The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Canmore, Canada

Right on Main Street, this two-story building, dating from 1890, was once one of the town’s grand hotels. Where coal miners and rail workers mingled, the former saloon is now frequented by backpackers and live-music lovers. Upstairs, choose from private rooms and bunk-bed dorms sleeping from four to 10 guests. You’ll have either a private or shared bathroom, a locker and use of the shared kitchen. The uncluttered rooms don’t have much more than the bed, but the wooden walls – restored wherever possible – certainly have stories to tell.

This is the rare Super 8 that feels more like a modern mountain lodge than a budget roadside motel. It’s right by the railroad tracks that run straight through town, 15 minutes on foot to Main Street and even closer to several dining spots. There’s a light breakfast included – if you have a big appetite, stock up at the nearby grocery store and fill your in-room minifridge. (There’s a microwave, too.) The views are upstaged by the large black-and-white photos of snow-clad mountains behind the beds, but you can see the Rockies through your window – even from the large indoor hot tub. Also onsite are a fitness room and laundromat.

This updated inn is in a newish section of town between the Trans-Canada highway and the railroad tracks. You’re just a 15-minute walk to the heart of downtown with plenty of places to eat en route. In Canmore, it’s tough to not have a view given the mountains sound the town. Most rooms look out over them – premium king suites have the best outlooks, and there’s a jetted tub to boot. Ask for a room with a mini-fridge and microwave. Expect, too, convenient electrical outlets to keep gadgets charged, improved wifi, new linens and TVs. Prices are kept lower as there’s no daily housekeeping, but you can pay to have it.

This distinctive peak-roofed hotel might be on the far side of the Trans-Canada highway from the main part of town, but you’re also less than 10 minutes (even tromping in snow boots) to a sledding hill and bike-skills park. The lobby welcomes with a fireplace and bowls of fresh fruit and the outdoor hot tub delivers great views of the Three Sisters Mountain. There are 99 rooms and suites, each with a sofa bed, mini-fridge and microwave; the suites also have kitchenettes. More savings? Stays of three or more nights are discounted and two kids under age 11 eat for free when dining with a parent who orders from the main menu at the Trail Restaurant.

Near the edge of town (on the Banff – not Calgary – side), this little lodge has a lived-in decor. It also has an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, playground, barbeques and a firepit. You have a choice of rustic rooms, made to look like log cabins, or more-standard hotel rooms, some with kitchenettes and fireplaces (one has a hot tub just a few steps from the bed). Mini-fridges help keep your food budget down. For the times you want to spend a bit, there are a couple of neighboring dining spots – or walk the 20 minutes to the center of Canmore, calling in at one or more of the several haunts along the way.

Next door to Rundle Mountain Lodge, this stone four-story has rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites. The look evokes staying at a friend’s ski condo rather than a standard hotel: expect an electric fireplace near your king bed plus a kitchenette; all but one has a soaker tub. Suites have private bedrooms plus a pull-out couch in the living room next to the fireplace, as well as a soaker tub, full kitchen, in-suite laundry and an outdoor patio. Housekeeping is “vacation-style”, meaning you pay extra if you want it. Heated underground parking makes early morning starts much more tolerable. The Asian-fusion bistro is 100 percent gluten-free.

This lodge keeps guests warm and cozy. It has a large wood-burning stone fireplace in the lobby – have a turn at the chessboard, if you can tear your gaze from the view out the two-story windows. There’s also a sauna open 24/7. Rates include continental breakfasts plus an evening wine and cheese reception. Which room is for you? Choose by what you want in it: gas fireplace, hot tub, balcony, patio, kitchenette, microwave… (all have a fridge). Two rooms tailormade for families can sleep up to six, with the sofa bed behind glass doors for a bit more privacy than usual. Drove up in an e-car? There’s an on-site charging station.