Canmore is a town situated in Alberta, Canada, positioned approximately eighty-one kilometres west of Calgary near the southeast boundary of Banff National Park. Located within the Bow Valley of the Alberta Rocky Mountains, it shares borders with Kananaskis Country to the west and south, and the Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 to the north and east. The town lies bisected by the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City railway, with the Bow River running through its landscape. This strategic location on major transportation routes has historically influenced its development as a hub for both industry and tourism.

The community was officially named in 1884 by Canadian Pacific Railway director Donald A. Smith after Malcolm III of Scotland, deriving from the Gaelic ceann mòr meaning Big Chief. Queen Victoria granted a coal mining charter in 1886, leading to the opening of the No. 1 mine in 1887. The industry boomed until the 1970s when declining markets led to the cessation of operations by Canmore Mines Ltd. in 1979. Following provincial safety policies, most mining structures were demolished, leaving only the lamp house and a few entrances. The town was incorporated in 1965 with a population of two thousand.

The pedestrian-friendly town centre surrounds 8th Street, colloquially known as Main Street, which features small shops, restaurants, and galleries within some of the oldest architecture in the area. Major trail systems traverse the Benchlands of Mount Lady Macdonald, the Canmore Nordic Centre, and the north slope of Mount Lawrence Grassi. Adjacent mountains include Mount Rundle, Ha Ling Peak, and the Three Sisters. Much of the area is designated as a wildlife corridor for bears, cougars, wolves, and elk, though the town remains highly sprawled due to these natural barriers and infrastructure.

Canmore serves as a recreational tourist destination, hosting events such as the Canmore Uncorked food festival and the 24 Hours of Adrenalin mountain bike race. The Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre preserves local heritage, including the restored North-West Mounted Police barrack from the 1890s. The town gained prominence after hosting Nordic events for the 1988 Winter Olympics, boosting tourism. It has also become a popular filming location for feature films like Brokeback Mountain and The Last of the Us, alongside its association with the character Mike from Canmore.

According to the 2021 Census, the population was 15,990, representing a significant increase from previous years. The economy relies heavily on construction and tourism income, supported by its proximity to Calgary and Banff National Park. Climate conditions are relatively mild for Alberta, with short summers featuring daytime temperatures between eighteen and twenty-two degrees Celsius. While winters are cold with average highs around minus three degrees Celsius in January, the town offers extensive hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails throughout the year.