This small town, just an hour outside of Calgary, looks like it belongs on a postcard. With dreamy streets glowing under twinkling lights and a breathtaking backdrop of mountains, this is the perfect getaway spot.
Alberta locals have spoken and named Canmore as a must-visit town in 2025. We turned to readers on Narcity Canada’s Facebook page, asking what the best small towns in Alberta to visit in 2025 are. The little mountain town of Canmore was a go-to response, and it’s easy to see why it’s a local favourite.
Tucked away just 20 minutes from the bustling tourist town of Banff, Canmore offers a less crowded trip with just as much beauty.
Like many places in Alberta, the scenery is at the forefront of this spot. Three Sisters Mountain overlooks Canmore and makes the town the picturesque mountain town dreams are made of.
Walking along Main Street you’ll find an array of local businesses, from cafes to boutiques, all with a view of the jagged peaks.
The vibrant downtown area here is made even better, as it’s surrounded by the untouched natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Visiting during the summer means exploring the many hiking trails, jumping into sparkling lakes, and camping under the blanket of stars. From May to October, you can also visit the Canmore Mountain Market. The weekly farms market has a bunch of local goodies, with over 65 vendors.
There’s a lot of beauty to explore in the area and many tours that can take you through it. Buffalo Stone Woman has different tour options that help you experience the area and learn about the Indigenous culture there.
Winter also offers its own kind of escape in Canmore. There’s something about cozying up in a mountain town with snow falling outside that’s extra magical.
For some adventure, you can go for a dog sledding tour through the snow-covered landscape, skate on one of the frozen lakes, or go skiing at Nakiska Ski Resort.
The famous Grotto Canyon hike is also just ten minutes from town. Depending on when you go you’ll be greeted by a magical waterfall cascading down or a frozen wonder. According to the Explore Canmore website, there are also Hopi pictographs here, which were « painted some 500-1,000 years ago. »
If you really want the winter wonderland vibe you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Boundary Ranch.
It’s safe to say you won’t be bored in this little town. Whether you’re in Calgary or are making a trip to Alberta — add this spot to your 2025 travel list.
Source: Narcity – Read More
