Romancing the Rockies: Your Canmore Weekend Getaway Inspiration

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

We arrived under the cloak of night in Canmore, Alberta, so that emerging from our hotel room the next morning to the sun rising on the peaks of the Three Sisters Mountains had me feeling dumbstruck. It was as if I’d never seen mountains before. The soft hues of the sun's rays kissing each snow-dusted peak made me wish I was a painter. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

Canmore has humble beginnings as a small mining town located in the Bow River Valley. With its 20 minute proximity to Banff, and even a relative nearness to Calgary, it's no surprise that Canmore has become an energetic, world-class tourist destination. 

Photo Credit: Olive and Boon Photography

In a whirlwind weekend getaway, we had one day to experience as much as we could of Canmore. Here is what we recommend for a romantic, winter weekend in the Rockies. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

Where to Stay:

The Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is the perfect location to be in the center of it all. Its proximity to shopping, breweries, and dining make it perfect for all length of stays. The rooms are bright and modern, newly renovated, and many boast majestic mountain views. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

The spirit of this accommodation is that of having fun. An indoor pool and hot tub, large exercise facility, and nighttime fire pits with S’mores kits during winter stays all contribute to the sense that staying here means letting go of all your worries. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

Breakfast:

An eight minute walk from your Coast Canmore room gets you to Le Fournil, an absolute must-try experience for exquisite croissants, cakes, and cappuccinos. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

This authentic French bakery sources locally whenever possible to create edible art. To taste the food here is to be transported to artisanal France with moan-worthy pâtisseries. Several visits here may be required to satisfy your cravings after the first experience. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

Morning Activity:

It has been on my bucket list for two years to get mushing with a Canadian dog sled team. Meet the Alaskan Huskies responsible for the epic tours by Mad Dog Expeditions. We met up with these friendly pups at Spray Lakes and learned that they starred in the 2017 film, Jumanji 2 with Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black. Our guide, Alec, got us situated on our sled and off we went to run across the frozen lake. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

After an exhilarating ride towards the mountains, we stopped to take pictures, pet the pups, and appreciate the serenity all around us. Several options are available depending on your time allowances for your trip. We went on the two hour Mountain Musher ride but longer half, full, and even multi-day trips are available as well. The half-day tour includes a campfire lunch with your new furry friends. Check out their website to book the tour that suits your travel needs. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

Afternoon Shopping:

A little shopping in Canmore’s incredibly cute center is a great way to grab a coffee and wind down from the morning. Exploring the picturesque streets is a must and we recommend two stores in particular. Mountain Littles is an adorable one-stop shop for everything baby and kid related. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

They have everything you need from the baby lotion you forgot to the gifts you want to bring back home. Mountain Littles carries some of our favorite, trending brands of clothing, gear, and toys for littles. We picked up some amazing travel-friendly toys for the next road trip we bring the boys on, plus some adorable teethers, sleepers, and plushies. Check out their Instagram to order online!

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

Your second stop should be Mountain Mercantile, the best place for stunning souvenirs and mementos of your romantic getaway. Appropriately located in the heart of Canmore’s bustling town, Mountain Mercantile supports over 50 small businesses by carrying wares from artisans all over Western Canada. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

The heart of this family-owned business is supporting others and the incredible local talent around. We found clothing and accessories, gifts for family such as local pottery, jewelry, stickers, and apothecary. Even if you’re not planning a trip to Canmore soon, I recommend having a look at their beautiful items online! 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

After a full morning of dog sledding and shopping, take some time to wind down in your hotel room. In the spirit of love-month, we brought a special treat from TJ’s Grazing with us to enjoy in the afternoon. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

Tj’s Grazing created a valentines charcuterie box fit for aphrodite herself with an incredibly curated selection of smoked gouda, cured Italian meats, creamy brie, berries, pepper jellies, macarons, and more. There’s still time to order a Valentine’s Graze Box for you and your sweetie. 10% of TJ’s Grazing’s profits go to the BC Cancer Foundation in honor of the owner’s brother TJ. Valentine’s graze tins, brunch and solo boxes are also available. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

While we love traveling with our boys, there’s something exciting about escaping the kids and driving far away just the two of us. I wanted to do something special to remember our weekend together in the mountains. A photography session with Kaela from Olive and Boon Photography  is exactly the way to preserve the beauty of visiting Canmore. Scouting out a fabulous location for us, Kaela directed the loveliest couple’s shoot. 

Photo Credit: Olive and Boon Photography

Dinner:

We ended this incredible day with a reservation at Table Food+Drink located in the Coast Canmore Hotel. Sipping martinis and local beer, we feasted on braised boneless beef rib and butternut squash risotto with green peas and wild mushroom cippolini onion ragout and seasonal veggies as well as pappardelle pasta with pulled bison and wild mushrooms topped with shaved parmesan and red wine truffle. The fabulous food was matched by the friendly service and impeccable ambiance. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

As the darkness set in, our trip had come full circle. I watched families begin to gather around the crackling fire pits outside the restaurant window. I’m left with the bittersweet feeling of satisfaction from a full and exciting day and the disappointment of having to leave. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

We decided then and there, this will be a repeat trip for us. Maybe we’ll bring the kids (or maybe we won't!) but we’ll definitely need more time in this vibrant town. 

Photo Credit: Juliana Loewen

Follow us @loewenlifestyle on Instagram to see more epic photos from our trip and to follow us to our next adventure at Spirit Ridge in Osoyoos, BC! I love meeting fellow local adventurers so drop me a DM and say hi!