The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better place to get your loved ones unique and personal gifts than in Canmore, Alberta. With some of the best shops in the Bow Valley, shopping in Canmore offers a different shopping experience from those that you might be used to. Avoid the hustle and bustle of the shopping malls and get your shopping done early while enjoying your time in the Rocky Mountains.
As you arrive in Canmore, you will realize there is a lack of urgency in your day. The atmosphere, compared to that of your regular Christmas shopping routine, is relaxed. As you take in a deep breath of the cool mountain air, you will decide first to treat yourself to a hot beverage. There are many locations in the downtown heart of Canmore to choose from, and each has their merit. All within walking distance are Mountain Mercato, Beamer’s Coffee Bar, Good Earth Coffee Co, The Bike Cafe, Mountain Juice, JK Bakery, Harvest Cafe, Communitea Cafe and Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. Each offers different roasts, but all have what you are after to start your shopping day off! 
After you’ve satisfied your craving, you consult your shopping list. Where to start? For the fashionistas on your list, there is no shortage of options. The best part is that you are likely to find a unique piece that will have them raving about your gift for the entire holiday season. With that tidbit of information in mind, you set off to check out Indigo Bay, Blue Moon,UNLTD, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Hello Vintage, Trends Clothing,Toccata for Her, Wild Goose Trading, Shoes t’ Boot, Cupid’s Cornerand Boulder Menswear. Who knows, maybe you’ll even pick up a little something for yourself (from ‘Santa’… of course).
Next on your list is the avid adventurer. This individual craves adventure and is always out experiencing what the mountains have to offer. Whether their interest lies in general adventuring, rock climbing, skiing, biking, or mountaineering, Canmore has their gift covered. Stores such as Switching Gear, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Rebound Cycle, The Bicycle Cafe, Tour Canmore and UNLTDare sure to provide what you’re looking for.
Now that you’ve ticked off that box, you’re in search of a unique gift; something you wouldn’t find at your local mall. Lucky for you, there are shops such as Alberta’s Own Marketplace, Project A , Twelve21, The Tin Box, Blackrock Fudge and Gifts, Stonewaters Home & Gift, Alpenrose Market, Settler’s Cabin and CanGreen. The neat thing about most of these shops, is that their products are sourced from artists and artisans right here in Alberta. Looking for some amazing mountain soaps for stocking stuffers? We have two amazing stores on Main Street that you must check out on your shop-a-thon: O’Canada Soapworks and Rocky Mountain Soap Company. 
For the jokester or game fanatic, next up are some of the most fun stores in town. Hijinks and Armadillo Canmoreare a must-shop for those both young and old on your list who love to have a good time with friends and family. Even if they steal from the Monopoly Bank when no one’s looking… you could probably find them a lump of coal in these stores.
Last but not least, the art mogul on your list. We bet you weren’t aware that Canmore is a hub for arts and creativity! Check out the galleries located in Downtown Canmore; Aven’s Gallery,Carter-Ryan Gallery, Elevation Gallery,The Hive, All in the Wild and Fallen Leaf Art Gallery. You are sure to check off that final box on your shopping list.
At the end of the day, as you’re heading back to your vehicle after a delicious lunch at one of our scrumptious restaurants, Canmore’s design hub catches your eye and you remember you wanted to pick up some household items to amp up your home decor.
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