Retreating to the Mountains at the Malcolm Hotel Canmore

Before the rise of social media opened my world to a whole new method of discovering amazing places to stay, I equated a “trip to the mountains” exclusively with skiing or extremely rustic experiences—neither of which are quite my style. After spending many years living in Toronto and exploring other major cities, my curiosity for more serene locations has certainly peaked.

The Malcolm Hotel in Canmore, Alberta, is the area’s first luxury hotel located in the heart of the Alberta Rockies, and it truly combines the best of both worlds for anyone like me who enjoys nature and escaping from the everyday hustle and bustle, while still feeling pampered and relaxed on vacation.

Set between two natural flowing creeks with a backdrop of endless mountainscape, the Malcolm Hotel has been providing guests with the most gorgeous location for intimate retreats or special family gatherings. Whether you choose to stay in a standard room or a royal suite, you’ll be treated to beautiful views out your window and ultimate comfort inside—though, at a hotel with such lavish guest amenities, you’ll likely not be spending too much time in your room during the day.

I was immediately captivated by the outdoor area that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains while you relax in a heated pool. It is truly like something out of a movie—or at least the most dreamy Instagram feed.

 

It is no wonder so many couples choose to have their weddings here every year. Even in the age of COVID when “microweddings” and elopements have become more popular than ever, Malcolm Hotel remains a perfect destination for nuptials. The hotel is now even offering a Legendary Elopements package to help guests plan the most memorable and picturesque intimate affair during these challenging times.

For onsite dining, you can check out the Stirling Grill for breakfast and the Stirling Lounge & Creekside Patio for lunch and dinner. For breakfast, my personal favorites were the Eggs Benny and the Waffle, while the lunch and dinner menu had an endless selection of sharable bites like Deviled Avocado and signature dishes with a twist such as their Niçoise served on a bed of fingerling potatoes. If you choose to venture out and explore the downtown Canmore area, the hotel also provides an extensive list of additional dining recommendations on their website.  This property is a great choice if you want to explore Banff and a quieter location for resting and relaxing.

This location was unlike anywhere I’ve stayed before, and it absolutely surpassed my expectations for what a “weekend in the mountains” could possibly entail.