81 km west of Calgary beneath the Three Sisters peaks. It's a base for hiking, biking, paddling and climbing, with a lively downtown and the Canmore Nordic Centre.
A brief history
Canmore was named in 1884 by a Canadian Pacific Railway director. A coal mining charter followed in 1886 and the No. 1 mine opened in 1887, and coal mining shaped the town for nearly a century. The Canmore Nordic Centre hosted cross-country skiing at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
RV tips
- Canmore is outside Banff National Park, so you don't need a Parks Canada pass in town. You do need one if you continue into the park.
- Downtown streets and parking are tight for big rigs.
- Campgrounds in the Bow Valley fill quickly in summer. Book early.
Before you go: Hours, road conditions, campground availability, passes and fire bans change. Check the official source below, 511 Alberta and Alberta Fire Bans before you travel. National parks need a Parks Canada pass, and Kananaskis needs a Conservation Pass.
Campgrounds nearby
- Spring Creek RV Campground (Private)
- Bow River Campground (Alberta Parks, typical about $39/night)
Costs are approximate (checked October 2026). All Alberta campgrounds →
Sources & more information
Related trip planning: Alberta RV routes · Pre-trip checklist · Crown land camping