Bow Valley Trail, Canmore

Coast Canmore Hotel and Conference Centre

★★★★★

The Coast Canmore Hotel and Conference Centre is a straightforward, comfortable hotel that suits travellers who want to stay in Canmore for value and still reach Banff easily. It sits on Bow Valley Trail, the main hotel strip on the edge of town, less than ten minutes from the Banff National Park gate, and it is one of the few Canmore hotels with a full set of family-friendly amenities. An indoor heated pool and hot tub are open daily from early morning to 10pm, and the fitness centre is better equipped than most, with free weights, cardio machines, a rower and two Peloton bikes. Table Food and Drink, the hotel's restaurant and lounge, has a seasonal patio in summer. Pet-friendly rooms are available for a small nightly fee, with dog beds, bowls and treats provided. Parking costs a modest nightly fee, and electric vehicle charging is available across the street. A strong practical advantage is the Banff Airporter shuttle, which runs between Calgary International Airport and the hotel several times a day, so you can arrive without renting a car and use the Roam bus to reach Banff. Rooms are clean and contemporary rather than distinctive, and the location on Bow Valley Trail means a short drive or longer walk to downtown Canmore's Main Street. As a well-priced base with a pool for children, it is one of the most dependable choices in the Bow Valley.

Why stay in Canmore. Canmore is outside the national park, so hotel rates are often lower than in Banff, and the town has a lively restaurant and arts scene of its own. From the Coast, Banff is about twenty minutes by car or bus, Kananaskis is close and Calgary is about an hour away.

Who it suits. Families benefit from the pool and hot tub, the gym appeals to active travellers, and dog owners will appreciate the pet-friendly policy. Business travellers and groups use the conference facilities. If you are flying into Calgary without a rental car, the Airporter shuttle is a major convenience. Car-free guests can then rely on the Roam bus to Banff, and day tours from Banff pick up regularly from Canmore. Downtown Canmore and the Engine Bridge make an easy evening outing, and the Canmore Nordic Centre is a short drive for cross-country skiing in winter.

Practicals. The hotel is at 511 Bow Valley Trail. Parking costs a modest fee per room per night, subject to availability. The pool and gym are open daily from 6:30am to 10pm. Fit: families, dog owners, car-free travellers and anyone wanting good value near Banff.