The Best Places to Eat in Canmore

Canmore’s culinary scene is one that rivals big cities, and is constantly evolving. New restaurants and bistros seem to be opening all the time, providing both locals and travellers with an evolving mix of tantalizing cuisine. The cooking talent in this Rocky Mountain town far exceeds what you’ll find in a typical community of 11,000 people. If you plan on dining out in Canmore, we have created this Canmore dining guide to help you find the best restaurants and cafes in this mountain town.
 

CANMORE CHEFS AREN’T AFRAID TO BE CREATIVE

Many of the chefs in Canmore use daring ingredients and often leap at the chance to blend local produce and meat into their dishes. Calgary food critic John Gilchrist says that Canmore has an “exceptional” food scene because of the town’s ability to lure people from across the globe. But the chefs here don’t just produce the typical ‘resort-town style’ cuisine, opting instead to craft dishes with an edge.
“The chefs themselves see the potential (in Canmore) and have opened a lot of interesting restaurants,” said Gilchrist.
 

THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN CANMORE

Although this town is filled with culinary talent, Canmore isn’t just about fine dining.
From fast food and quaint cafés to unique South American-inspired restaurants, this place has a selection of fare that’s more impressive than many larger cities in Alberta.
If you’re wondering which restaurant to try first when in Canmore, take a look at our list of enticing eateries below:
 

CASUAL EATERIES

THE IRON GOAT PUB & RESTAURANT
The Iron Goat Pub & Restaurant has got it all: a grand, high ceiling and stone fireplace reminiscent of a grand and luxurious ski chalet, amazing views, great food and one of best patios in the Bow Valley! This friendly pub is a locals’ favourite and serves up an impressive menu that includes homemade, woodfired pizzas. We recommend the Minted Melon & Feta Salad, the Alberta Game Meatloaf (bison, elk and lamb) and the phenomenal Kobe Oscar Burger (Kobe beef burger topped with lobster and blue crab).
The ambience at The Iron Goat is comfortably casual, and usually teeming with locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy great food and drinks while catching the game on one of the 12 large screen TVs. The pub is located in the Three Sisters area of Canmore, just a short drive from downtown.
Details

• Open Monday to Sunday: 11am – 11pm
• Happy hour specials from 3pm – 6pm

Location
703 Benchlands Trail
1-403-609-0222
www.irongoat.ca
 
ROCKY MOUNTAIN FLATBREAD CO.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. is all about that laid back, yet cool artisan-vibe that pairs comfort food with fresh, healthy alternative ingredients. They use local, organic options and offer a wide range of gluten-free pizza made from a blend of brown rice and quinoa flour.
Dine here for delicious tasting, high-quality flatbread style pizza. Veggies will love their famous Farmers Market pizza or their artisan Fig & Brie pizza,while the Apple Chicken and Naturally Meaty pizzas make for a delicious, meaty-affair.
For those looking to sample other Italian favourites, Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. also offers fresh pasta, including Maple Bacon Mac & Cheese, and Bolognese. Looking to share with the whole table? They serve up a great Antipasto board, or for a lighter meal try their Basil & Blackberry salad.
Details
Hours

• Sunday to Thursday: 11:30am – 9:00pm
• Friday to Saturday: 11:30am – 10:00pm

Location
#1 838 10th Street, Canmore AB
1 403-609-5508
www.rockymountainflatbread.ca
 
COMMUNITEA CAFE
Communitea Cafe offers some of the most delicious, yet healthy breakfasts and lunches in Canmore! This cafe has a big community of local fans. Their library of teas alone is reason enough to visit, but with the added bonus of serving great coffee and tasty food just makes the place that much better.
Many of the items on the menu are vegan or vegetarian. We also love that the cafe uses free range chicken, organic foods and free range, local eggs. Come in for a tea blend that you’re not likely to find anywhere else. If you’re looking for a great stop for lunch, we recommend the Upbeet Veggie Burger for something that’s a little more wholesome, or their Yoga Bowl that provides for a lighter affair perfect pre- or post-workout.
On a handful of evenings throughout the month Communitea offers live music events that are always popular with the locals. Visit their website to see when their next event takes place!
Details:

• 80 different types of tea
• Kids’ menu & toys
• Monday to Sunday: 9am – 6pm*

*open select evenings for live music or events
Location:
117-1001 6 Ave
Canmore, Alberta
1-403-678-6818
www.thecommunitea.com
 

UPSCALE DINING

CRAZYWEED
Crazyweed’s ingredients are as local as it gets – much of their produce comes straight from their roof where they grow a variety of plants and vegetables! This stunning restaurant is perfect for any special occasion, and is fast becoming recognised at the place to go for fine dining in Canmore. Crazyweed is renowned for having an eclectic approach to international cuisine, serving plates such as custom Rendang Shortribs and Icelandic Cod Laksa.
To start, we can definitely recommend the Smoky Eggplant Mezze, or try sharing the Pickle Brine Fried Chicken. Additionally, their Salt ‘N’ Pepper Calamari with chili sauce and cilantro is an absolute not-to-miss.
Additionally, you can enjoy the experience of dining at a restaurant that was featured on the Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here”.
Details
Hours

• Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 9:00pm
• Friday to Saturday: 11:30am – 10:00pm

Location
1600 Railway Ave.
Canmore, AB
1 403.609.2530
www.crazyweed.ca
 
TAPAS RESTAURANT
Renowned as the most romantic restaurant in Canmore, the Tapas Restaurant is situated inside a heritage home and serves Spanish cuisine with a bursting flavour profile.
Start with charcuterie and a glass of fabulous wine. The menu is built for sharing, so you and your date have no choice but to indulge in the food journey together. Afterwards, sample their flavourful tostadas, and order an array of tapas like their crispy skin pork belly, chili gambas, and patatas diablo. Finish it off with their mouth-watering braised oxtail.
On Friday nights, enjoy live Latin music. The music, the wine, the tapas – all of it serves as an entirely feel-good journey giving you that experience you’re hoping for when going out for a meal as opposed to dining at home.
Details
Hours

• Open 7 days a week with the first seating at 5pm

Location
633 10 Street
Canmore, AB T1W 2A2
1 403.609.0583
www.tapascanmore.ca
 

CAFES

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BAGEL CAFE
This is where you’ll find locals grabbing coffee and a wrap before heading out on a hike or bike ride. This is one of our favourite Canmore cafes!
Many Canmore residents also make this cafe their morning “office”, working on their laptop (free Wi-Fi) and sipping tea. This is a great place to meet friends or take your family for breakfast or lunch. Rocky Mountain Bagel Cafe has great coffee, teas,wraps, house-made cookies and energy bars, but the star items on the menu are the vast selection of homemade bagels.
The cafe is large and comfortable – perfect for accommodating groups of friends and families. Additionally, there’s outdoor seating available for warmer days.
Details

• Open Monday to Sunday: 6am – 4pm

Location
102–830 Main Street (8th)
Canmore, Alberta
1-403-678-9978
www.thebagel.ca
 
MOUNTAIN MERCATO CAFE & DELI
For those who occasionally crave European style food, this Canmore cafe is exceptionally satisfying.
Sip your cappuccino while watching people walk down busy Main Street or ask about Mountain Mercato Cafe’s wine by the glass and tasty happy hour appetizers. For lunch, we recommend the Grilled Italian Meat and Roasted Veggie Panini with the daily soup. Mountain Mercato Cafe’s deli section also sells European specialty food products, as well as a divine selection of cheese.
If you’re planning to prepare some of your own meals during your stay in Canmore, Mountain Mercato is a must. They have an exceptional specialty grocery section with frozen organic marinated chickens, fresh made pastas, a huge cheese selection, gelato… everything you need for a gourmet night in!
Details

Hours

• Open Monday to Sunday: 9am – 7pm

Location
102–817 Main St
Canmore, Alberta
1-403-609-6631
www.mountainmercato.com
 

PLANNING A MOUNTAIN GETAWAY TO CANMORE?

Give our Destination Experts a call if you’d like to know more about taking a trip to Canmore! You can reach our Destination Experts 7 days a week at 1.877.902.1616. Check out our list of Canmore vacation rentals here.