Fly into: Calgary International Airport (YYC)

Drive: Approximately 1.5 hours along the scenic Highway 1

Car Rentals: Available at YYC — we recommend booking in advance

Shuttles: Banff Airporter and Ten Peaks Shuttles offer stress-free rides between Calgary International Airport and Canmore with frequent daily service. Just hop on and relax—no driving or parking worries!

The GEM is tucked away in the charming community of Harvie Heights, just a 10-minute drive from Canmore and 20 minutes from Banff. While Harvie Heights is a peaceful, quiet spot with limited activities, Canmore offers a wide range of accommodations, along with plenty of shops, restaurants, and things to explore.

For your convenience, at the end of our wedding celebration, a shuttle bus will be available to transport guests back to Canmore.

Canmore Must-Dos 🏞️

Explore Downtown Canmore
Stroll the charming Main Street lined with boutique shops, cozy cafés, galleries, and restaurants.

Hit the Trails
Bundle up and enjoy winter hiking or snowshoeing on scenic trails like:

Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk (easy, in town)

Grassi Lakes (moderate, beautiful views)

Quarry Lake Park (great for photos!)

Eat & Sip
Some local favourites:
🍽️ Crazyweed Kitchen – inventive, cozy upscale eats
🍕 Rocky Mountain Flatbread – delicious, casual, family-friendly
🍺 Grizzly Paw Brewing – great beer, fun merch, and mountain views

Day Trips to Banff 🏔️🛷

Banff is just a 17-minute drive away and is packed with winter wonder!

Sightseeing & Activities:

Banff Gondola – Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views

Lake Louise – One of the most iconic winter scenes in the world (perfect for photos!)

Johnston Canyon Ice Walk – Frozen waterfalls and icy caves (book a guided tour for safety)

Banff Upper Hot Springs – Soak under the stars in steamy mountain water

Sleigh Rides & Dog Sledding – Magical and unforgettable winter experiences

Shopping & Dining:
Banff Avenue has something for everyone—from gear shops to chocolate stores and cozy restaurants.

Local Essentials 🧣🧤

Pack Smart: Weather in December is cold and snowy. Bring warm boots, layers, gloves, and maybe even thermal underwear!

Driving? Make sure your rental car has winter tires—roads can be icy.

Stock Up: Canmore has grocery stores (Save-On-Foods, Safeway) and liquor stores for anything you need during your stay.

Want a Break from the Cold? ☕

Warm up in a café with mountain views:

Communitea Café (great for lunch & live music)

Beamers Coffee Bar (a local favourite for coffee and snacks)

Le fournil Bakery (French pastries, need we say more?)

Let us know if you need recommendations or want to tag along on an activity—we’re happy to help make your trip unforgettable! ⛷️❤️