The 17 Best breakfast restaurants in Canmore, 2024
Located in Southern Alberta, Canmore is an hour west of Calgary and in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Originally a mining community, Canmore is growing in popularity due to its proximity to Banff National Park. Many visitors use Canmore as their base to explore the beautiful Canadian Rockies.
When I travel, I enjoy exploring local places for breakfast and brunch. I love to start my day with a filling breakfast of savory items and a touch of something sweet. We recently spent time in Canmore as a family and had the best time exploring. Hope my suggestions on the best breakfast restaurants in Canmore is helpful!
🚨🚨Short on time? Book my favorite Canmore condo NOW by clicking HERE!🚨🚨
Best Breakfast Spots in Canmore
Read below on the top restaurants that offer a delicious breakfast in Canmore. You’ll want a hearty breakfast before exploring Banff and the Bow Valley Trail.
1. Harvest Cafe
Downtown Canmore shuts down car traffic on the main drag for visitors. Harvest Cafe is on a side street just a step away from the main drag. A local business, Harvest Cafe offers a menu full of fresh ingredients.
Harvest Cafe’s menu boasts egg scrambles. I love a good egg scramble for breakfast, and the menu offers several options, including a breakfast sandwich and frittata. Starting your day here with a protein-packed meal is an excellent idea before a big hike.
One last thing I loved about Harvest Cafe was the roomy deck for guests, and it is pet-friendly.
2. The Stirling Dining Room & Lounge
Located in the new Malcolm Hotel, The Stirling is a great option for guests staying in the Spring Creek development as it is walkable. Not only can you walk from your rental, but you can enjoy a scenic walk to Canmore after breakfast.
The Stirling Menu offers lighter options and heavier items like eggs benedict and breakfast poutines. You can order eggs benedict topped with Alberta beef too. There’s a waffle sandwich filled with ice cream for the sweet tooth.
Last but not least, vegan options are on the menu, too- a scramble.
🚨Short on time? Go ahead & book your activities NOW!🚨
Gondola Tour
Organized tour of Banff
Horse Back Riding
Columbian Icefields
Shuttle service to major sites from Canmore
3. Rocky Mountain Bagel
Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. is a staple in Canmore. You can choose between locations in the heart of Canmore or just outside. The first day we tried it, the place was packed, and we were on a tight schedule. Our family loves bagels, and we made it a priority to try them another day.
The menu offers fun bagel twists like maple flavor or rosemary sea salt. We enjoyed everything and the sesame bagels with cream cheese and butter.
You can make breakfast sandwiches on bagels or go later for lunch sandwiches.
4. Beamers Coffee Bar
Stop by Beamers Coffee Bar if you want a casual breakfast. They had a great location before you depart Canmore for the Trans-Canadian Highway.
We quickly stopped here one morning before leaving for the park. We picked up some banana bread sprinkled with chocolate chips and a chocolate croissant. My kids loved the banana bread, and I found the croissant delicious! I was tempted to try their chocolate chip cookie larger than my hand!
I’m not a coffee drinker, but they did offer a varied selection for those who prefer morning coffee and as seen as one of the best coffee shops in the area.
🌲Check out the family activities in Banff by clicking HERE!🌲
5. JK Bakery
When researching places to stop in Canmore, I should have put this at the top of my priorities. On our last morning, I begged my husband for one more bakery stop, and I am glad we did. JK Bakery was the most wonderful surprise.
I walked into a display of fresh bread and displays of fresh pastries, donuts, and German treats like homemade pretzels and apple strudel. The cinnamon rolls were almost the size of my hand.
I had the most challenging time narrowing down my choices, and the friendly staff was patient. My kids adored the donuts (chocolate, sprinkles, and vanilla), while my husband demolished the apple strudel. If you are in Canmore, you must make time for one of the best spots for pastries.
6. Chez Francois Restaurant
A French restaurant, Chez Francois Restaurant serves breakfast all day long. We are a family who could eat breakfast for each meal, so this is a perfect stop for us on vacation.
The menu offers multiple egg dishes, smoothies, crepes, french toast, sandwiches, and croissants. The menu has something for everyone.
In the summer months, you can enjoy your tasty meal inside or on their patio overlooking views of the Canadian Rockies.
7. The Alder Grocery & Cafe
The Alder Grocery & Cafe is tucked into a new development, Spring Creek. We stayed here for our visit and popped into The Alder one morning. We were in a rush and needed a quick breakfast.
Our kids love banana bread, and theirs was cold with chocolate chips. They demolished the bread in minutes and wanted more.
My husband and I tried the most delicious Blueberry Lemon scone. My husband isn’t a big fan of scones and found it very flavorful. If staying near Spring Creek, I would carve out time to check out The Alder.
8. Communitea Cafe
Right off Main Street, Communitea Cafe offers fresh and healthy breakfast options in Canmore. The brunch menu boasts avocado toast, breakfast bowls, smoothies, and sandwiches for a nice and filling meal.
Also, the menu provides some vegan, gluten, and dairy-free options. This is perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
9. Blondies Cafe
Blondies Cafe sits right off the road when you get off the Trans-Canadian Highway. I found the staff to be super friendly with good service. My daughter was fussy, and they let me buy a single banana. They had them set aside for their smoothies.
The menu is simple but has excellent food. You can order delicious coffee, smoothies, wraps, muffins, and parfaits for breakfast.
One thing I love about Blondie’s is the causal outdoor space with bright blue chairs and picnic tables. It is family-friendly and has a play train for kids to climb.
10. One 98 Eight
Located 10 minutes south of Canmore in Dead Man’s Flats, breakfast is offered from 8 am to 10 am.
Choose from pancakes, various eggs benny, egg burritos, and waffles. The menu also allows guests to purchase extra eggs and bacon. For a family that eats a lot of breakfast meats and scrambled eggs, this is perfect for us.
11. Le Fournil
A French bakery sells freshly made croissants, danishes, sandwiches, and breads. They also operate an Italian-style espresso bar.
As a side note, they are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Keep this in mind when visiting Canmore.
Check here to read my guide on Banff in early summer!
12. Summit Cafe
Boasting as Canmore’s best-kept secret, Summit Cafe is a local favorite. First, they have an extensive coffee and juice menu. Secondly, they offer breakfast all day long. This is just the place for my family. You can order traditional Huevos Rancheros or vegan style. Vegetarians can choose from veggie omelets.
One impressive part of the menu is that they offer kids breakfast options too. Some places don’t, so it is lovely to see these menu items.
13. Graze
Graze offers breakfast from 9 am-12 every day. Many house specials on the breakfast menu, such as the Graze Egg Classic, Breakfast Burrito, Poutine, and Croque Madame, look fantastic. For the sweet tooth in the group, there’s very berry French toast and Banana Nutella French Toast.
Last but not least, there’s a vegan bean burrito too.
While in Canmore, carve out time to check out Yoho National Park too!
Top Brunch Places in Canmore
Many Canmore restaurants offer both breakfast and brunch. I wanted to highlight the spots with the best brunch on the weekend.
14. Sage Bistro
A local favorite, Sage Bistro offers an a la carte brunch in Canmore. In the summer months, you can enjoy your meal on their patio. Brunch is provided only on the weekend from 10 am- 2 pm.
First, you’ll want to look over their expansive brunch cocktail menu. Consider the Pimms Cup, Mimosa, or Morning Bliss. Their food menu is impressive because you start with a base of eggs, potatoes, and toast, and then you can add your meat of choice. If that’s not your ideal breakfast, there are more options, such as pancakes, quiche, and an omelet.
Sage Bistro is famously known for the train wreck breakfast item- a massive meal of eggs, meats, pancakes, toast, french toast, fruit, and potatoes. You could order for the table, and everyone helps themselves.
15. Georgetown Pub
Located in the Georgetown Inn, the Pub is one of the best restaurants in Canmore. We really wanted to try it during our trip due to the amazing reviews and couldn’t find the time to fit it in. If you are in Canmore for a few days, I would give it a try.
Breakfast is served during the week till 11 and Brunch till noon on the weekends and special ocassions. They offer several delicious pancake and french toast options such as a cinnamon roll pancake or french toast topped with fresh strawberries.
If you prefer an egg based breakfast, you’ll be pleased with the selections too. You can build your own omelet or choose between eggs benny or an eggwich. They also offer yogurt bowls, avocado toast or a full English breakfast.
16. Juniper Bistro
Part of Juniper Hotel, the Juniper Bistro offers a tasty menu on top of beautiful views on their patio. They are known for their astonishing mountain views from the patio.
Choose from the Salmon Benny, stuffed French toast, granola, avocado toast, or Huevos rancheros. This is a great place with its varied selection. It is one of the best Canmore restaurants.
17. Fergus & Bix
Offering Brunch on the weekends and special holidays, Fergus & Bix serves a family-friendly meal. You can choose between a Montreal-style eggs benedict, Alberta sirloin, or smoked salmon.
They offer some items with a unique twist, such as a cinnamon swirl french toast, an avocado bacon breakfast burger, or a breakfast pizza. They also include a favorite, chicken & waffles. I love the energy put into the menu.
If you ever find yourself on the East Coast and want to try a New England Breakfast tour, check out the quaint town of Ogunquit, Maine or take a tour of the best lobster rolls in Portland, Maine.
Where to Stay in Canmore
Canmore lies approximately 20-25 minutes from Banff and is a charming historic mining town featuring a picturesque downtown area, scenic walking trails, and numerous modern condominiums available for rent. If you’re looking to save money, you may find more affordable options in Canmore.
Tamarack Lodge
We rented a modern condominium at Tamarack Lodge, conveniently situated within walking distance of the town. This spacious two-bedroom condo came equipped with a complete kitchen and a laundry room, which proved indispensable when traveling with children. Our neighborhood offered an array of excellent dining choices and scenic walking trails to explore.
Book your Canmore condo NOW by clicking HERE!
Georgetown Inn
The Georgetown Inn is a popular destination for guests looking for a cozy hotel. Guests can enjoy meals at the Georgetown Pub including breakfast.
Book the Georgetown Inn NOW by clicking HERE!
FAQ: Visiting Canmore, Alberta
🌲Why is Canmore popular?
Canmore is located 20 minutes southeast of Banff and is popular with visitors. It is an easy ride on the Trans-Canadian Hwy, so the distance is short. You will want a comfortable pair of shoes for exploring the National Park.
🌲Where is Canmore?
Canmore is about an hour west of Calgary in Alberta. When visiting, you would want to fly into Calgary as Vancouver is significantly further away. Make sure to spend some time exploring Calgary.
🌲Is Banff or Canmore better?
Ahh, this is a popular debate, and it all depends on what you prefer. Canmore is growing rapidly, and many affordable and excellent lodging options exist. Some of the hotels in Banff are more dated, and the town can get very crowded in the summer.
Banff does cut down on travel time, and the town has a little more to offer for entertainment and dining.
We stayed in Canmore and liked the quaint town, but I don’t think you can go wrong with either community.
🌲Is Canmore walkable?
Canmore is SO walkable! You’ll see people out at all hours of the day, either walking or biking. There are paved sidewalks, and the town is a very pedestrian family.
🌲Does Canmore have a downtown?
Canmore has a charming downtown area with shops, breweries, and restaurants. Part of Main Street is closed down to car traffic, making the town easy to navigate on foot.
There are also public restrooms right off the main drag.
🌲When is the best time to visit Canmore?
The off-season of April-June and September-October see smaller crowds and pleasant weather.
In conclusion: The 17 Best Breakfast Restaurants in Canmore, Alberta
Canmore is the gateway to Banff National Park and is nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. While visiting here, there are so many restaurants with delicious food. I hope my post has helped decrease the stress of planning your next trip.
🇨🇦Canada Resources🇨🇦
Banff with Family
Visit Calgary in the Summer
Banff in Fall
