On the Town

Where to shop

GEAR UP (1302 Bow Valley Trail) is a premier rental shop in the Rockies that offers snowshoes, skates, Nordic, downhill and touring skis, as well as bicycles, ice and rock climbing gear, and stand-up paddleboards.

SWITCHING GEAR (718 10th St.) is one of the best consignment stores I’ve ever been to. They offer all sorts of outdoor equipment, including packs, and ski, cycle, run and climbing gear.

Where to eat and drink

BEAMER’S COFFEE BAR (737 7th Ave.) is a favourite place for locals and visitors for a coffee and baked treat after a day in the mountains.

COMMUNITEA CAFÉ (1001 6th Ave.) is, without a doubt, my go-to in Canmore. There’s a wide selection of lunch options, including sandwiches, noodle and salad bowls, wraps, excellent espresso and a wall full of teas. Communitea offers many vegan and gluten-free options. It also doubles as a great music venue for live acts travelling through the Bow Valley.

CRAZY WEED (1600 Railway Ave.) is definitely the place to go for a high-end eating experience in a relaxed atmosphere in Canmore. The restaurant is in a beautiful building and the eats are excellent.

FLATBREAD COMPANY (838 10th St.) is possibly the best pizza in the Bow Valley, made with organic ingredients and baked in a stone oven.

HARVEST CAFÉ (2-718 10th St.) is locally owned and offers hearty, healthy meals. Harvest is a local favourite and sits in the same building as Switching Gear.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BAGEL

COMPANY (6A 1306 Bow Valley Trail) will likely be pretty busy in the mornings, but is a great stop for an on-the-run snack or hot beverage.

THE DRAKE (909 Railway Ave.) is the locals’ pub and offers a wide selection of beer on tap and typical pub-style food.