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Skier in black jacket and red ski poles skiing down snowy slope with trees and another skier.

Can You Stay in Canmore Without a Car & Go Skiing?

31/10/2025

Winter is an incredible time in Canmore. Snow blankets the Rocky Mountain town, and the cool, crisp air makes getting outside and being active that much more special. But if you don’t have a car, can you still stay in Canmore during the colder months and still get out and enjoy the mountains? 

There are world-class resorts just down the highway, but is it even possible for skiers and snowboarders to stay in Canmore and get their turns in?

We are happy to answer those questions with an emphatic “Yes.” It isn’t just possible to stay in Canmore without a car and still enjoy some skiing, it’s actually quite easy when you stay at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. 

Let’s take a look at how you can stay in Canmore and enjoy an epic ski or snowboard vacation.

What Are Your Ski Hill Options?

A person stands at the top of a ski hill, admiring the view of the Rocky Mountains.

If you’re staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, you’ve got a couple of easy options when it comes to getting to the ski hill. Our pet-friendly, centrally-located hotel is a quick walk to public transit and is one of the stops for shuttles that take you to nearby ski and snowboard resorts when driving out from Calgary.

There are three main ski and snowboard areas near Canmore: 

Getting to Lake Louise

While Lake Louise is the furthest of the three ski and snowboarders, it’s actually remarkably easy to get to without a car when you stay in Canmore, especially when you’re staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre.

  • By shuttle: The Lake Louise Ski Bus takes skiers and snowboarders from Calgary to Lake Louise, stopping in Canmore along the way. The best part? The shuttle bus pickup point in Canmore is at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, making it incredibly convenient for guests to stumble out the front door, store their gear in the compartment under the bus and take a seat for the 45-minute drive to the ski resort. The bus drops you off at the hotel on the way home, too. You can pay with cash, reserve online or call 403.241.0443. 
  • By private shuttle: If you want the comfort and convenience of taking a private shuttle, there are a few options. Explore Banff Tours and Transfers will pick you up and drop you off from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, and Banff Sedan has a beautiful fleet of vehicles that will do the same.
  • By public transit: There isn’t a public transit route that takes you directly to Lake Louise from Canmore, but Roam Transit’s Route 3 has a stop mere minutes from the door of the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre that takes riders to Banff, where they can grab a free shuttle bus the rest of the way.

Getting to Sunshine Village

Located on the Continental Divide, Sunshine Village was named one of North America’s top three resorts by the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller this year. It’s easy to get to from Canmore, too, even without a car.

  • By shuttle: The Sunshine Coach runs between Calgary and Sunshine Village. It has a pickup and drop-off spot right outside the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, making it the most convenient place to stay in Canmore for skiers and riders looking to explore the beautiful mountain.
  • By private shuttle: Similar to Lake Louise, both Explore Banff Tours and Transfers and Banff Sedan offer private rides from your accommodation in Canmore.
  • By public transit: Sunshine Village offers a free shuttle from the Town of Banff that leaves regularly throughout the day, and hopping on the ROAM Transit Route 3 will make it easy to transfer. 

Getting to Mount Norquay

Norquay is the closest resort for skiers and snowboarders who stay in Canmore, as it’s located just outside of the Town of Banff. Without a car, the best way to get to Mount Norquay while staying in Canmore is to take the ROAM Transit Route 3 and then hop on one of the resort’s free shuttles.

Renting Skis in Canmore

If you don’t have a set of skis or a snowboard, you’re in luck because several shops offer ski rentals in Canmore.

  • Chateau Mountain Sports offers a wide range of downhill skis and snowboards, from high-performance to beginner models.
  • Gear Up Sports has been in Canmore for over 25 years and has all models of skis and snowboards, with daily rates for packages that are substantially less expensive than what you’ll find on the resorts.
  • Sports Experts has everything from freestyle to all-mountain skis and an extensive list of snowboard options, too.

Apres Ski Fun in Canmore

A family sits in a Canmore hotel lounge by the fire, drinking hot chocolate.

Enjoy a Warm Meal

Canmore has a rich assortment of amazing restaurants, including TABLE Food + Drink, one of the best places to eat in Canmore. If you’re staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, you can drop off your ski gear in your room and head down to the restaurant or lounge.

Offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional dining and a seasonal menu featuring local delicacies, shared plates and gluten-free and vegetarian options, TABLE Food + Drink is the perfect place to fill up after a long day on the slopes.

Get Cozy in the Lounge

TABLE Food + Drink also has a comfortable lounge, perfect for winding down after a long day on the slopes. Order a drink from the bar and sit by the fire.

The Canmore restaurant offers an expansive beer and wine menu, as well as some of Canmore’s most delicious cocktails that always go down a little smoother after a day racing down the mountains.

Relax & Grab Take-Away

Looking for a way to warm up and completely relax after a long day out? Head down to the heated pool and hot tub for some rest and rejuvenation. Then, order takeaway from TABLE Food + Drink, put on your favourite movie, and snuggle in. 

Convenience & Comfort at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre

A couple enjoying room service in their Canmore hotel after a long say of skiing.

With three world-class ski resorts located just down the highway, Canmore serves as a great starting point for visitors looking to ski and snowboard in the Rocky Mountains. If you’re wondering where to stay in Canmore with or without a car, the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre offers easy access to the transportation you’ll need to get to the ski hills easily.

Book your stay with us today or call 403.678.3625 for more information about how we can be your home base in Canmore for the ski hills.