The town of Canmore itself was established in 1884 as a hard-working coal mining town servicing Canadian Pacific Railway trains. It’s home to five First Nations involved in Treaty 7, as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta. As the official destination organization for Canmore and Kananaskis, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis is committed to honouring the community’s storied past and preserving its stunning peaks—now and for future generations.
Champions of sustainable tourism
Tourism Canmore Kananaskis represents the region globally with creative marketing campaigns, digital strategies, and promotions that attract the right visitors year-round. Our goal is to encourage visitors to stay and shop as long as possible, especially during the shoulder seasons.
As a not-for-profit destination organization, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis is voluntarily funded by hotels, activity providers, food and beverage businesses, service providers, and retailers who support robust and long-term tourism in our region. Their investment contributes to a higher marketing spend for our destination, building a stronger economy for everyone in our community.
We’re working hard to position Canmore and Kananaskis as iconic, internationally known destinations and as leaders in sustainable tourism development. Every day, the region welcomes an average of 11,000 daily visitors, and that number continues to grow. As more people come to know our one-of-a-kind mountain towns, it’s important they understand and appreciate the expectations of travelling here. This is responsible tourism—a movement to make travel more sustainable, and leave places better for people to live, work, and play. It’s an important part of our 10-year strategic plan.
Over the next 10 years, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis is committed to a triple bottom line approach to tourism development that will ensure high quality of life for residents, strong income for businesses, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
To kick things off—and encourage responsible tourism in the region—we’ve developed a Pledge to the Peaks; an oath for visitors and residents alike to care for the community, respect the land, and preserve the peaks. The oath reminds everyone who takes it to act as stewards of this special place, which is surrounded by the protected peaks of Kananaskis and Banff National Park. Once they sign the pledge, they will be connected to the land, people, and animals to advocate and preserve this land for generations to come.
Stronger together
Canmore and Kananaskis are the base for a broad spectrum of business interests, environmental groups, community organizations, dedicated citizens, and regional partners that all have a stake in tourism development. We all want the community to continue to prosper, but never at the expense of our mountain lifestyle or landscape. After all, there’s a reason we choose to call this place home. Working together, we can realize a shared vision for sustainable tourism in the region, and keep our community thriving.
We all have a part to play in caring for the wildlife, land, and people of Canmore and Kananaskis. There are many species that call these peaks home, including grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, elk, wolves, and coyotes. As guests in their home, we encourage everyone to treat these animals with respect. Naturally, we’re proud to coexist with our neighbours—the untamed ones and the two-legged ones.
Take the pledge, and share your commitment to preserving the place we all love. Then encourage your friends, family, and guests to do the same.
Why I pledged
We are all passing through this beautiful place. It’s important to steward this knowledge, respect these mountains and each other.
— Sara Renner, Four-time Canadian Olympian, Olympic Silver Medalist and Canmore Resident
Pledge to the Peaks
I acknowledge that I travel, explore, and play in the Treaty 7 Territory region of Southern Alberta. Treaty 7 encompasses the traditional lands of the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations of Chiniki, Wesley, and Bearspaw, the Tsuut’ina First Nations, the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani Nations of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) Confederacy, and Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.
I promise to honour and celebrate the land, history, and habitants of this sacred space, for I am a guest in their home.
I will do this by:
● Respecting the local culture, exploring with an open mind and gentle heart.
● Sharing the space, showing care and consideration for others.
● Treading lightly, leaving no trace behind.
● Gathering memories rather than momentos, leaving rocks, plants, and artifacts in place.
● Watching wildlife from a distance, keeping myself—and the animals—safe.
● Preparing for my adventures, respecting the mountains and my abilities.
● Travelling mindfully, being kind to all people, wildlife, and plants.
I pledge to preserve and protect these peaks for now and for future generations.
Take the pledge at pledgetothepeaks.ca
