Should you elope in Canmore/Kananaskis?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer:
If you're looking for a more intimate and laidback way to celebrate your union while tying it together with your love of nature and beautiful surroundings, then eloping might be the perfect choice for you. Whether you’re a local, live a short drive away in Calgary or Edmonton, or planning a destination elopement here in the rocky mountains of Alberta, Canmore has SO much to offer! Here are 10 perks for eloping in Canmore, as well as a bit of info about what this amazing area offers.
We have the best views, year-round!
Why is eloping in Canmore/Kananaskis so great?
As a photographer, I’ve found that many couples initially want to elope in Banff but then happily shift gears once they look into Canmore since it has so much to offer, and often at a less steep price than Banff. Although tourism is a major draw in the Canmore area as well, it’s almost always less busy and congested than Banff (seriously, driving in Banff on a summer weekend is a headache and a half.) Now, don’t get me wrong... I don’t mean to be sh*tting all over Banff in favour of Canmore but I truly love this little mountain town of mine so much! With its stunning natural scenery, vast range of outdoor activities, and charming downtown area, Canmore is a perfect destination for couples who love a bit of adventure but don't want to be elbow-to-elbow with tourists.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, dramatic mountain vistas, or a quiet lakeside ceremony, Canmore has it all!
What is Canmore like?
Canmore is a picturesque mountain town nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, just a short drive from our neighbor town of Banff. From Canmore, it’s a short but incredibly scenic drive into Kananaskis and many other incredible areas. It’s a small town with a population sitting around 14,000 but has a huge heart and beautiful sense of community. Being a Canmore local (I’ve heard of us referred to as “Canmorons,” which I like to think is a term of endearment) I can wholeheartedly say that its one of the most magical places on earth if you’re a nature-lover like me! Most locals are also huge nature-nerds and tend to be a bit more adventurous, meaning that there’s no shortage of fun outdoor activities year-round.
Our downtown is also speckled with amazing and unique shops and small businesses. From candy stores to art galleries and artisans of all types, we have a bit of everything. Another bonus is that within 20-30 minutes of driving you can dip into beautiful provincial parks such as Kananaskis, Bow Valley, Spray Valley, or pop into Banff for a quick daytrip.
A late-night stroll down mainstreet while it’s lit up with string lights.
Here are 10 huge perks of eloping in the Canmore area:
1.Vast mountain views that can be just steps away from your vehicle and super accessible, or you can go on one of the many hikes to get some harder-to-reach views
2. Waterfalls, canyons, and vast mountain views are a short hike away if you’ve got even 15 minutes to spare on your elopement day
3. There are so many hidden-gem options for locations to elope if you want more privacy, I always work with my couples to suggest locations based on what would be the best fit for them
These two wanted a unique spot so we detoured for an easy 15 minute hike to this canyon. Freakin’ magical.
4. After eloping in the area, you can swing by downtown to stop in for a drink, some great food, or just head back to your hotel and take it easy
5.There are so many options for fun and out-of-the-box activities that you can incorporate into your day. A few of my favourites are helicopter tours, canoeing/kayaking, ice skating, dog-sledding, having a picnic, going for a hike, strolling around a park or by the Bow River, stopping in at a brewery, have a campfire, checking out local shops (the candy store downtown makes for great photos, plus the sugar rush gets you through the day!)
Melodie and Martin were pretty stoked on the helicopter tour! For heli tours, I reccommend Alpine Helicopter
6. You can avoid the hustle and bustle of Banff, but you’re also close enough to pop into Banff during your stay in Canmore
7.We’re far enough from Calgary to have beautifully dark skies for nighttime stargazing (pssst- I LOVE me a good starry-sky sesh with my couples!)
8.We have so many amazing options for locations! You can reserve one of the town’s sites easily and online, or you can go rogue and work with your photographer to find a hidden-gem spot further out in the mountains. Here’s a link that answers many questions regarding which sites are available to reserve and many FAQ:
https://canmore.ca/business/facility-venue-booking/wedding-venues
We have some AMAZING places to stay in the area! A cozy but luxurious stay at Pomeroy Kananaskis is always a treat.
9. There are so many great places for you to stay the night. Here are a few of my favorites:
https://www.basecampresorts.com/canmoreresorts
Always a fun place to stop for a drink, plus their balcony has great views. The Grizzly Paw Brewery/Tank 310
10. We also have some amazing food and bars:
https://www.fourtwoninesix.ca/ (a rad secret speakeasy! Can be booked privately.)
https://www.thegrizzlypaw.com/ (A local brewery with great beer plus an awesome wrap-around patio with a stellar view of our most famous mountains like the Three Sisters and Ha Ling)
http://www.thebagel.ca/ (Fresh bagels, need I say more? )
https://www.canmoresaloon.ca/ (A small and eclectic bar with amazing cocktails)
https://www.thesensory.ca/ (Some of the best food available if you’re feeling like treating yourself)
https://www.blakecanmore.com/ (One of my favourites, the food is always incredible!)
