Shortlist: 8 Canmore Breakfast & Brunch Spots That Locals Love!

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Last updated on December 1, 2022 by Wandering our World

Canmore, Alberta, is a lovely town surrounded by nature’s abundance. It’s minutes away from three national parks along with world-famous ski resorts and beautiful golf courses, and the community here is very mindful of sustainable practices and environmental rehabilitation. A lot of those values you can see reflected in the businesses around town too.

A picturesque mountain town, Canmore is actually named in honor of King Malcolm III of Scotland, and from traditional Highland Games to folk festivals, modern pubs to old ale houses, this town has it all.

There’s also many great places for breakfast and brunch in Canmore, which is good news if you fancy starting your day off on the right foot! And with so many hikes and outdoor activities to enjoy here, a hearty breakfast is often a must-have in town.

In case you’re new to the area, or are undecided about where to visit, here’s a few of our favorite places for brunch and breakfast in Canmore. Let’s dig in!

Delicious breakfast on a light table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/tbralnina

The Best Places For Breakfast & Brunch In Canmore: Fantastic Food & Views

1. Chez Francois Restaurant and Patio

A restaurant that’s been in operation since 1991, Chez Francois offers great breakfast options – many French inspired – with amazing mountain views.

If you choose to dine on the large patio here, you will be treated with beautiful vistas of lush greenery on a backdrop of snowcapped mountain peaks. You’ll be torn between savoring the scrumptious food and reaching for your camera! The interiors themselves are trendy and modern, with stonework motifs interspersed with bright crimson art offering an interesting contrast to the classic wooden furniture.

You’ll fall in love with the omelets here and there’s a huge variety to choose from. The smoked meat and Swiss cheese is a favorite, which features Montreal smoked meat. All omelets come with a side of homestyle potatoes, fresh fruit and toast too – so you’re getting plenty with your order. And if you’re feeling creative, you can even build your own with a wide variety of fillings to choose from.

The rest of the menu is equally vast and the staff here are very accommodating when it comes to food allergies so you’ll find several gluten free and vegan options. Being a French restaurant, expect some of the best crepes and croissants in Canmore as well.

For a Canmore breakfast or brunch with views of the Canadian Rockies and lovely attentive service, look no further than Chez Francois. Hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends.

Address: 1716 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 2X3

Selection of breakfast items
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2. Communitea Café

Communitea Café is known for its healthy, light bites along with its community driven, climate conscious practices.

The restaurant is light and airy, with plenty of natural lighting, with the predominantly white décor being cut through with a few splashes of pastel colored furniture. That being said, your eyes will probably be drawn to the display counter with its array of baked goods – there’s so many delicious bites to choose from! You can dine outside too if you wish to take in the fresh air as they have small tables set up along the curbside.

The wraps and sandwiches here are a standout with many locals giving them plaudits for being complete meals in themselves!

For a vegan or vegetarian breakfast in Canmore this is a great stop, as they have plenty of plant-based options. Why not add some avocado and vegan coconut bacon to your vegan wrap with scrambled tofu and enjoy it with their tomato chili dip – its absolute heaven. Then get instantly refreshed with their chai latte which is made in house. All ingredients are locally sourced and freshly prepared and there’s several gluten free options on the menu too.

Additionally, for every order placed, they plant one tree as a part of the Eden Reforestation Project which means you’ll be having a healthy meal and helping the environment at the same time.

You can also return in the evening to sample some of their healthy bowls while listening to some wonderful live music courtesy the gigs held there. Along with a tea store and their commitment to the environment, there’s loads going on! The café is open everyday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Address: 117-1001 6 Ave, Canmore, AB T1W 3L8

3. Graze Food and Drink

Nestled in the heart of Canmore, Graze Food and Drink is a family run establishment, known for its home-style food.

The interiors are funky, eclectic and there’s plenty of bright vibrant pictures hanging from the walls. The yellow lighting plays off the full bar beautifully and adds a subtlety to the dark upholstery and wooden furniture. And if you want to dine outside for a Canmore breakfast with a view, then no worries! The restaurant has a nice patio which is even dog friendly.

You’ll really feel at home at Graze thanks to the warm and friendly staff. But the food, is of course, the ig draw.

The house specials on the menu feature everything from Shakshuka to Croque Madams, but it’s the Eggs Benedict that will have you coming back for more. Try the braised brisket version which comes with sautéed mushrooms and signature Prosecco hollandaise. There’s even breakfast poutine on offer. If you wish to be little adventurous and start your party early, they even offer a range of breakfast cocktails. Go ahead, indulge yourself!

Graze is a lovely restaurant with comforting vibes and some amazing service. Give it a try! Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. all days except Wednesday.

Address: 102-717 8 St, Canmore, AB T1W 2B2

Eggs benedict breakfast
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4. Craigs’ Way Station

Craigs’ Way is a family run restaurant that’s been in operation since 1983 and specializes in all day breakfast.

They’ve done their best to capitalize on the beautiful view at Craigs’ Way Station with wall to ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. The interiors are incredibly rustic and will transport you to a log cabin, complete with wooden fixtures, massive paintings and even a cozy fireplace. Sip on a hot chocolate by the fireplace while you take in the amazing scenery – this is one incredible place to enjoy breakfast or brunch in Canmore.

The menu here features all the regulars from pancakes to scrambles to breakfast grill plates. There’s even a section for light eaters, and trust us you might want to glance through those, as the portions here are pretty substantial.

If you’ve brought your appetite, you could go for Craigs’ legendary ‘Ranchers Breakfast’ which features three eggs and five whole strips of bacon served with your choice of sides. There’s a lot of customizability to be found on the menu too, so you can mix and match or just talk to your server.

The restaurant opens extra early which is a blessing if you’re an early bird, with hours of operation being from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. everyday.

Address: 1727 Mountain Ave, Canmore, AB T1W 2W1

Diner-style Breakfast
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Diana Van Der Sluys

5. The Summit Café

Something of a hidden gem, The Summit Café has been offering breakfast, lunch and packed lunches to hungry hikers in Canmore for years.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, this is a quaint café where you can put your feet up and recharge before taking on a mountain trail. Chalkboard menus display their offerings of sandwiches, breakfast and coffee. Seating is minimal, unless you take a picnic table in their outside patio to soak in the sun. The view from there is also breathtaking!

The menu has staples along with some specialty Mexican fare such as Huevos Rancheros and breakfast burritos. The burrito itself is huge and comes with scrambled eggs with various fillings, smothered in homemade salsa and cheddar cheese and baked – it’s a perfect meal before a long day’s hike!

There’s also an in-house bakery so you can spring for a breakfast croissant or bagel if you want something a little smaller. Complete your meal with some organic, fair-trade coffee. Gluten and dairy free options are also available.

The staff here are accommodating and often go above and beyond to foster a real sense of community. The café is open 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. all days.

Address: 1001 Cougar Creek Dr #102, Canmore, AB T1W 1E1

Breakfast burrito cut in half
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6. Georgetown Inn & Pub

This charming English-style pub located in the boutique hotel of Georgetown Inn, is a fine establishment that has been serving up traditional English fare since 1993.

You’ll be transported to a Tudor mansion in this cozy pub with its long wooden bar and two wood fireplaces. Antique skis and tennis rackets give the place a genuine feel, so pull up a stool by the bar or a comfortable chair and take in the cozy atmosphere while tucking into some delicious eats.

There’s an outdoor patio too and if you’re worried about the cold there’s fire pits to keep the cold at bay. The view is also stunning here, being very close to Banff national park. So expect a Canmore breakfast with a view if eating here.

Spring for the full English breakfast which comes with bacon, sausage and baked beans to complete the English experience, or browse through their extensive list of French toasts and pancakes. Their famous Orange French Toast comes with house-made vanilla sauce, mandarin segments and pecans – it’s famous for a reason!

The mini stuffed yorkies give a breakfast twist to the traditional roast too, featuring Yorkshire pudding and roast beef with horseradish mayo. You can also stay till lunch to enjoy some amazing fish and chips – the lovely atmosphere will make it difficult to leave anyway!

The Georgetown Inn and Pub is a great place to grab a hearty British breakfast in Canmore, so whether you’re staying there or simply passing through, make sure you drop by! The pub operates from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, extending up to 10:00 p.m. over the weekends.

Address: 1101 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 1N6

French toast with berries
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Arx0nt

7. Blake Restaurant Brewhouse and Distillery

Blake Restaurant offers some great fusion food from the inside of a converted garage along with in house spirits and house brewed beers!

The interiors have an industrial feel with plenty of metal furniture and fixtures. You can view the stills in which they drinks are prepared through massive glass partitions, or simply stare out the window at the lovely mountain views – so you’re spoilt for choice!

Apart from their a la carte offerings, they also operate a food truck downtown and have a separate dining area called ‘The Loft’ to sample a chef’s choice curated menu.

The brunch menu here is only available over the weekend so make sure to pen that down in your calendar. The menu items feature a distinctly Asian twist with several items providing an Eastern flair to Western dishes. The Pork Belly Waffle is one such, which has been the talk of the town, featuring an egg waffle with pork belly, kimchi maple and chili.

But if you want something sweet, we recommend trying their Yogurt Parfait which is prepared with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, house made granola.

Enjoy mimosa Saturdays here for prosecco with your choice of juice. The staff here are very knowledgeable so just ask them for recommendations for any other drinks.

For a Canmore brunch over a lazy weekend, Blake is the place to be with its offbeat menu and signature cocktails.

Brunch here is served from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday only. Other than that, the restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. over the weekdays.

Address: 810 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 1N6

Smoothie bowl with banana, strawberry, blueberry, granola and pomegranate
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Ark0nt

8. Harvest Cafe

A locally owned and operated café, this little eatery dishes out salads and sandwiches and baked goods along with an assortment of beverages.

You get a small-town café feel the moment you enter Harvest Cafe, with chalkboard menus and simple classic wooden seating. The display counter holds some scrumptious delicacies – the carrot cake in particular is super good! The outside patio also offers a view of the Rockies in the distance, so you can always park yourself there while you nurse that latte.

The food here is simple but available all day, so you can enjoy a salad for breakfast or eggs for lunch! The café specializes in wraps and paninis and lays emphasis on fresh local ingredients being prepared in house, to order.

The offerings can be ordered gluten free and they’ve even got you covered if you’re vegan. The Viva Las Vegan (we see what they did there!), which is a grilled wrap, is a great menu option featuring a soy-based spread with a cornucopia of fresh vegetables, tofu and dairy free cheese.

You also have to try their cinnamon buns which are only available over the weekends – many locals swear they are the best cinnamon buns in town! Combine that with a large selection of tea and coffee and you’ve got a great, refreshing healthy start to the day.

Harvest Cafe is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. all days of the week. They’re also one of the most dog friendly Canmore breakfast spots too!

Address: 718 10 St #2, Canmore, AB T1W 2A6

Omelet with parsley, cherry tomatoes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Plateresca

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.