It’s officially Patio Season! The birds are chirping, the mountain air is warm and inviting, and the spring sunshine casts its rays across the Bow Valley. Main Street is set to close in due time for the season, and downtown business owners are busy preparing their patios for their grand opening. Where are the best patios in Downtown Canmore? We’ve compiled a list of our absolute favourite outdoor coffee, pub, and fine dining destinations throughout our beautiful downtown core.
Let’s get you a seat!
CAFES WITH PATIOS
With a new-this-season patio, Eclipse has opened up their front area to accommodate customers with a place to relax, around small patio tables, under their freshly built and beautiful wooden pergola. Established in 2014 with the goal of not only sourcing and roasting exceptional coffee but also providing a personal touch and great customer service, Eclipse is sure to be some of the best coffee you’ll ever have. From light fruity Africans to bold chocolatey blends they pride themselves on having something for all without sacrificing quality.
Beamers Downtown Patio
Proudly serving Canmore since 2004, Beamers is a pillar in the community – and has been voted the “Locals Favourite” many times over. Offering private labels of gourmet and custom roasted beans – they deal with the coffee farmers directly to bring you the best possible product. The patio section is limited, but their great variety of baked goods and sandwiches can be enjoyed to-go for all your mountain adventures.⠀
Breakfast, lunch or dinner – Communitea is sure to have just the right gluten-free or friendly, vegan and dairy-free, fresh and healthy options for any meal downtown. As of April 1st, they have expanded their patio seating, and all of their food and beverages are available to-go. Order online ahead of time for pickup, or pop by in person for a bite or treat. They also highly recommend picnics in Canmore’s Friendship Park or down by the river with one of their Buddha Bowls! Bonus: keep an eye out for Communitea’s Buddha Bowl Bike expected to be in full swing this summer for the Mountain Market.
Locally owned and operated Harvest Cafe prides itself in providing hearty and healthy meals with many mouth-watering treats. Featuring– arguably– the best cinnamon buns this side of the Rockies (only available on the weekend). All of their sauces, soups and baked goods are made in-house; Harvest Cafe strives to provide the freshest ingredients in all of their products. Gluten-Free? Their daily house-made soups are GF, with a GF option for grilled wraps and paninis. Not to mention their amazing GF chocolate zucchini loaf. Be sure to plan ahead; this patio has limited seating.
JK Bakery 10th Street Patio
“To bring the community together with wholesome homemade products at affordable prices” is JK Bakery’s promise — a downtown Canmore bakery that never uses any preservatives in any of their handmade bread. Whether you grab a coffee and a pastry, or enjoy a freshly made homemade soup and sandwich combo on their little sunny north-side patio, you will be impressed by both the food and the atmosphere, and very likely become a repeat customer.
A local stop for delicious treats, and delicious bagel-wiches, the Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. bakers also whip all their homemade flavours of cream cheeses, boil down and puree up the fillings for their squares, and make all the caramels, icings, cookies, and soups. The expansive list of delicious menu items is always evolving, and always homemade. Grab a seat on their quaint main street patio, watch all the people walk by, and enjoy the summer sunshine with some truly delicious food.
PUB & PATIO
Canmore’s original bar, 1890 Smokehouse is located on the main floor of the historic, 130-year-old building known by the locals as the ‘Ho’ or the Canmore Hotel. Continuing a legacy of good food and a friendly atmosphere – enjoy an array of freshly smoked wings, ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork, and more. Their bar offers a large selection of beer, spirits, and wine. With their 12 taps, both craft and domestic, beautiful wooden and partially covered patios (there are two!) they will be sure to provide something you crave.
The Grizzly Paw Pub and Microbrewery serves up delicious traditional fare such as domestic and exotic hand-made burgers, salads, fish and chips, and a smoked brisket sandwich that’s to die for. From their Founders, Summit, and Seasonal signature beers, through to their newly Canned Cocktails, you will be enjoying a cold one on their beautiful open-top patio this summer, in no time. They are also family-friendly and offer pint-sized meal portions for the kids along with their popular handcrafted sodas.
Looking for delicious bites and beverages? Hy Hive has got you covered. Visit their summer patio seating area and enjoy their extensive lineup of craft beers and brews on tap, a cocktail, or a glass of wine. Combine that with their array of delicious plates from pierogies, tandoori flatbread to grilled cheese sandwiches or veggie burgers (Vegan options are also available) and you’re all set to kick back and take in the mountain views in the sunshine.
A family-friendly neighbourhood restaurant and bar serving fresh food and fabulous drinks. Featuring in-house ground “sous-vide” burgers, delicious salads, award-winning “duck nuts” and a great selection of tacos, to name a few of their menu items. Tavern 1883 is fully licensed, with a great beer, wine, and cocktail selection. Charming, cozy, and inviting, the 80 person patio has fabulous south-facing views of the majestic Rocky Mountains.
This cozy saloon is a purveyor of good times and better company. Sip cocktails handcrafted with rare and local premium spirits. Savor the best of Canadian craft beer and fine wine paired with globally-inspired tapas. With a limited patio seating area, tables go fast so dust off those spurs and roam on in, why don’t ya?
As they say, “Fiesta, Siesta, Tequila, Repeat”. Whether you’re looking for some authentic Mexican fare or cervezas for lunch or dinner, Cabeza’s patio and extended patio section is serving up delicious tacos, burritos, and sweet “el postre” (desserts). Visit them for the margaritas and stay for the breathtaking views!
Some of the best, most open views of the Rocky Mountains from a patio in all of downtown Canmore, The Wood has a great selection of pub fare and beer, wine, and spirits. Whether you want to grab some garlic herb fries and a beer with a friend or host an evening out for the entire family, the Wood can accommodate – and the views?! Truly breathtaking.
FINE DINING PATIOS
Kain Tayo
The new spot on the block, Kain Tayo was founded in 2021 by Chef/Owner Christian Agir and entrepreneur Kalen Mcconnell. Kain Tayo delivers a unique culinary experience to the Bow Valley. They boast Korean-style street-flavors in a relaxed environment with mellow vibes. Come hang with them on their quaint and quiet patio, to enjoy chill vibes and delicious food, 5-10 PM Wednesday through Sunday.
Tucked away off Main Street in Canmore in a charming character house that was once a Miners home, Tapas is a style of shared tasting experience involving small plates that the kitchen team creates with mostly organic and locally sourced ingredients. The menu offers gluten-free and vegetarian options. Visit them in the summer to enjoy tapas on their Mediterranean-style deck with a lovely alfresco ambiance. Want to bring your own wine? They offer a $25 per bottle corkage fee.
Tucked away in an alley just steps from Main Street, 4296 is an elevated dining concept and the first self-created restaurant for Chef Blake Flann. 4296 is an elevated restaurant with an emphasis on cocktails, serving pop culture cuisine inspired by the ever-changing global food scene. Choose from small, medium, and large plates, or enjoy a 3-4 course dinner for two or share multiple plates with your cohort. Space on this petite patio goes fast, so be sure to plan ahead!
Pro Tip: Canmore’s Rocky Mountains are breathtaking all year round, so we know getting the opportunity to hang with them face to face while you dine is second to none. However, it tends to get chilly during the evenings (yes – even in the summer) so remember to #BYOBlanket! We want to make sure you stay cozy and comfortable while you visit us.
All of our Downtown Canmore businesses look forward to providing you and your loved ones with the memorable experiences they have become known for. Please be patient and kind during this busy time.
Thank you for sharing the love, #downtowncanmore. See you patio-side, soon!
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