The Bow Valley attracts thousands of tourists each year - a mixture of local, domestic, and international tourists - to ski and snowboard at some of the well-known ski hills in the Canadian Rockies. The rocky slopes are world renowned and enjoy a fairly long season due to elevation and location. But one of the major questions we seem to get from friends, family, and clients, is what are the best après-ski locations in Canmore and Banff?
1. The Malcolm Hotel
(Photo: Malcolm Hotel)
There’s no better way to warm up then by a cozy fire pit or in the heated pool and hot tubs of the Malcom Hotel. Complimented by breathtaking views of the Three Sisters and Mount Lawrence Grassi, the Malcom Hotel is located within walking distance of the downtown core in the neighbourhood of Spring Creek. Kick back and relax with deliciously creative cocktails or delight in a fantastic meal at the Stirling Grill & Lounge.
2. Visit one of Canmore's breweries or distilleries
If you love craft beer or liquor, you won’t regret checking out one of our many amazing breweries or distilleries located right here in beautiful Canmore. If you’re looking for a local waterhole, check out Sheepdog Brewery, which crafts a number unique brews, seltzers, and ciders in house. Creative Cocktails? Wildlife Distillery is the place to go - you can even take some of their cocktails to go. The Grizzly Paw Pub and Brewing Company is home to great eats, handcrafted beers and even sodas for those that don’t drink. They have two locations for your convenience - one at the shops, and one in downtown Canmore And of course, Canmore Brewing Company. Located in the heart of Canmore, they have a tasting room for trying out one of their many delicious craft options.
3. Explore Downtown Canmore
(Photo: Downtown Canmore)
Nestled between the Bow River and Policeman’s Creek and surrounded by picturesque mountains, Canmore’s downtown core is just as fun in the winter as it is in the summer. Explore Canmore’s exquisite culinary scene, with fine dinning, pubs, pizzerias, ethnic options, food markets and so much more, you’ll never run out of delicious options. Up for a little shopping? Downtown Canmore is home to many shops, featuring trendy clothing, unique housewares, and more. Bring the Bow Valley home with an art piece or photograph from one of our very talented galleries.
4. Warm up at the Banff Upper Hot Springs
(Photo: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism)
While not located in Canmore itself, no ski trip to Canmore would be complete without a visit to the iconic Banff Upper Hot Springs. Located in the town of Banff, the Upper Hot Springs are iconic for good reason, and are one of Banff's most popular attractions year after year. Popular amongst both locals and visitors, the hot springs are an affordable way to warm up after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. Naturally heated by geothermal heat from the earth’s crust, the water gets as hot as 47°C (116°F) in the winter! Forgot your swimsuit? No problem! Swimsuits, towels and lockers are available for rental. Visit https://www.hotsprings.ca/ for more information on this amazing Banff attraction.
5. Relax at Float Canmore
(Photo: Float Canmore)
After experiencing an exhilarating day of flying down mountainsides, relax and rejuvenate at Float Canmore. Tune out the world around you, heal your sore muscles, and relax in one of their private float tanks. With sessions ranging from 60 minutes to 120 minutes, it’s easy to find your inner peace and quell your aches, while reflexing on the amazing day of shredding. Float Canmore also offers an Infrared Sauna and Registered Massage Therapy - spend the whole day getting pampered with a package or enjoy anyone of their services after a long, cold day of skiing or snowboarding.