Living in Canmore, Alberta: Community Guide for Home Buyers

by George Brown

Quick answer: Canmore is a mountain town in the Bow Valley, about 106 km west of Calgary on Highway 1. Homes range from condos to detached houses, and buyers should know the Town's rules on short-term rentals and its Livability Tax before they buy.

I'm George Brown, a Calgary REALTOR® with LPT Realty. Here's what buyers should know about Canmore.

What it's like to live in Canmore

Canmore sits in the Bow Valley on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, just outside Banff National Park. It began as a stop on the Canadian Pacific Railway and was incorporated as a town in 1966.

Day to day, life here is about the outdoors. The Canmore Nordic Centre, built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, has about 60 km of cross-country ski trails. The Bow River runs through town, and Banff is about 22 km west. Expect busy weekends in peak seasons.

Types of homes

Canmore has condos, townhomes, duplexes and detached homes. Some are close to downtown and the river, and others sit on the slopes with mountain views. Many homes are owned as second properties, which is part of why the Town has added rules for how homes are used.

Getting around

The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) connects Canmore to Calgary in just over an hour, and to Banff to the west. Roam Transit runs local routes in Canmore and Route 3 between Canmore and Banff, seven days a week. Most people drive to Calgary.

Who Canmore suits

Canmore suits people who want to live in the mountains full time, including outdoor lovers, remote workers and retirees. It's also a fit for people who work in the Bow Valley or Banff.

Buying tips for Canmore

Check the zoning before you plan to rent. Homes can't be listed for short stays unless approved, and few residential districts allow tourist homes. Fines apply to illegal tourist homes.
Understand the Livability Tax. Homes not declared as a primary residence are taxed at a higher rate. Ask how the home has been used and declared.
Read the condo documents. For a condo or townhome, review the bylaws, reserve fund study and recent minutes, including any rules on rentals.

See homes for sale in Canmore

My Canmore homes for sale page shows every current listing, updated daily from the MLS®, plus live numbers on how many homes are for sale and the median asking price.

Browse current Canmore listings →

Thinking about buying or selling in Canmore?

I'm happy to walk you through the area, compare a few homes side by side, or tell you what your place could sell for. Call or text me at (403) 616-6309, or get a free home evaluation.