HOME ON THE RANGE
You love it here, so how about buying a place? Too bad you didn’t twenty-five years ago, after Canmore’s last coal mine closed and before outsiders discovered the town’s vast potential for relaxation, recreation and other aspects of what is now called ‘mountain lifestyle.’ Back then, hotel rooms were a steal, real estate developers were going bankrupt, and nobody wanted to buy building lots. If you had taken the plunge, today you’d be one happy homeowner. Since Canmore hosted the 1988 Winter Olympic Nordic events, both population and property values have risen substantially.

On the other hand, it’s not too late to purchase property in Canmore and most market watchers anticipate values will continue climbing. But don’t wait too long. There’s a limit to the land available and build-out is expected to occur by about 2025. For now, there is something to suit almost every taste, from large luxurious homes to all-inclusive ‘lock and leave’ vacation condos. Some who are not here year-round choose fractional ownership.

Why the interest in Canmore? The original building boom can be attributed to the town’s proximity to Banff, where national park ‘need to reside’ rules stipulate that unless you work in Banff, you can’t buy a place for yourself.

At first, Banff wanna-builders simply spilled over to nearby Canmore. But then the community that was once Banff’s poor cousin developed an international reputation of its own, and attracted visitors and residents on its own merits. Realtor Ted Sauermann explains: “Canmore’s got the lifestyle, the golf, the fishing, the hiking. And it’s so accessible. You can fly to Calgary from anywhere in the world, and be here in an about hour.” Now all Albertans, most Canadians and many from faraway countries know of Canmore and at least some of its attributes.

BUY NOW, MOVE LATER
According to the recent census, Canmore’s part-time population grew by 74% between 2003 and 2006. This second home-owner boom has been created by people who purchased property as an investment in their future quality of life. For now, they use their mountain home for getaways and longer holidays. Some rent to other vacationers, taking advantage of rental pools and property managers who look after maintenance and marketing. And when they retire, they can move to Canmore permanently.

Canmore’s main attraction is its scenery and recreational activities. Deciding what to do can be a challenge. Will it be biking or hiking? Lunch and a massage, or horseback riding? Shopping or climbing? Caving or fishing? How about golf?

The Golf Course at Silvertip

Image © Travel Alberta

THE SWING OF THINGS
With seven courses to choose from in the area (three right in town), golf is a major Canmore draw. Stewart Creek and Silvertip championship courses have put Canmore on every golfer’s dream destination list.

Stewart Creek Golf Club’s wide fairways have plenty of ups and downs. The front nine has spectacular views along the Rundle Range west to Cascade Mountain, while the back nine looks east towards Pigeon Mountain, Wind Tower, and the foothills beyond. Nods to the area's mining heritage, including timbered mineshaft entrances (used as rain shelters) and old coal pits, are scattered throughout the 18 holes. As you bemoan a missed putt, think of the miners who toiled under the ground you’re walking.

The Golf Course at Silvertip is like the Rockies themselves—steep and beautiful. Suck-in-your-tummy tight fairways, devilishly placed water and sand hazards, and big elevation gains and drops make it a challenge. You can always blame a lost stroke on the breathtaking mountain scenery, which certainly is a distraction. Silvertip’s bench-land location above Canmore offers sweeping Bow Valley views, and holes have been placed for maximum visual impact. Visit the stunning new Timbers Clubhouse and enjoy a ‘wildly elegant’ meal under the Douglas fir cathedral ceiling at Rustica.

On the other hand, Canmore Golf Club is mainly flat and quite forgiving—but it too is very scenic. Although public tee times are offered, this is the locals’ course, with a long waiting list to join. (Put your name in as soon as you buy your property!) An often-over-looked treat is the club’s restaurant, SandTraps one of Canmore's prettiest places to dine—Rundle Range views across ninth fairway water are best enjoyed from the flower-laden patio.

Twenty minutes east of Canmore is Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch Golf Resort, a 9-hole course (with additional holes opening this summer) under the imposing face of Mount Yamnuska. The cute ‘log cabin’ clubhouse and informal ‘everyone is welcome’ atmosphere makes casual golfers feel at home. Green fees are $44/$48 for 18 holes or $28/$32 for nine holes, making this the area's least expensive course.

THE DISCOUNT BIN
Golf at twilight. You don’t need a headlamp because long spring and summer days allow tee-off as late as 5 pm for a full round before dark. Twilight rates are generally offered from five hours before sunset. At Silvertip, it’s $99 (regularly $175), $79 for 9-holes. At Stewart Creek’s twilight rate is also $99 (regularly $155-$175)—9-holes is $69 after 6 pm and their Sunday afternoon special (1-4 pm) is $135. At Canmore Golf Course twilight starts 3.5 hours before sunset—it’s $60 (regularly $75), $40 for 9-holes.

Book in advance. At Canmore Golf Club, the Advance Booking Package ($109) includes 18 holes of golf, a power cart, and $12 to spend at SandTraps restaurant—call soon as availability is limited.

Ranch early in the week. Head to Kananaskis Golf Resort on Mondays when four golfers play for the price of three. On Tightwad Tuesdays, two or more can play 18 holes for the price of nine. Clip their 10% off coupon from the magazine anytime.

Be in the know. Silvertip and Stewart Creek e-newsletters post specials. Register on-line.

Policeman's Creek is a lovely riverside stroll

WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
The wilderness that surrounds Canmore is important animal habitat, so serious attempts have been made to manage development carefully. Wildlife corridors at the town’s edges allow limited recreational opportunities for people while providing room to roam for the area’s original residents. It’s magical (and common) to encounter deer, elk and bighorn sheep while walking or biking. Trails can be closed to people when bears are in the area.

DOWNTOWN CHARM
While The Bow Valley Trail commercial strip that you see from the highway has merits, Canmore’s true character is more evident downtown. Main Street runs between the railway tracks and the Bow River. It’s only a few blocks long, and there are many charming shops and restaurants to discover—park the car and walk at your leisure. In summer, Thursdays are ‘fresh fruit truck days’ in the parking lot behind the Miners’ Union Hall—eavesdrop on local gossip and buy fresh Okanagan produce.

RIVERSIDE STROLLS
Canmore is blessed with many excellent trails. As you enter downtown you’ll spot Policeman’s Creek—the boardwalk on the left side of the road offers birdwatching opportunities, or simply gaze out at the waterfowl that ply the open waters on the right. This is the location of the 1893 NWMP Barracks, built when Canmore was a fledgling stop for the new railway and a local constabulary was required to control the evils of boot-legging. Visit their heritage garden and enjoy a snack.

A more ambitious route is the paved trail developers have built from downtown to Three Sisters Mountain Village. This wide, scenic route has room for walkers, runners, bikers and rollerbladers. Cross the Bow River, turn left and follow the Bow River through Prospect Heights (once called Mineside) that’s built on coalmine tailings. High-end real estate can be viewed from the trail—when you’ve had your fill of peak views, several fabulous showhomes can be visited. The end of the line is Stewart Creek golf course, about 6 km (4 mi) from the start. It’s a long way there and back, so consider renting a bike.

Canmore Nordic Centre's new skills park

THE LINE ON FISHING
To find out ‘what’s biting, where’ ask at Wapiti Sports, a full-service tackle shop. Jeff Perodeau, Banff Fishing Unlimited owner and guide, notes that “guides know how to read the water, what techniques work best for any condition, and where the good spots are to find fish.” Catching fish is not always the top priority, concedes Perodeau. Sometimes it’s just being on the pristine Bow River, enjoying mountain views from the water up.

RAIN OR SHINE
Rafting is a great activity, rain or shine. After all, rapid-induced splashes enjoyed by wetsuit-clad participants are a highlight of rafting the Kananaskis and Bow Rivers. The Horseshoe Canyon run offers an exhilarating whitewater adventure through a 200 ft high gorge with a drop over falls. Andrew Pratt of Inside Out Experience notes that operators “raft the most spectacular section of the river—the scenery is outstanding the whole way.”

Another way to explore the mountains is from deep within. Grotto Mountain’s Rat’s Nest Cave has the same climate regardless of surface weather. Tour this wild limestone cave with Canmore Caverns if you’re reasonably fit and a bit adventurous. Subterranean rock formations, pools and fossils are lit only by participants’ headlamps.

NORDIC CENTRE
Canada’s cross-country skiers shone during the Torino Olympics, a tribute to the fine facilities and training programs at the Canmore Nordic Centre. In summer, the Centre becomes a mountain bike paradise where trails range from wide, rolling roads to bumpy, hilly singletracks. Trail Sports offers lessons and rentals for beginners to avid bikers. Guided tours allow you to experience the best trails and some hidden gems not marked on maps.

New for this season is a mountain bike skills park for beginners to advanced riders. The park has small and large bridges, logs and boulders to ride over, and dirt jumps in many shapes and sizes. Drops and a wall ride are expected to be complete this summer.

An unusual Nordic Centre attraction is free disc golf—a new 18-hole course through the woods recently debuted. Like conventional golf, the goal is to get around the course in as few strokes as possible. But instead of balls and clubs, you use a disc (don’t call it a Frisbee). The target is a pole-mounted metal basket that is wider and much lower than a basketball net. Because it is easy to learn, disc golf “is a perfect activity for families,” says John Gallagher of the Centre’s Trail Sports, where discs can be rented for $5.

LIFE’S A PICNIC
Picnic beside the Bow River at Riverside Park near downtown—take-out lunch at one of many Main St food outlets. Watch for osprey fishing, and watch clouds drift through White Man’s Pass. Walk the Larch Island Loop—walk northwest to a small footbridge and look for the sign.

Which leads to our best tip: Treasure your time. Whether you're in Canmore for a visit or you own a home, truly enjoy the mountain lifestyle.

Under Construction: Glacier Rock Lodge at Spring Creek Mountain Village

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION
Developments on Canmore’s north side: Silvertip (Stone Creek Properties, 678-3110) is a 582-acre residential, resort and golf course development. Lots from $840,000; Pinnacle II 1638-3000 sq ft condos $700,000 to $2.2 million; The Village at SilverTip details will be released this summer. Eagle Terrace (678-7700): Eagle Crossing Phase II Mountain Winds 18 single level luxury units, 1200–1885 sq ft, $659,000+.

Three Sisters Mountain Village (403-264-9944), in Canmore’s southeast, is positioned as a resort with spa, shops, restaurants, 5-star hotel and another golf course. Stewart Creek Golf Course, trails and many residences already exist. Paintbrush Ridge (Assured Developments, 1-866-361-0666): Courtyard villas, duplexes, townhomes and apartment condos. Phase I is 24, 2- to 3-bedroom townhomes 1500-2600 sq ft, $949,900–$1.1 million. Phase II is being released this summer. Serenity Ridge (Swan Group, 678-0932): 75 luxury apartment condos, and townhouses 1000-2600 sq ft, from $500,000. Trailside Chalets (Alpine Homes, 609-6331) Twelve 3- to 4- bedroom townhomes with attached garages and south facing walkout designs, 2161-2947 sq ft, from $1 million. Timberline Lodges (Alpine Homes): 85 luxury apartment condos and townhomes. 1000-3179 sq ft, $499,900-$1.8 million. Wilderness Ridge (Riverdale Homes, 678-6760): 45 townhomes and luxury apartment condos, 900-2700 sq ft, $550,000 to $2 million, and duplexes downtown.

Town Centre and Bow Valley Trail condo developments allow full-time residents, although a few are zoned for vacation owners only. Rental pools allow absent owners to rent short-term. Bighorn Mountain Resort (Bridgecreek Development Corp, 403-613-0080): 5-star residence club with 20 semi-detached, 2500 sq ft units and clubhouse. 1/8 ownership $250,000+. Blackstone Mountain Lodge (Assured Developments, 1-888-830-8883): 2-bedroom furnished vacation suites, 900-1100 sq ft, selling in the $400,000s. Devonian Properties (678-3535): Resort-style Lodges at Canmore, Phase III 2-3 bedrooms 1090-1390 sq ft, $443,000-$542,000. Phase IV will be released summer 2007. Silver Creek Lodge (1-866-609-8166): Vacation suites, 642-1315 sq ft, $289,900-$629,900. Furnished 1/4 share $72,500+. Solara Resort & Spa (609-3600): Furnished suites—1/4 share 812-1612 sq ft $165,000-$361,000; whole ownership 722-1612 sq ft $428,000-$938,000. Spring Creek Mountain Village (678-7700): New 70-acre development off Main St: Glacier Rock Lodge single level live/work studios, 1959-2300 sq ft, $721,000-$837,000; Moraine Ridge Residences 45 unit 40+ complex, 1 bedroom plus den and 2 bedroom plus den units 971 sq ft-1410 sq ft starting at $529,000 and live/work studios, 2219 sq ft-2606 sq ft, starting at $849,000.

At Dead Man’s Flats, east of Canmore, Copperstone Resort (1-877-678-9212) offers 685-3000+ sq ft condos, $199,000-$1,500,000; furnished 1/4 shares $109,600-$179,900.