Canmore, Coffee, and the Tiny Tyrant at Table 12
Cam and I are in between adventures—fresh off our CMH heli-hiking high and killing time in the little mountain postcard of Canmore before we saddle up for a Backroads biking trip from Banff to Jasper.
We’re staying at the Malcolm Hotel, which is very nice and, most importantly, dog-friendly. Yes, they have a pool and a hot tub, but honestly? Seeing a dog in the lobby makes me happier than a hot soak ever could. There’s also a wonderful coffee shop right in the lobby, and by day two, the baristas already knew my order. That kind of recognition makes me feel like a local—or at least like a mildly caffeinated regular.
The best part is the location. It’s basically in the middle of everything—right between the old downtown and the newer shops. Everything is walkable, which is great when you’ve just come off a helicopter and are pretending you don’t have sore knees.
Canmore is like Banff’s artsy cousin who left the city, got into small-batch kombucha, and now sells ceramic mugs inspired by her spirit animal. It hugs the Bow River and is surrounded by mountains that look like they were drawn by a very enthusiastic landscape painter. Technically, it’s east of Banff and just over an hour from Calgary—but it feels like its own self-contained little snow globe. Judging from the construction, I’m not the only one who thinks so.
Our first night we had dinner at Table Food + Drink. I was wary—it’s attached to a hotel, which often screams “conference chicken” to me—but it was fabulous. We sat in their garden, surrounded by flowers I can’t name but deeply appreciate. It made me consider learning what “full sun” actually means.
But the real entertainment was the table next to us: two parents, a set of grandparents (unlabeled, so I couldn’t confirm whose side), and a tiny, iron-fisted child. She immediately started assigning seats like a preschool party planner and was very displeased with the glass the restaurant provided. A glass without a face, mind you. Tragic.
The staff scrambled and came back with one adorned with googly eyes, which earned a brief ceasefire.
I couldn’t stop watching. Cam told me to stop staring and “mind my business,” which is adorable, considering I’ve turned not minding my business into a personality trait.
Then, just when I thought I’d seen it all, the child screamed at her mother from across the table:
“YOU ARE A BAD MOTHER!”
Why? Because the mom had the audacity to draw a tiny heart on the menu with a crayon. The dad asked for a fresh one, which the server brought—but it was a different color sheet. This, of course, triggered another meltdown.
I sat there, slack-jawed, thinking: I am so glad I’m no longer negotiating peace treaties over kids’ menus. But I had to admire her confidence. That child ran the table like she was directing a high-stakes hostage negotiation—with crayons. It took everything in me not to comment on my way out, but I was trying, however unsuccessfully, to mind my business.
We had two nights in Canmore, which gave us a chance to catch our breath. I slept more than eight hours and took a nap—an Olympic-level rest day for me. We also explored downtown and visited Communitea, a local coffee and tea spot that was highly recommended—and rightly so. I had the “soup of the moment” (mushroom), and Cam got avocado toast with salmon, because it fit the vibe.
We popped into a few galleries—Avens Gallery is a standout. They represent some truly incredible local artists, and if you can’t get there in person, they’re worth a scroll online. While walking along the river, we even spotted painters with their easels set up on the shore. I briefly considered commissioning something on the spot, but wasn’t sure of the etiquette—or the pricing.
Canmore also has a delightful mix of gift shops and fun little finds. Cam is now the proud owner of a Canmore hat, and we treated ourselves to Lovely Ice Cream, because no stroll through a mountain town is complete without a stop for a waffle cone.
On our second night, we wandered to the other end of the three-block downtown and had dinner at The Woods. Great views, okay food, and an excellent reminder that ambiance can carry a meal.
Meanwhile, Chad flew into Calgary and will meet us for the Backroads trip tomorrow. We tipped him off about the Calgary Stampede, which he promptly attended (I’m not jealous… but also yes, I am). He sent photos. It’s already on the calendar for next year.
We purposely didn’t pack in too many activities here, knowing we’re about to hop on bikes and pedal through mountains. But Canmore is a total gem—a great mix of rafting, hiking, biking, art, and just enough kombucha energy to make you feel like you’re part of something wholesome. Highly recommend adding it to your list.
