Canmore’s desirability is nothing new. Locals and Albertans have been in on the secret for decades; the breathtaking scenery, access to endless outdoor adventure, and laid-back mountain lifestyle have long made this town one of the most sought-after places to live in Western Canada. But over the last few years, something has shifted. What used to be a “best kept secret” kind of town is now gaining traction on a global scale.You can thank social media for that. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have amplified Canmore’s charm in a way that glossy brochures and tourism websites never could. People across the world are now seeing daily snapshots of turquoise lakes, snowy trails, dramatic peaks, and cozy cafes, all of it wrapped up in the kind of authentic small-town energy that’s getting harder and harder to find.This surge in visibility isn’t just anecdotal. It’s backed by numbers and accolades from some of the world’s largest travel platforms.Canmore's Accolades Are Catching Global Attention
In 2025, Expedia named Canmore one of the world’s top “Detour Destinations”, putting it on the same list as places like Reims, France, and Krabi, Thailand. According to the travel giant, a detour destination is a place so compelling that it’s worth changing your travel plans just to include it, and Canmore checked all the boxes. Natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe all played a part in earning it that international recognition.Canmore also earned a spot on the 2023 Tourism Sentiment Index’s Top 100 Most Loved Destinations in the World, landing at #95 based on an analysis of over 1.6 billion online conversations. That’s no small feat, and notably, Canmore was the only destination from Alberta to make the list. The town was also singled out by Booking.com in 2025 as one of the most welcoming places in Canada, based on tens of millions of verified traveller reviews. That’s a testament not only to the town’s natural appeal but to the people and community that make it feel like home to visitors from all over the world.Even Condé Nast Traveller jumped in, naming Canmore one of Canada’s most charming small towns, praising it as a perfect basecamp for exploring the Rockies and highlighting its proximity to Banff, world-class hiking trails, and its own thriving arts, food, and shopping scene.And if that weren’t enough, Canmore was featured in HBO’s “The Last of Us” and is regularly praised in travel documentaries, photography galleries, and lifestyle magazines. In short, the world has caught on.So What Does All This Mean for Real Estate?
When a small mountain town gets global attention, it’s natural for people to wonder what happens next, especially when it comes to housing. Does it make things more competitive? Do prices go up? Will locals still be able to buy?The answer is nuanced, but what’s clear is that Canmore continues to offer incredible value, lifestyle advantages, and long-term potential for a wide range of buyers.Here are some key takeaways that break down what this momentum means for the market.1. Interest Is Growing — and That’s a Sign of Confidence
Let’s start with the obvious: More people are looking at Canmore. Some are local or regional buyers hoping to plant roots. Others are lifestyle buyers, often from other provinces, looking to relocate, retire early, or shift to remote work. And yes, there’s a healthy amount of interest from second-home buyers as well, who are drawn to Canmore’s unique blend of tranquillity and accessibility.But here’s the upside: all of this attention isn’t speculative. It’s grounded in real, lasting appeal. Canmore isn’t popular because of a trend; it’s popular because it consistently delivers an exceptional quality of life. That stability makes it a strong, confident market for buyers and homeowners alike.2. It’s Still a Community-First Town
Even as interest grows, Canmore hasn’t lost its heart. The town has strong, long-standing policies in place to support conservation, limit overdevelopment, and protect the land and wildlife that make this place so special. Zoning regulations, growth management plans, and a committed municipal government ensure that expansion happens thoughtfully.That’s good news for residents and real estate buyers. Canmore isn’t trying to become something it’s not. Instead, it’s focused on staying livable, local, and grounded, even while welcoming the world in.3. Property Values Are Strong — But So Is the Lifestyle ROI
Yes, Canmore homes are valuable, but it’s not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. The return on investment here comes with unbeatable lifestyle perks. Where else can you step outside your front door and be hiking, skiing, biking, or paddling within minutes? Where else can you live in a thriving arts and culture town that still feels personal and low-key?For homeowners, it’s not just about equity growth (though that’s solid, too). It’s about living in an enriching, energizing, and supportive place where your investment feels like part of your everyday happiness.4. There’s Room for Everyone — If You Know Where to Look
One of the great things about Canmore is the diversity of its neighbourhoods. Whether you're looking for a single-family home in Cougar Creek, a townhome in Peaks of Grassi, or an up-and-coming pocket like Grotto Mountain Village, there are smart ways to enter the market, even in a competitive climate.Some buyers assume Canmore is out of reach, but with the right strategy (and the right real estate support), you can find properties that offer great value, long-term growth, and room to breathe without compromising on lifestyle.5. A Balanced Market with Long-Term Upside
Unlike boomtowns that spike and stall, Canmore’s market has consistently grown over the decades. The town’s limited developable land and conservation boundaries mean inventory will always be relatively tight, helping keep the market strong and stable over the long haul.That makes it a smart place to invest, especially for those who want to live here full-time or hold onto a property for the future. With new amenities being added, strong local schools, and a growing network of businesses and services, the value proposition keeps getting stronger.6. Yes, There Are Second-Home Buyers — But They’re Not the Whole Story
It’s true that Canmore sees interest from second-home and recreational buyers, especially given the town’s four-season appeal. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle. A huge portion of the demand comes from people who want to live here full-time, raise their families here, or transition to a lifestyle that values nature, wellness, and connection.And even for second-home buyers, many are committed to the community, supporting local businesses, investing in property maintenance, and returning year after year. In many ways, their presence contributes to the local economy and helps support the town’s ability to offer world-class services and amenities.7. Canmore Still Feels Like Home
Despite its growing profile, Canmore hasn’t become a tourist trap or a resort town without soul. It’s still a place where the baristas know your name, where your neighbours wave from the trail, and where local events draw a real community crowd.For buyers and homeowners, that’s everything. Because the best real estate markets aren’t just the ones with rising prices; they’re the ones that still feel good to come home to.Final Word
Canmore’s star is rising, but its heart is still right where it’s always been. As the town garners more international attention, its real estate market continues to offer incredible opportunities, not just for investors or second-home buyers, but for people who genuinely want to live here, contribute here, and grow here.Whether you’re looking to make your first move, find your forever home, or invest in a town with proven staying power, Canmore remains one of the most exciting and rewarding real estate markets in Canada.Thinking about a move? Let’s talk.