Slow Down and Smell the Pancakes

What’s your favourite topping for pancakes?

Pancakes are on my mind because yesterday was National Pancake Day and there are few things I love more than a good flapjack topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I’m also a fan of real maple syrup and bananas on top of my stack. 

My father prefers his pancakes on the thin side, heading in the direction of crepes. He then squeezes liberal amounts of fresh lemon juice on his pancake, adds sugar (preferably a fine, white sugar) to offset the tanginess of the lemon, and carefully rolls the pancake around the topping before slicing off pieces of perfectly balanced sweet and sour. 

My father never rushes through his pancakes. He enjoys the process of squeezing, sprinkling, rolling and then eating. 

In our family home, we were more likely to have pancakes for dinner than earlier in the day. We prepared the pancakes one by one in the small, copper-bottomed frying pan we dubbed ‘the pancake pan.’ We all sat at the table and took turns waiting for our next pancake. We weren’t allowed to leave the dining table until we had all had our fill. This meant the meal could sometimes stretch out for a while, but the wait was worth it. The pancakes were delicious and we had a chance to sit, chat, and catch up on whatever was going on in our lives as we waited for each pancake to cook.

You Can’t Rush a Pancake

Remembering this slow, thoughtful act of preparation (you can’t rush a pancake) and consumption led me to think about how we often rush through our meals, grabbing something on the go, not always taking the time to sit down and share a meal. While our lives are chaotic, it seems to me that’s exactly why we need to make sure to make time to sit down and eat together with others. 

It may not be practical to carve out several hours to prepare a big, complicated meal every night or to expect every member of our hockey-playing, French-horn studying, overtime shift-working family to be there for every meal, but a decision to commit to even one meal a week together should be within our reach. 

If the meal preparation part feels overwhelming, then choosing a restaurant that offers thoughtfully prepared meals can be a fabulous option. My mother, who ran a business and did not particularly enjoy cooking, delegated the cooking task to the rest of us. My dad and the four kids took turns making meals, and when it was my mom’s night to cook, we ate out. 

Here in the Bow Valley, we’re fortunate to have so many restaurants to choose from (have a browse through our online menus to see what’s available). We’re always eager to hear about your dining experiences - leave a comment and let us know where you love to go out and eat and why? What makes a really great meal? How do you make sure you find the time to share meals with those whose company you enjoy? 

Join Our Dinner Clubs

If you haven’t already done so, make sure you join our local dinner clubs - we have one in Banff and one in Canmore. Watch for updates here in this blog as well as in our Facebook groups. You never know where we may be dining next, but one thing you can count on - we won’t be rushing through our meals!   

Outside the Box - Fresh Starts and Fine Breakfasts in Canmore

Pull up a seat and let’s talk breakfast… (Image: Table Food and Drink - Coast Hotel in Canmore)

Is salad for breakfast a thing? According to the number and variety of very green options on local menus first thing in the morning, I’d have to say yes. Until recently, I might have headed out for breakfast fully expecting I’d wind up with bacon and eggs, or some such fare. I didn’t think I was into veggies for breakfast.

Communitea
1001 6th Avenue

That was before I discovered the amazing breakfast bowls on offer at Communitea. I’ve had lots of chances to sample the offerings over the past months as the Bow Valley Women Entrepreneurs networking group meets at Communitiea every Tuesday morning. The parade of deliciousness that arrives at the table each week goes way beyond what one might expect at a coffee shop (muffins and other baked goods) and moves into the realm of the sublime. 

The Big Breakfast Bowl involves farm scrambled eggs, avocado, quinoa, spiced black ben mix, sweet potato, tomato, chipotle and tomato chili sauces on spinach… and, there’s a vegan option (substituting tofu scramble for the eggs). Smoothies garnished with fresh fruit, berry compote with house-made granola, breakfast burritos or paninis with bacon and eggs - it’s all good, healthy, fresh, and delicious. 

Bonus for a tea lover like me, you can’t beat the selection of loose-leaf teas lined up in those pleasingly symmetrical canisters.  

Green Eggs and Kale at Freshii in Canmore

Freshii
300 Old Canmore Road

Walk into Freshii and you are surrounded by fresh, healthy, nutritious meal options starting with green smoothies (your salad in liquid form). It’s no wonder these guys are fond of their slogan, Eat! Energize! Just looking at the food here makes me feel healthier! 

The breakfast menu is reasonably priced and oh, so, tasty - Ranchero Burritos, Steak Egg and Cheese Burritos, Spinach Mushroom and Cheese Pockets - there’s a bit of a Mexican-inspired theme to be sure.

Green Eggs and Kale is a bowl full of power foods and the Cali Smoothie Bowl is just plain yummy! What’s not to love about fresh fruit, yogurt, and shredded coconut?

Looking for a hit of protein? Go straight for the hard-boiled eggs. Or, try the Metaboost plate of spinach, kale and field greens, goat cheese, mango, almonds, carrots, edamame, all drizzled with a hit of balsamic vinaigrette. 

For something light and playful, you also have the option of frozen yogurt, various nutrient-loaded smoothies, or Freshii juices. Interested in a juice cleanse? Well, Freshii can you help you out there, too. Pick up a 5-day supply of juices in several varieties and super-charge your body’s nutrient intake. 

Table Food and Drink
511 Bow Valley Trail

Table Food and Drink at the Coast Hotel has plenty to offer diners at any time of day, but start things off on a good foot by stopping in for breakfast. 

When I was a kid, one of my all-time favourite breakfasts involved silver dollar pancakes. Diminutive hotcakes seem to be enjoying a new incarnation at Table Food and Drink as Loonie Pancakes. Served with syrup and fruit, you’ll find these on the kids’ breakfast menu. 

For grown-up appetites, Smoked Salmon Benedict or Steak and Eggs will take care of even the hungriest members of the family. Looking for gluten-free options? Just ask and your server will be happy to let you know what variations are available.  

Sage Bistro
1712 Bow Valley Trail

Another great option if you are looking for a delectable weekend brunch in Canmore is Sage Bistro. With its charming log interior, big windows with mountain views and a superb menu, Sage Bistro is all about ambiance, good food and excellent service. 

For nearly thirty years, this family-run restaurant has been tickling tastebuds in both the main floor restaurant and upstairs in the wine bar. Quality ingredients from local sources mean you really do get to enjoy a taste of the mountains - both on your plate and by soaking up those mountain views. 

Weekend brunch is popular with locals. Sure, you can always go for the tried and true eggy favourites (omelettes,  sausages and eggs, and so on), but don’t be afraid of cool alternatives like a Hippie Bowl (warm quinoa, arugula, tomato, corn, organic wild mushrooms, citrus tahini and 2 sunny-side-up eggs) or the Wild Pig Bowl that combines wild boar bacon with potato wedges, Sylvan Star gouda, tomatoes, and red peppers). There are plenty of other options, too - ricotta pancakes, croissants, quiche, banana bread French toast… the list is long!  

Come prepared to stay awhile, linger over coffee, and make plans for the rest of your day exploring the Bow Valley.

Weekend Brunch for Late Starters

Aroma Mexican Restaurant
837 Main Street

During the week (Tuesday - Friday), Aroma Mexican Restaurant is only open for dinner (from 5 pm), but Friday, Saturday and Sunday, head on over to Aroma for a late brunch starting at 11:30. This is slow-style, authentic Mexican cooking at its best. Everything is prepared fresh from scratch, so plan to sit, relax, and enjoy some good conversation with your companions.

You’ll find all your favourites here - burritos, enchiladas, and tacos plus salads and treats like garlic prawns, calamari, and ceviche Matzatlan (raw basa fish marinated with fresh lime juice mixed with pico de gallo—tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño peppers— served with house-made corn tortilla chips). Wonderful family-cooking and service - you’ll soon feel like you’re part of the family yourself!

Don’t forget to put on one of the sombreros and snap a photo! 

For that matter, no matter where you wind up for breakfast, don’t forget to tag us (@tastecanmore or #tastecanmore) in your posts. Yep - we’re paying attention to who is out an about enjoying all the great food and drink this valley has to offer. By joining the conversation, you become one of our Menu Hunters and are eligible for some fun foodie prizes!

Curries in Canmore

Coconut Curry from Spice Hut in Canmore - Just what’s needed to warm up on a cold winter day!

When I was a kid I was scared of curry. I thought every curry dish was tongue-numbingly spicy and I wanted no part of tasting something I thought would make me cry. Boy. Did I miss out!

Curry, a general term that refers to a wide variety of dishes from the Indian subcontinent certainly can be spicy, but heat (from the addition of fresh or dried chilies) is not an essential ingredient.

Mild curries are just as satisfying as their hot counterparts, their delicious flavour coming from spices like coriander, turmeric, and cumin. Curry tree leaves may also be used in certain dishes.

FOODIE FACT: Curries may be wet or dry. Allow most of the liquid to cook away and evaporate and the result is a dry curry where the other ingredients wind up being coated with spices. Wet curries are more saucy and may include ingredients like coconut milk, cream, tomato purée or yogurt. 

In terms of what might else might be included in a curry, the list is long. Meat-lovers can enjoy dishes featuring lamb, goat, beef, chicken, or seafood while vegetarians have plenty of options with curry dishes that may feature all kinds of vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, or tofu.

Currie lovers in Canmore have lots of choices when it comes to finding fine-tasting curry dishes. Try these restaurants for starters:  

Mad Dog Café
The Shops of Canmore

Famous for authentic curries, during the winter months the Mad Dog Café celebrates the first Friday of each month with a curry night. At $30.00 a person, this is a great deal for the curry-lover. Choose from five different curries (three meat and two vegetarian options) served up with samosas, naan bread, chutneys, and a papadums. Arrive hungry and tuck in! 

Want to try preparing fabulous curries at home? Check out the spice kits for sale at the Mad Dog marketplace.

Indian Authentic Cuisine
F-1702 Bow Valley Trail

Walk into Indian Authentic Cuisine and start to salivate - the scent of spices wafting from the kitchen is irresistible!

The word vindaloo is derived from Portuguese words meaning ‘wine’ and ‘garlic’ but has come to be associated with a spicy dish that often features lamb, beef, chicken and potatoes. If you like lamb, try the Lamb Vindaloo at Indian Authentic and savour the hot, sour vinegar gravy flavoured with Goan spices. 

Can’t decide what to have? Order a variety of dishes (like this mango chicken option from Spice Hut) and share with friends.

Spice Hut
1310 Bow Valley Trail

Prefer prawns? Try the Coconut Prawn Curry at Spice Hut where your curry options are plentiful. Curious about other Indian dishes? No problem - the extensive menu is perfect for ordering multiple dishes and then sharing family-style. 

Coconut Curry at Spice Hut

For more dining options in Canmore, take a browse through our online menus for Canmore restaurants - just click the ‘Explore’ button on the main page.  Dining out? Don’t forget to tag us (@tastecanmore) and start earning Menu Hunter points!

Welcome to the Club (the Canmore Dinner Club, that is… Now, Invite a Friend!)

Not a member of the Canmore Dinner Club yet? What the heck are you waiting for??

Love Dining Out? Making Friends? Here’s the Club for You!

One of the things I love most about travel is the way a meal can stretch out for hours. Maybe that’s because the places I enjoy visiting most (France, Spain, islands in the Caribbean) have a very different relationship to mealtime than is typical here at home. Here we are often rushed, grabbing something to eat on the fly. Even when we do get out for a meal those phones are all too often not just at the table but in our hands fighting for our attention even when we are dining the company of those we love most. 

I don’t know too many people who anticipate with relish dining alone (I am such a person, but maybe that’s because I always have a book to read and a book I’m writing tucked into my bag so a few minutes alone at a table to which someone will bring food and drink is a delicious luxury….)

My point is, we are missing out by not sharing long, slow, leisurely meals together while enjoying the company of others and practicing the fine art of conversation. 

The Canmore Dinner Club is our answer to this unfortunate direction the culture of food and dining is taking in all too many places. 

How Does the Canmore Dinner Club Work?

Every couple of months a group of us - (some will already be friends, some will become new friends…) will get together in a different restaurant in Canmore. Expect chef’s tasting menus, sneak peaks at new menu items, and a chance to experience food and drink you might not necessarily try otherwise. 

Depending on the restaurant, there may be live music, or dancing, or jugs of margaritas. There may be board games or special desserts prepared just for us. Though we’ll usually be going out in the evening, I love brunch, so every now and then we’ll mix it up and go on a dining adventure during daylight hours. 

What Does it Cost?

There’s no cost to join - just like our Taste Canmore Facebook page and ask to join the Dining Club Group. It’s just that simple. We’ll approve you and keep you in the loop. 

Of course, eating out is more fun with friends, so if you know someone you think would enjoy eating out with the rest of us, invite them to join the Facebook group as well. 

It’s going to be fun! Let’s go out for dinner, shall we?

You Could Be Our Newest Canmore Menu Hunter: Here’s How

Menu Hunters come in all shapes and sizes…

What’s a Menu Hunter? 

If you love exploring food and drink in the Bow Valley, then you’re already a menu hunter! Couldn’t be easier, right? 

At Taste Canmore, we’re all about trying new dishes, or discovering fresh takes on old favourites. We love finding new places to eat, drink, and share great times with friends. And, we love sharing what we discover with the big community of foodies here in Canmore.

How to Get Started

All you need to do to officially take part in our Menu Hunter program is to comment on posts like this (start by replying to this post with your favourite place to go out for brunch in Canmore). You can also earn points by tagging us on social media whenever you post your foodie photos. We’ll do the rest. We’re tracking who posts about food and drink (the places, the people, the menu items) on Facebook and Instagram and as long as you tag us (@TasteCanmore or #TasteCanmore), your Menu Hunter score will start adding up. Of course, follow us so you don’t miss any of our posts on Instagram and Facebook - like or respond to those and earn extra points. 

Here at tastemagazine.ca you’ll find up-to-date menus (with prices) for local restaurants and that’s another easy way to participate in the menu hunter program. Love the tonkotsu ramen at Ramen Arashi? Drop us a note in the comments under the Ramen Arashi menu. Chose the Sage Bistro as the perfect place to celebrate your 25th anniversary?  We love stories stories like: they make our hearts melt! 

Each month we’ll announce a featured Menu Hunter and award some fun prizes (stuff like Taste swag and most excellent gift certificates). We have some special promotions up our sleeves, so some months there may be more than one star Menu Hunter. The best part is, you don’t have to do anything particularly difficult. Just let us know you are out there and what you’re chowing down on! 

Join Our Dinner Club!

While social media is terrific (we’re big fans), there’s nothing like in-person, face-to-face conversation shared over a great meal. That’s why we’re starting two dinner clubs in the Bow Valley - one in Canmore and one in Banff. Join one, or both - they’re easy to find on Facebook. First LIKE our page (Taste Canmore or Taste Banff) and, from there, join the Dinner Club Group (click the blue button). You’ll be the first to hear about our special evenings out featuring chef’s tastings, great food and beverage pairings, and themed dinner evenings. 

At about this time next year (yep, we’re planning our 2021 New Year celebrations already) we’ll be hosting an awards ceremony to feature the best of the best in food and drink in the Bow Valley. Menu Hunters like you should start keeping track of your favourites so when the time comes to vote you don’t forget to give credit where credit is due. 

That’s it for now! If you have any questions, ask below (your questions count toward your Menu Hunter points, of course…). Stay tuned, keep reading the blog, and keep an eye on our social media feeds for more details and to see if you might be our next featured Menu Hunter!

For the Love of a Good Noodle - What Makes Ramen So Special?

Ramen noodles: not your Mama Romano’s pasta… Source

Unless you’ve been living under a noodle-free rock for the past several decades, you will know that a ramen noodle is not just a strand of fat spaghetti. What you might not know is why. 

What Makes Ramen Noodles Special? 

Ramen noodles are wheat-based, but what makes them unique is the use of kansui, an alkaline mineral water that contains some combination of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and sometimes phosphoric acid. Though none of that sounds too appetizing, reducing the acidity of the mixture (which also includes wheat flour, salt, and water) is what gives the noodles their unique colour (slightly yellow) and firmness even when they spend a long time soaking in broth. 

The broth in which ramen noodles are served is the second distinguishing feature of the different types of ramen you may see on a menu. A couple of the more common varieties include: 

Tonkotsu
Made by boiling pork bones, fat and collagen for a very long time, this broth is thick and flavourful with a consistency like milk or even gravy (there are many variations - from region to region and also from one shop to another). 

Shōyu ramen [Source]

Shōyu
The clear brown broth of shōyu may be based on chicken, fish, or beef to which the ramen chef has added soy sauce. You’ll quite likely also see bits of seaweed, bamboo shoots, or green onions floating about in your bowl. 

Miso ramen [Source]

Miso
This broth variation features lots of - you guessed it - miso along with oily chicken or fish broth. Some chefs may also introduce some tonkotsu or lard, which makes miso ramen rather feisty and flavourful. The noodle variety used with this broth is often curly. 

Oh Yes, the Noodles

The noodles are the star of the ramen show and there are several variations that are served according to how they best complement the various broth and topping options. Thin, thick, curly or flattish are some of the noodle types you may run across. 

To Top it All Off

As if good noodles and tasty broths weren’t enough, different chefs and restaurants use a wide range of toppings to make a great dish even better. Roast pork, seasoned bamboo shoots, hard-boiled eggs, seaweed, pickled and seasoned mustard leaves or bean sprouts are just some of the possibilities in the toppings department. 

Are Instant Noodles Still Ramen?

Popular quick meals and an after school snack stable at our place, instant noodles are popular if not exactly the real thing… Source

I wonder if Momofuku Ando had any idea that his 1958 invention would take off the way it did. Gazillions of portions are consumed in countries all over the world, perhaps because they are so darned easy to prepare. Add boiling water to your noodle brick, stir in the provided seasoning, and hey presto! a couple of minutes later you have a bowl of shockingly edible noodles. 

In terms of instant noodles being considered true ramen… well, it’s a bit like suggesting my efforts at painting the portrait of a woman who is sort of smiling are equivalent to the master strokes which produced the Mona Lisa. Yes, I may be using paint, brushes and canvas but there’s a world of skill, subtlety and difference between my work of ‘art’ and the real thing. Sure, instant noodles are based on and inspired by the original ramen noodles (fried and dried or air-dried) and many of the same ingredients could be listed, but a portion of cup noodles does not a bowl of ramen make. 

The Ramen Museum in Yokohama

In 1994 the Ramen Museum opened in Yokohama in Japan and is billed as the ‘world’s first food-themed amusement park.’ [Note: The world needs more of these!!] The museum dates the first contemporary Japanese ramen back to 1859 when the nation lifted trading restrictions and opened its ports to foreign imports like wheat-based noodles from China. 

A couple of very cool things stand out about this shrine to the humble noodle. First, a replica street dating back to 1958 (the year instant ramen was invented) includes a dagashi-ya (old-fashioned sweet shop) packed full of traditional candy and children’s toys, a traditional tea shop, and, of course, numerous ramen shops. 

While there’s also a gallery where you can learn all you ever wanted to know about ramen by traditional museum means (displays), that’s not the second super cool attraction. Visitors to the museum can take a noodle-making class in the ‘experience corner.’ I totally want to do this next time I’m in Tokyo!! 

The traditional dough-flattening technique involves lying a fat bamboo pole over a counter/low table on which the noodle dough has been placed. The noodle-maker then slings a leg over said fat bamboo pole and jumps up and down to spread the dough out. Though the process may sound a bit strange, it’s the capturing of tiny pockets of air caused by the lifting and squashing of the dough that creates the unique texture of noodles hand made in this way. [Note: if you are all excited and eager to buy a ticket to Tokyo so you can hop up and down on one leg while squeezing a fat green bamboo pole between your thighs, please check with the museum about dates, times, and availability of spaces in the classes]. 

If you are not inclined to get intimate with bamboo but would still like an authentic ramen experience, as luck would have it we have some exceptional ramen noodle options right here in Canmore. 

Where to Get Ramen in Canmore

You can’t do much better than a bowl of Chef Seki’s tonkotsu ramen. [Nikki Tate]

Ramen Arashi
1000 7th Avenue, Canmore

Ramen Arashi has been going strong in Banff ever since ramen chef Kentaro Seki opened his doors and started filling noodle bowls with his delectable, authentic ramen variations. In even better news, as of 2020, you no longer have to drive to Banff to enjoy the chef’s creations. 

There are plenty of varieties to drool over, but for a real treat try the Tonkotsu Ramen flavoured with tonkotsu base, pork belly, garlic oil, red ginger, takana (pickled mustard leaf), garlic, and green onion. 

Chef’s Studio in Canmore has a couple of ramen options on the menu that you should definitely check out if you are a noodle-lover. [Nikki Tate]

Chef’s Studio
709-8th Street, Canmore

Chef’s Studio offers a range of Japanese dishes including Sukiyaki Ramen topped with slow-cooked sukiyaki beef and onion, soy sauce-based pork broth and Tomato Ramen topped with grilled chicken in a milk, chicken and pork-based broth.

Love Looking at Menus?

For full menus of all of Canmore’s restaurants on our menu blog, click the ‘Explore Now’ button on the main page of the website. A ramen-lover? Let us know your favourite variation (noodles, broth, and toppings) in the comments below this post. If you’ve tried any of the menu items listed on our menu blog, you can also comment under each menu. 

Become a Menu Hunter!
If you love talking about food and sharing your experiences, you are in the right place! By following us on social media, adding your comments, and tagging us in your feeds when you are out and about sampling the best of what the Bow Valley has to offer, you can be our newest Menu Hunter and qualify for some pretty nifty prizes sure to warm any foodie’s hungry soul!

Celebrate the New Year in Canmore: Fireworks, Food, and Fun!

2020. Hm, I haven’t had 20/20 vision since I was a little kid, but maybe this is the year in which I’ll begin to see things clearly. In the Chinese zodiac, 2020 will be the year of the rat - and the first year in a new 12-year cycle (which officially begins on January 25th). While I can’t tell you what lies ahead next year, what I do know is this: living in the Bow Valley is all about getting outside and enjoying the companionship found in our warm and welcoming community. 

On New Year’s Eve, there’s no better place to set the tone for a healthy, out-doorsy year than down at the pond where Canmore locals gather to celebrate the end of one year and the arrival of the next.  

Canmore New Years Eve Fireworks & Party

December 31, 2019
Party on the Pond – from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm (7th Ave and Mallard Alley)
Things get started early for those with young kids or who want to get a jump on the evening’s festivities. If that sounds like you, the pond is the place to be! Warm yourself at one of the roasty, toasty bonfires, dig out those ice skates, and listen to live music by Elk Run and Riot while sipping on hot chocolate and snacking on street food from local vendors. Family fireworks start at 8 pm. 

Midnight Fireworks at Millennium Park (1st Street and 5th Avenue)

When things begin to wind down at the pond, meander down the road to grab a bite to eat on Main Street before catching the midnight fireworks at Millennium Park. The Canmore Hotel is open late and a great place for refuelling before continuing your evening.

Resolution Flow: A Journey from Head to Heart with Erin Evans

December, 31, 6 pm - 8 pm
The Yoga Lounge, 200 - 826 Main Street, Canmore, Alberta T1W 2B7

Looking to unwind and regroup as the year comes to a close? Here’s a wonderful way to ease into 2020! Come enjoy an evening of yoga (all-levels) that integrates live drummers, intention-setting, hands on assists, and prizes from the Banff Yoga Festival, Lululemon, and The Yoga Lounge! Use the drumming rhythms and your body to silence your noisy mind and instead access the whispers that lie within your heart.  What’s your life vision for 2020? 

Check the Yoga Lounge website for prices. 

Yuk Yuk’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Night at Tank310

December 31, 2019, 10 pm
Tank310, 310 Old Canmore Road

No year should begin (or end) without a good belly laugh. The folks at Tank310 agree with that philosophy! Head on down to Grizzly Paw’s Tank310 as they welcome Yuk Yuk's to Canmore for a fabulous New Years Eve Comedy Night! There are three ticket options to choose from starting with the Dad Joke Level Ticket (a single ticket, 1 beer, and party favours for $45), then the Chuckle Ticket (which includes a ticket, party favours & 2 pints (or a glass of wine for $50), and finally the top-of-the-line, no holds barred Kneeslapper Ticket (which includes 4 drinks, 2 tickets, party favours & meat & charcuterie board for a hundred bucks). 

No matter what type of ticket you buy, the laughs are unlimited (though the number of available tickets is not…) If you’re already giggling in anticipation, then get your tickets now or you’re at risk for starting 2020 with an upside-down smile… never a good thing

Masquerade at the Malcolm

December 31, 6 pm - 1 am
The Malcolm Hotel, 321 Spring Creek Drive

What’s a new year without a masquerade ball? If you’re like me and love to dress up, then this is the event for you. The fun begins at 6 pm with a reception, followed by dinner from 7-9 pm and then dancing from 9 pm to 1 am with a short interlude of celebratory cheering and kissing at midnight.

If you haven’t had a chance yet to check out the Malcolm Hotel, this is your moment. The hotel is lovely and I can’t imagine a better way to begin the new year than enjoying a scrumptious buffet dinner and dancing the night away to live music performed by the Elektric Squirrels. Even better, splurge and purchase a guest room package so you only need to toddle up to your room after the evening’s festivities wind down. No need to scrape off the car, worry about driving while tipsy or having to make the bed on the first day of a brand new year.

Remember Us When You’re Having a Great Time!

If you find yourself out and about and enjoying one (or more) of the fun activities going on in Canmore on New Year’s Eve, take a moment to snap a photo, post to IG and/or Facebook and be sure to tag us @tastecanmore. We suffer from terrible FOMO and can’t be everywhere at once, but with your help, we won’t have to miss out on any of the fun!