By Pepper Rodriguez
It is said you can’t buy happiness but buying a home in Canmore comes pretty close.
The promise that Canmore holds has always been as a haven for city-weary denizens looking for some respite from the hurly burly, and the town’s fresh mountain air and soothing views of the Rockies has always been the tonic against the daily grind.
As the province slowly finds its way back to normal, Canmore is again stirring with new activity. There are reports that recreational home market is seeing a new vitality, and Canmore will certainly benefit from this.
A Royal LePage survey released in June says the aggregate price of a secondary property in Canada’s recreational regions is expected to increase 15 per cent across the country to $502,730. In Alberta, already commanding some of the highest prices for recreational property in the country, that number could rise to six per cent to $942,881.
These days, Canmore seems to be bursting with promise and potential and a palpable energy is coursing through its Main Street once again. As in previous years, the epicentre of the action seems to be in Spring Creek Mountain Village.
“Spring Creek is at the heart of Canmore, offering diverse home options so that people can own and live how they want, whether it be full time, for vacation use or as a rental income property,” says the developer Frank Kernick.
“With our central location we have 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains and are a short walk to Main Street and all of the activities that Canmore has to offer. Our owners love the Spring Creek vision that celebrates a friendly atmosphere and sense of connectedness to the surrounding natural environment.”
The development just off Canmore’s downtown is now close to 50 per cent build out, and it is close to fulfilling the master plan, for a modern mountain retreat. It has been on a rapid path to progress since development started in 2006, with a host of condo and townhome buildings already finished.
It is also now home to the new Malcolm Hotel and the Origin at Spring Creek retirement facility. Spring Creek’s most recent condo development, the Jack Pine Lodge, was sold out prior to completion and the residents have all moved in. Next in line is the Tamarack, which will begin occupancy in the first quarter of 2022, with only three of its 81 units left to sell.
“We just broke ground for our Arnica Lodge in March and Timberstone will break ground in the spring of 2022,” says Ross Jansen, sales manager at Spring Creek. Arnica Lodge has about 10 of its 41 units already sold, and Timberstone, with 56 units, is expected to be just as popular.
Condo size and prices range from one- to three bedrooms from $369,000-
to $1.4M, Jansen says. He points out that approximately 65 per cent of owners live in Spring Creek full time. Others use it for recreation property or for rental income. “We have 240 tourist home designation units, which is more than anywhere else in Canmore.”
The Malcolm Hotel that opened just a few years ago is already a landmark in town.
As Canmore’s premiere luxury hotel, The Malcolm offers an impressive and inspiring destination for business meetings, conferences, retreats and special events in the Alberta Rockies.
“The Malcolm Hotel, a 4-Star Hotel and Canmore’s crowning jewel,” says Amelia Flaherty, conference Sales Manager at the Malcolm Hotel. “Our breathtaking Spring Creek location offers effortless access to Canmore’s charming shops, art galleries and restaurants, as well as the exhilarating mountain attractions and adventures of the Bow Valley.”
The Malcolm Hotel features 124 well-appointed guestrooms, including 72 Double Queen Rooms, 32 King Rooms, and 20 spacious Suites. Spring Creek and the Malcolm Hotel will certainly make a great base of operations for any Canmore adventure. And there is adventure to be had in this fourseason mountain resort town.
Skiing in winter is of course a perennial favourite activity, but hiking, biking and golf in the warmer months are also popular pursuits. Of course, the lively and dynamic social scene in town is coming back to life as health restrictions ease. Incredible views, and the friendliness of the people themselves only added to the heady tonic.
There is just so much to do in town. The Elevation Place recreational centre provides indoor recreational opportunities including wall climbing and swimming. People love to bike on the Legacy Trail to nearby Banff. Local craft breweries are a main attraction, so art local art galleries, and your choice of international-calibre restaurants.
“We are spoiled for choice in Canmore with so many celebrated chefs and restaurants.” Says Sping Creek’s Jansen.
“We love the Stirling patio at the Malcolm Hotel for the delicious menu and peaceful creekside views. The Iron Goat is always a favourite for the sweeping mountain vistas. The Mineshaft Tavern in the Origin at Spring Creek features daily specials and is a friendly meeting place. There are over a dozen boutique shops in the neighbourhood including a specialty deli, wine store, coffee shop, art gallery, pilates studio… and of course we are only a five minute walk from Main Street.”
This article was originally published in the Calgary New Home + Condo Guide for June 2021.
