Experience Canmore

Elevation Place: Just one more amazing thing Canmore has to offer!

Kris — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:58:54 +0000

Elevation Place officially opens its doors on Saturday, April 27, 2013. With a free BBQ, live music and entertainment, fireworks and live demonstrations within the facility, the event is sure to be a great way to spend a Saturday night in Canmore.

Since the 15^th of April, Elevation Place has allowed the public to use the facility pro bono; this was a great way to promote all the incredible amenities Elevation Place has to offer. The facility is continuing this promotion until the grand opening this weekend so, if you get a chance, head down to Elevation and check it out for yourself for free.

The facility features:

An aquatics centre with a 25 metre pool, water-slides, a leisure pool simulating a beach, steam room, lazy river, a 25-person hot tub, as well as viewing areas and an on-deck multi-purpose room.
A climbing gym offering 10,000 square feet of climbing surface, 1,500 square feet of bouldering, a cave area connecting the climbing walls, and a speed wall.
A cardio and weight room.
Child care facilities.
Community art gallery celebrating local artisans.
Quiet spaces which can be used for relaxing or performing.
Various multi-purpose rooms.
The Canmore public library.

Photo Credits to Luke Raymond with Tourism Canmore Kananaskis.

When Elevation officially opens, it will offer the public a huge range of classes from swimming to juggling lessons and parenting courses to circus day camps; check out their website for a listing of all their classes. The centre has designed a variety of membership and admission pricing packages to accommodate all types of users. To top it all off, Elevation has, and will continue, to implement and abide by various sustainability programs and procedures.

Photo Credits to Luke Raymond with Tourism Canmore Kananaskis.

Overall, Elevation Place is a great new addition to Canmore and will be an excellent facility for visitors and the Canmore public.

Canmore State of Mind

Kris — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:33:02 +0000

My first real trip to Canmore took place on a clear and sunny Monday morning; I had driven through the town numerous times on my way to Banff or BC but had never taken the time to stop and explore. Although I was excited to actually see some of the town, this trip was work related and I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to get the full Canmore experience this time around either.

Driving into the mountains from Calgary has always been a form of therapy for me. Even if it’s just a day trip, the act driving towards the Rockies is like letting go of the city life and getting ready to delve into nature and serenity.

As we pulled into Canmore, I was introduced to the surrounding mountain range by my guide/boss. He pointed out some of the best places to hike, the three sisters, the directions of the closest lakes, and named and described just about every mountain within sight. It was at this point that I started to understand the local pride that Canmore has towards their environment and the important role that these mountains play not just in tourism, business, and resources but in shaping the identity of this town.

We drove through the residential areas and I admired the rustic, cabin feel of the architecture. All the neighbourhoods were so quiet, beautiful, and well kept that I started to think about how I could fit a vacation home in Canmore into my budget. As we pulled into down-town I realized that Canmore truly had something for everyone; with the surrounding majestic mountains, the peaceful residential areas, and a bustling down-town offering everything you could possibly want or need, I couldn’t figure out why I hadn’t come here before.

The purpose of the trip was a lunch meeting which we held at The Georgetown Inn. I instantly fell in love with the welcoming atmosphere of The Georgetown. The hotel and restaurant are adorned with tales of local heroes and the rich history of Canmore. I spent much of the lunch scanning the pub and reading about all the incredible artefacts. After tasting my lunch, I was hooked. I have gone back to The Georgetown a few times now, always bringing new people to show the restaurant off to and I boast about its charm and delicious food to anyone who will listen.

Our final stop was at the Silver Creek Lodge. I have stayed in lots of beautiful hotels in my time and the Silver Creek Lodge could compete with the best of them. From the gorgeous water fountain in the front entrance and the smiling and friendly staff, the lodge makes an impressive first impression. I toured the lodge’s variety of rooms from hotel style to two bedroom suites; each room was luxurious and inviting. I also got to tour the hotel’s fantastic Bodhi Tree spa and the three open air hot pools.

Before we left I spent a moment sitting at the hot pools by myself. I looked over the steam rising from the pools onto the snow covered peaks in the distance and took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air. In that moment I thought two things to myself. First, my job rocks and second, this was only a taste of the Canmore experience and I knew I would be back for more.

The Top 10 Reasons you Should have a Rocky Mountain Wedding

Natalie — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:24:42 +0000

Since I have just attended the Bridal Fair in Edmonton and then in Calgary – weddings are on my mind! I was married last year in the Alberta Rocky Mountains and having witnessed many weddings over the past few years I’m going to tell you why, specifically Canmore Alberta is the best place to get married.

1. It’s Better Than Banff
This statement may seem fairly bold but let me explain… How many weddings did you go to last summer that were at The Banff Springs Hotel? Buffalo Mountain Lodge? Rimrock? Probably a dozen! Everyone has the same wedding photos in front of the castle and on main street Banff. Canmore on the other hand, is quiet and unique.

2. You Don’t Need Flowers
Flowers can become pricey. In Canmore, a few bouquets for the Bride and wedding party will look classy, chic and clean in your photos. The mountain wedding backdrop takes care of the rest! Try Willow Haven Flowers.

3. You Can Have The Best Photographer
Richard Allan Brown has been photographing for over 20 years. He knows all the best and secret spots. If you want to go to The Old Georgetown Mine, you can go to the Mine! If you want a snapshot at Grassi Lakes he’ll make it happen! Plus, he’s irresistibly charming.

4. The Cost of an Outdoor Wedding Permit
It’s $175 for non-residents and $99 for residents from the Town of Canmore Municipality. There are multiple locations to choose from accommodating all wedding sizes and then you’ve cut out the $1000 cost of renting a ceremony venue.

5. Availability
Some brides may experience trying to book their wedding and be given 2 dates for NEXT summer to choose from. This does happen in Canmore from time to time but if you choose an up and coming venue like the newly renovated Wild Orchid Bistro you’ll be able to have your pick!

6. Your Guests Can Afford to Stay
It’s true, attending weddings can be expensive, a hassle and put a financial strain on the people we care about the most. I did a quick average of the most popular hotels in Banff and Canmore and averaged weekend summer rates. The average I found in Banff is around $238 for a standard no-frills hotel room. In Canmore I found it’s around $225 for a 2-3 bedroom suite with a kitchen. Enough said.

7. Outdoor Activities
Canmore has a wide spread smorgasbord of activities. Going on a nature walk, a challenging hike or a helicopter tour can be a great way to bring the family together. Alpine Helicopter Tours is a great place to start!

8. The Pubs are Fun
If you’re planning on going out after the wedding and celebrating, lots of places have live music and great pub food. The Georgetown Inn never charges cover for their live bands and has the best Fish & Chips in the Bow Valley!

9. The Pool
If you so chose to have your wedding at a venue like Mystic Springs Chalets & Hot Pools you’ll find the largest outdoor heated pool in Canmore. It’s better than the jam packed Banff Hot Springs by a landslide.

10. Fresh Mountain Air and Perfect Pictures
If the top 9 reasons haven’t convinced you then I have included some photos of various weddings around Canmore to help change your mind. It’s wonderful in the winter, spring, summer or fall. You can’t beat that fresh mountain air.

Jumping January!!

Natalie — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:22:20 +0000

Since January has been a bit quiet The Georgetown Inn thought they’d spice things up a bit! Send them your funny romantic story and a photo of you and your lover. Collect the most likes on your photo and win a free nights stay for two!

Happy Love Month

Movember Man Up Party!

Natalie — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 21:56:17 +0000

November can get dark, cold and you can get caught up waiting and just dreaming of ski season being in full swing. While you’re waiting to hit the slopes there are some important and fun things going on in November. What are we talking about? Well, it started in Australia, under their November summer sun. It’s called Movember and it was started to raise awarness about men’s health and prostate cancer. There’s a high chance of surviving this cancer if it’s caught early enough. Trouble is, a lot of men opt out of going to the doctor for ‘just a check up’.

The Georgetown Inn is throwing a bash in support of men’s health. In fact, all the Waymarker Men shaved their faces and volunteered to grow a moustache in support of this great cause!

Steam Whistle will be donating a dollar for every pint sold. Other Canmore locals have donated Heli Tours, Dog Sled Tours and other Gift Certificates to be won. Canmore Cabs has donated Free Taxi Rides home.

Head down to The Georgetown Inn Movember 30th to chat about moustaches, mens health and the Grey Cup game with other Mo Brothers like yourself.

Looking to Work in Canmore?

Natalie — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:13:11 +0000

If you are looking for jobs in Canmore or Calgary click the link below to see some of the jobs Waymarker Hospitality is offering!
Waymarker Hospitality Jobs

An Inspiring Company Called Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre

Natalie — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:33:30 +0000

The RMASC is actively helping everyone realize they have no limits when it comes to outdoor adventure in the Bow Valley. The RMASC participants completed the Triple Crown of Canmore last summer – a hiking challenege comissioned by Waymarker Hospitality and The Georgetown Inn which challenges hikers to complete the East End of Rundle, Ha Ling Peak and Mount Lady Macdonald in just one summer. They must post a photo of themselves at each peak on The Georgetown Inn Facebook Page to claim their complimentary beer glass that is refillable for a discount at The Georgetown Inn Pub and a T Shirt! Way to go RMASC. Click Here to watch their inspiring video.

Canmore in November

Natalie — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 21:24:04 +0000

Canmore is always quiet this time of year. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on or nothing to do! The Banff Hot Springs is always a great place to visit – and this time of year there won’t be a line! Thanks to the early snow some ski hills like Naksika and Norquay are opening a few runs early. Sure you won’t be knee deep in powder but you’ll get a leg up on the competition! And sometimes, it’s just nicer when the town is quiet. The Georgetown Inn is featuring a Date Night at The Pub for a reduced rate and the Silver Creek Lodge offers Girls GetAway nights. Get out of the city and Experience Canmore in the mountains this November. You get all the benefits of a mountain experience at lower rates and a quiet escape from work and everyday life. For ideas and links comment on this blog!

Mystic Springs Chalets & Hot Pools – Some Exciting Updates

Natalie — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:55:42 +0000

Mystic Springs Chalets and Hot Pools have been making some exciting updates! Old furniture is being replaced with new, trendy, comfortable pieces. There are new curtains, new bedspreads and new pillows! We have added 42″ LED flatscreen TV’s to every chalet. The pool is fully repaired and is at a warm 85 degrees. We are so excited about this that we have added a page to our website with some of the photos! Check it out
Mystic Springs Photo Gallery

A Great Canmore Travel Deal – YYC, YEG

Natalie — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:22:34 +0000

ESCAPE KIT!
-A Two-Night Stay for Two, Sundays through Thursdays ($215) or Fridays and Saturdays ($265), in a Victoria Room
-Daily Breakfast
-One Tea Tray During Stay

Valid for travel September 3, 2012 through February 9, 2013
Limited availability so hurry up!!
Click Below to Purchase!

Living Social Deal