Information for Visitors
In normal times, Canmore is a jewel of the Rockies that welcomes visitors from around the world. Although the Province of Alberta announced the start of Stage One of the phased economic relaunch, the restriction on non-essential travel remains in place.
We all need to do our part to keep our communities safe:
- If you plan on recreating in nearby provincial parks, remember that physical distancing guidelines and restrictions on groups of 50 or more still apply.
- Plan your trip with minimal stops where possible. Pack your own food, bring a bag to pack out your garbage, and be prepared for limited services and facilities.
- Click here for more information on the latest guidance for regional travel from the Province of Alberta
- Click here for trip-planning information from our partners at Tourism Canmore Kananaskis
FAQs
Services
Can I come for a hike in the Canmore area?
Although the province has launched stage one of the phased reopening, most businesses in Canmore have limited services available. The Chief Medical Officer advises Calgary and Brooks residents to wait for local services to reopen rather than travelling for services.
If you plan on recreating in nearby provincial parks, remember that physical distancing guidelines and group size limits of 50 still apply The Chief Medical Officer continues to advise any person considering travelling within the Province to respect the health and safety of small communities and plan their trip with minimal stops where possible, and to pack your own food, and stop only for gas if necessary.
If you plan on recreating in nearby provincial parks, remember that physical distancing guidelines and group size limits of 50 still apply The Chief Medical Officer continues to advise any person considering travelling within the Province to respect the health and safety of small communities and plan their trip with minimal stops where possible, and to pack your own food, and stop only for gas if necessary.
Can I bike the Legacy Trail?
The Legacy Trail is now swept and open for users. All users must practice physical distancing while using the trail. Note that services in Banff and Canmore are limited or closed at this time and Parks Canada facilities remain closed. Users should plan their trips accordingly.
Know before you go: plan your trip with minimal stops where possible. Pack your own food, bring a bag to pack out your garbage, and be prepared for limited services and facilities.
Click here for trip-planning information from our partners at Tourism Canmore Kananaskis
Know before you go: plan your trip with minimal stops where possible. Pack your own food, bring a bag to pack out your garbage, and be prepared for limited services and facilities.
Click here for trip-planning information from our partners at Tourism Canmore Kananaskis
I love Canmore and want to come for a day trip. Can I still come?
Although the province has launched stage one of the phased reopening, most businesses in Canmore have limited services available. The Chief Medical Officer advises Calgary and Brooks residents to wait for local services to reopen rather than travelling for services.
If you plan on recreating in nearby provincial parks, remember that physical distancing guidelines and group size limits of 50 still apply The Chief Medical Officer continues to advise any person considering travelling within the Province to respect the health and safety of small communities and plan their trip with minimal stops where possible, and to pack your own food, and stop only for gas if necessary.
If you plan on recreating in nearby provincial parks, remember that physical distancing guidelines and group size limits of 50 still apply The Chief Medical Officer continues to advise any person considering travelling within the Province to respect the health and safety of small communities and plan their trip with minimal stops where possible, and to pack your own food, and stop only for gas if necessary.
I heard that Canmore is considering closing Main Street to vehicle traffic.
We are taking a data-based approach and are considering additional measures to create safe public spaces, as our local economy begins to reopen.
As we monitor use-patterns and understand the needs of local businesses, we are considering several options, such as closing Main street to vehicle traffic to allow for safe physical distancing for pedestrians. We will not be closing Main street for the upcoming May long weekend. We want to support downtown businesses in their reopening and have heard from them that taking this step too early could create perceived barriers and be detrimental to the businesses that are choosing to open.
To be clear, it is not our intent to create a vibrant or welcoming space for people to congregate, rather it is about creating a functional space for people to safely navigate Main Street while physically distancing as they work, shop, or eat.
As we monitor use-patterns and understand the needs of local businesses, we are considering several options, such as closing Main street to vehicle traffic to allow for safe physical distancing for pedestrians. We will not be closing Main street for the upcoming May long weekend. We want to support downtown businesses in their reopening and have heard from them that taking this step too early could create perceived barriers and be detrimental to the businesses that are choosing to open.
To be clear, it is not our intent to create a vibrant or welcoming space for people to congregate, rather it is about creating a functional space for people to safely navigate Main Street while physically distancing as they work, shop, or eat.
Events
Can I still host my event or wedding in Canmore?
The Government of Alberta has released restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings to limit the spread of COVID-19, and continues to discourage non-essential travel at this time.
Weddings
Currently, the Town of Canmore is not permitting any new wedding bookings on town-land. Existing weddings/bookings will still go ahead, but must follow the Government of Alberta's restrictions on gatherings. Any cancellations requested for existing weddings/bookings on town-land will not be rebooked at this time.
Although it is not encouraged, weddings that take place on private land are not booked through the Town of Canmore, and may still take place. Wedding photographers are still required to have a business license and can find more information about temporary licenses here.
Events
In alignment with the Government of Alberta's restrictions limiting summer gatherings to 15 people or fewer, the Town of Canmore has decided to revoke and stop all Community Event Permits effective immediately, through to September 30, 2020.
Event hosts are encouraged to consider alternative platforms for their events, such as by virtual means or other distance methods.
Weddings
Currently, the Town of Canmore is not permitting any new wedding bookings on town-land. Existing weddings/bookings will still go ahead, but must follow the Government of Alberta's restrictions on gatherings. Any cancellations requested for existing weddings/bookings on town-land will not be rebooked at this time.
Although it is not encouraged, weddings that take place on private land are not booked through the Town of Canmore, and may still take place. Wedding photographers are still required to have a business license and can find more information about temporary licenses here.
Events
In alignment with the Government of Alberta's restrictions limiting summer gatherings to 15 people or fewer, the Town of Canmore has decided to revoke and stop all Community Event Permits effective immediately, through to September 30, 2020.
Event hosts are encouraged to consider alternative platforms for their events, such as by virtual means or other distance methods.
Town of Canmore Events and Activities
As a precaution, we have decided to postpone all Town-led activities until the end of September 2020.
Second-Home Owners
l own a second home in Canmore, can I still come?
The Chief Medical Officer has now allowed for travel to summer homes and cabins while advising Calgary and Brooks residents to wait for local services to reopen rather than travelling for services
Know before you go: plan your trip with minimal stops where possible. Pack your own food, bring a bag to pack out your garbage, and be prepared for limited services and facilities. As always, please respect others and practice physical distancing.
Click here for trip-planning information from our partners at Tourism Canmore Kananaskis
Know before you go: plan your trip with minimal stops where possible. Pack your own food, bring a bag to pack out your garbage, and be prepared for limited services and facilities. As always, please respect others and practice physical distancing.
Click here for trip-planning information from our partners at Tourism Canmore Kananaskis
Hotel and Accommodation
I have a hotel booked for the summer. Can I still come?
Non-essential travel continues to be discouraged by the Chief Medical Officer.
