Frosty pints, fine wine and fun nightspots - that's Canmore
by Jason Lyon
Canmore has evolved over the years not only into a world-class mountain adventure destination but also as a dining and entertainment hot spot. This community boasts some of the most unique purveyors of brew and spirits of any mountain town on the continent. Sitting back in comfortable public surroundings after a hard day's tromp through the alpine or digging out poles and goggles from under a metre of powder is your earned right. Most would not consider the day concluded until a frosty pint occupies your dominant hand. Where you choose to relax your bones at the end of the day is often as personal as your choice of drink. Dark and full of character, crisp with a unique hint of je ne se quoi, or a familiar look and taste - the Bow Valley promises to serve up whatever your desire.
Canmore has come into its own over the past decade as a destination for a night on the town. Once only the choice of locals, Canmore now boasts a unique blend of live entertainment venues, pub style watering holes, a micro brewery and sophisticated dining with wine lists just waiting to be explored. Canmore by night can be a bit more relaxed than its older brother down the Trans-Canada Highway - but don't always count on it.
If you like live music over the DJ'd variety, both The Drake Inn and the Canmore Hotel deliver in a big way. Any given Saturday night you can choose from country, jazz, blues, rock, Celtic, cover bands…the list goes on. Both The Drake and the Canmore Hotel cater to crowds that range in age from 18 to 81, but be warned, both can get very hot and very loud. A good hint on where the best place to be on a Saturday night is, just follow the locals. And no wonder, the Drake and the Hotel is where you will find them.
If you are looking for a place a little more, shall we say subtle, Murrietas offers not only one of the most spectacular views of Ha Lang and Miner's Peak but also an atmosphere conducive to late night conversation. Overlooking Main Street, their dining room and bar offer a relaxed feeling the moment you enter the room. Murrietas' large dining room is accented by large wood beams, soft lighting and one of the most spectacular wine racks you will ever see. Dress up and call ahead as tables can be at a premium, especially during peak tourist season.
Further up Main Street sits Canmore's only brew pub, the Grizzly Paw. "The Paw" as it is known locally is home to one of the best patios in the valley and boasts heat lamps for cooler evenings, a gas fireplace and warm fleece blankets to extend the experience of sitting outside among the peaks and blue skies. The Paw has a split personality.
back to top
|
Johnny Bomber of the Mad Bombers Society gets the crowd rocking at The Drake in Canmore, a nighttime hotspot.
By day this is a family restaurant with big portions and reasonable prices. After 10 p.m. the music gets louder and the crowds grow larger. With such brews as Grumpy Bear and Rutting Elk as well as continuous offerings of select seasonal homemade beers, if you like a frosty pint, you'll like the Paw. If you are unsure of what you are looking for, order a sample tray and peruse the darks, the pilsners, the lagers, wheat ales… the list goes on and on. If you like what you taste you can order up your own personal mug accompanied by discounts with every pint you buy. Sort of a local's advantage.
It really is difficult to suggest the best place to go for a drink in town. Mood, weather, company and the day of your holiday you are on are all factors influencing where you may stop to raise a glass. From live music to romantic lounges and the best patios in the Rockies, Canmore offers the variety you crave. Cheers, Canmore!
|
)
