Business Licenses
If you are conducting business within the Town of Canmore on a temporary or long-term basis, you are required to obtain a Canmore business license prior to operating.
Unsure of what type of business license you need, or what documents to submit? Click here.
After your application is processed, you will be sent payment options which include online payment, online banking, phone, or cheque by mail.
Due to the volume of inquiries, please do not follow-up on your application with a phone call. All applications will be responded to via email in a timely manner, in order of receipt. All applications can be submitted by emailing your application and all supporting documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you hold an annual license, you will receive an invoice by mail or email depending on how your account is set up with the Town. Payment for the upcoming years’ license is due by December 31 of the current year. You can pay online here (search by license number) or call the Civic Centre at 403.678.1500 and press 9. For third party bank transfer, or cheque mail-in options, refer to your invoice.
Need to update or make changes to your business information? click here
Business License & Other Application Options
If you are conducting business within the Town of Canmore on a temporary or long-term basis, you are required to obtain a Canmore business license prior to operating. Unsure of what business license you need? Click here.
Annual License - $600
Four Month License - $350
One Month License - $150
Three Day License - $75
Note that the annual license is pro-rated throughout the year.
If you are located in Harvie Heights, Exshaw or Deadman’s Flats, please see the see the Canmore Resident Home Occupation or Commercial business license options since you qualify for the Canmore Resident rate as per an agreement between the Town of Canmore and Municipal District of Big Horn. Proof of residence will be required (ie. copy of driver’s license, signed rental agreement or proof of ownership). Please note that this agreement is subject to change without notice.
Click here to download the out of town business license application form
Average processing time: up to 10 business days. Processing times may vary.
Annual License - $130
Micro-Business - $32.50*
Note that the annual license is pro-rated throughout the year.
*Micro-business status is applicable only to Canmore-resident businesses whose business makes less than $30,000 in annual gross revenue (i.e. revenue before any expenses are paid). Please leave witness signature blank since we will act as your virtual witness.
Application must include the following:
o pdf Application form (134 KB)
o Trade Name Registration / Proof of Filing: Only applicable if you are operating as a name other than your own personal first and last name.
o To register your trade name:
Fill out the form referred to in Step 3 at this link.
Submit the form to the Canmore Registry, and they will issue you a formal document.
Submit that formal document to us with your business license application.
o Proof of residence: Only applicable if you are renting and/or do not appear on the title of ownership. This can be a copy of your signed rent agreement, copy of your driver’s license, or a utility/another bill with your name and address.
Other documents may be requested depending on your type of business or if you qualify as a Class 2 Home Occupation as indicated on your application form.
Average processing time of complete applications: Up to 15 business days. Processing times may vary and not submitting all correct documents upfront can significantly delay the process.
Annual License – Varies. See the application form for pricing.
Micro-Business* – Quarter of the annual rate
Note that the annual license is pro-rated throughout the year.
*Micro-business status is applicable only to Canmore-based businesses whose business makes less than $30,000 annual gross revenue (i.e. Revenue before any expenses are paid). Please leave the witness signature blank since we will act as your virtual witness.
Application must include the following:
o pdf Commercial Business Registry Application (210 KB)
o Trade Name Registration / Proof of Filing: Only applicable if you are operating as a name other than your own personal first and last name.
o Certificate of Incorporation, if applicable
o Proof of Commercial Space Occupancy: This can be a copy of your signed lease agreement. Proof of purchase may be required if property was recently purchased and/or you do not appear on title.
o Town of Canmore Planning approvals: Development Permit, Conformance Report, or Change of Use permit, if applicable. To inquire, contact canmore.ca/planning.
o AHS Health Inspection: if applicable, a copy of the approved health inspection report
o Fire Inspection: if applicable, a copy of the approved fire inspection report
o Other documents may be requested.
Are you unsure of what documents are required? pdf Review this document for insight (708 KB)
Average processing time of complete applications: Up to 28 business days. Processing times may vary.
Vacation Rentals
If you are renting a property as a vacation rental, i.e. tourist home, short-term rental, B&B, or Air BNB, a license must be obtained from the Town of Canmore
If you recently purchased your property, you may be asked to provide proof of purchase since your name may not yet appear on the title as the owner of the property at the time of your application.
Average processing time of complete applications: 15 business days. Processing times may vary.
Click here for information on zoning, planning permits, and permissions.
If you are applying to operate a B&B: Health Inspection may be required. To inquire, please contact the AHS Health Inspector at 403.678.5656.
If an AHS inspection is needed, with your application for a B&B business license, please submit a copy of your AHS inspection report. If one is not needed, please submit the email from AHS verifying this.
What business license do I need to operate a vacation rental property?
Click here to download the Vacation Rental application
Cost for annual license: $600
Processing times may vary.
pdf Click here to download the Vacation Rental application
(143 KB) Cost for annual license: $130
Processing times may vary.
Application must include the following:
o
pdf
Application form
(273 KB)
.
o Trade Name Registration / Proof of Filing: Only applicable if you are operating as a name other than your own personal first and last name. To register your trade name:
o Fill out the form referred to in Step 3 at this link.
o Submit the form to the Canmore Registry and they will issue you formal documents
o Submit that formal document to us with your business license application
o Certificate of Incorporation, if applicable
o Proof of residence: Only applicable if you are renting and/or do not appear on the title of ownership. This can be a copy of your signed rental agreement, a copy of your driver’s license, or a utility/other bill with your name and address.
Click here for more information
pdf Click here to download the Vacation Rental application
(143 KB) There is no cost to add a vacation rental to your existing property. pdf
(143 KB)
Food Trucks, Special Events & Vendors
Annual: $150
2-3 Days: $50
1-Day: $25
Note that the annual license is pro-rated throughout the year.
pdf Download the application form
(24 KB) pdf Important to review: Guideline for Vendors (235 KB)
Average processing time: 15 business days. Processing times may vary.
Organizers of special events are responsible for ensuring that all vendors and service providers at their event hold a valid Canmore business license, or that they are covered under the organizer’s blanket business license (ie. the organizer’s special event business registry license).
Event with 1-2 vendors/service providers: $25 per day
Event with 3 or more vendors/service providers: $75 per day
pdf Download the application form
(115 KB) Important to review for organizers of community events: Community Event Permitting
Average processing time: 28 business days. Processing times may vary.
When ready to submit a vendor license application for your food truck, please email your application package including:
1. The application form.
2. Trade Name Registration for your business.
3. Private property rental agreement (address and signature pages suffice)
4. Permissions from Planning, if provided.
Busking
Busking License
Busking licenses will be issued at the same rate as our Micro Business License of $32.50 for the busking season.
Busking Conditions
Buskers must always carry their permit on their person during a performance and will supply upon demand of a Bylaw Officer or Peace officer. Failure to do so could result in a fine subject to the Business Registry Bylaw.
Busking is permitted only in areas identified by the Town of Canmore (Civic Centre Plaza, Friendship Park, Riverside Park, and Elevation Place plaza.) and may only perform from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., from May 1 to Oct. 31. Any busking done outside of these parameters is subject to penalties, and could result in, but are not limited to a financial fine, revoking of permits, and inability to apply for permit in following calendar year.
Other Documents & Permits
Before submitting your business license application, or vacation rental application, please ensure that you have secured all necessary supporting documentation.
To register:
o Fill out the form referred to in Step 3 at this link.
o Submit the form to the Canmore Registry, and they will issue you a formal document
If doing renovations, you likely need a building permit, please visit Planning Department online.
Click here to find the permits and licenses you need for your business
Closing Your Business?
Note that all changes must be submitted by the business owner. License cancellations are only accepted in writing/email, submitted by the business owner.
If you are closing your business, you must notify the Business Registry with the business name and/or license number, and date of closure. Submit by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or written letter to Business Registry, 902 7 Avenue, Canmore, AB, T1W 3K1.
Updating Information or New Ownership
Note that all changes must be submitted by the business owner or authorized contact. See below for details.
If you wish to make a change to your business’s contact information, location, or types of services offered,
pdf
please complete the change form
(191 KB)
and submit it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you are moving to a location that impacts your business type (i.e.. from home occupation to commercial, or from Canmore-based to out-of-town), you will need to apply for a new business license.
You may also contact the Business Registry office to inquire if a business is licensed to operate within the Town of Canmore. Business name must be provided at the time of inquiry, as information cannot be given based on the home address, owner’s name or contact information.
Stay informed: Sign-up for our business update newsletter brought to you by the Town of Canmore’s Economic Development Department. Click here to sign-up.
Alberta Biz-Connect: Click here to access the Provincial government’s latest workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19.
For more information on business licenses, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 403.678.1523