Population Characteristics
According to the latest census, Canmore has a population of around 15,990 people. The town's population is in increased. Between 2016 and 2021, the population of Canmore has increased by ▲ 14.28%.
| Population in 2016 | Population in 2021 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 13,992 | 15,990 | +14.28% |
2026 Population Projection
Based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.71% observed between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Canmore's population is projected to reach approximately 18,273 people by 2026, with a projected population density of around 266.88 people per km².
| Population in 2021 | Projected Population in 2026 | Projected Density in 2026 (per km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 15,990 | 18,273 | 266.88 |
This projection is an estimate calculated by CAPopulation from the compound annual growth rate between the 2016 and 2021 censuses. Official 2026 complete census data expected to be released in late 2027.
Canmore Population Trend & Context
Canmore had a 2021 census population of 15,990 — an increase of 1,998 (▲ 14.28%) people from the 13,992 recorded in 2016.
The town's population has grown steadily over this period, reflecting broader growth trends among Alberta towns. The town's median age of 42.8 years closely mirrors the national median of 41.9, suggesting a demographic profile in line with the Canadian average.
Population By Genders
The male population of Canmore is around 7,925 while the female population is around 8,065.
Of the 15,990 total population in Canmore, the largest gender is female with around 8,065 female within the population.
| Male | Female | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 7,925 | 8,065 | +1.74% |
Is Canmore a Good Place to Live?
Based on 2021 Statistics Canada Census data, here's how Canmore compares across key quality-of-life indicators — measured against Alberta, its own province. Draw your own conclusions from the actual numbers.
Employment & Economy
Income & Affordability
Commute
Housing Character
Household Composition
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population.
Canmore Population Compared to Alberta
Alberta's population in 2021 was 4,262,635, spread across the area. Here's how Canmore compares to the town's key indicators:
| Indicator | Canmore | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $106,000 | $96,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.7% | 11.5% |
| Median age | 42.8 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 44.4% | 28.4% |
| Immigrants (%) | 21.0% | 23.2% |
Population by Age Characteristics
Canmore has a young population. The majority of the population is people aged 30 to 34 years old, accounting for 8.30% of the total population. The town median age is 42.80.
| Data | Male | Female | Difference | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 years | 635 8.00% | 690 8.60% | 7.97% | 1,330 8.30% |
| 35 to 39 years | 625 7.90% | 700 8.70% | 10.71% | 1,330 8.30% |
| 55 to 59 years | 625 7.90% | 590 7.30% | 5.60% | 1,215 7.60% |
| 40 to 44 years | 590 7.40% | 610 7.60% | 3.28% | 1,205 7.50% |
| 60 to 64 years | 575 7.30% | 625 7.70% | 8.00% | 1,195 7.50% |
| 25 to 29 years | 575 7.30% | 570 7.10% | 0.87% | 1,140 7.10% |
| 45 to 49 years | 550 6.90% | 595 7.40% | 7.56% | 1,140 7.10% |
| 65 to 69 years | 575 7.30% | 525 6.50% | 8.70% | 1,105 6.90% |
| 50 to 54 years | 535 6.80% | 570 7.10% | 6.14% | 1,100 6.90% |
| 20 to 24 years | 370 4.70% | 430 5.30% | 13.95% | 800 5.00% |
| 70 to 74 years | 385 4.90% | 370 4.60% | 3.90% | 755 4.70% |
| 5 to 9 years | 360 4.50% | 365 4.50% | 1.37% | 725 4.50% |
| 10 to 14 years | 370 4.70% | 345 4.30% | 6.76% | 715 4.50% |
| 15 to 19 years | 390 4.90% | 310 3.80% | 20.51% | 695 4.30% |
| 0 to 4 years | 330 4.20% | 285 3.50% | 13.64% | 620 3.90% |
| 75 to 79 years | 235 3.00% | 210 2.60% | 10.64% | 440 2.80% |
| 80 to 84 years | 125 1.60% | 125 1.50% | 0.00% | 250 1.60% |
| 85 years and over | 90 1.10% | 140 1.70% | 35.71% | 235 1.50% |
| 85 to 89 years | 60 0.80% | 85 1.10% | 29.41% | 150 0.90% |
Broader Age Groups
If the town's population is divided into broader age groups, most of the population falls into the 15 to 64 years age group. The group accounts for 69.80% of the population. The other age groups, 65 years and over and 0 to 14 years, account for 17.40% and 12.90%, respectively.
If we look at the population data from the broader age groups, we can see that most people in Canmore are within the 15 to 64 years age group.
| Data | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 64 years | 68.90% | 70.60% | 69.80% |
| 65 years and over | 17.80% | 17.00% | 17.40% |
| 0 to 14 years | 13.40% | 12.30% | 12.90% |
Population of Canmore by Ethnicity and Origin
The population of Canmore is quite diverse, which contributes to the town's vibrant cultural landscape. Canmore is inclusive and accepts various ethnic groups with open arms. Furthermore, the town appreciates the unique contributions that each ethnicity brings.
The top 5 ethnicities and origins in Canmore are English, which accounts for 25.99% of the total population, followed by Scottish (21.16%), Irish (18.78%), German (16.43%), and French (11.14%).
Other ethnicities and origins in Canmore include Canadian, Ukrainian, British Isles, Dutch, and Polish.
| Ethnicity and Origin | Male | Female | Percentage in Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 26.35% | 25.57% | 25.99% |
| Scottish | 21.53% | 20.80% | 21.16% |
| Irish | 17.48% | 20.10% | 18.78% |
| German | 15.46% | 17.30% | 16.43% |
| French | 10.96% | 11.26% | 11.14% |
| Canadian | 11.68% | 10.37% | 11.01% |
| Ukrainian | 6.72% | 6.68% | 6.70% |
| British Isles | 5.81% | 7.51% | 6.67% |
| Dutch | 5.22% | 4.58% | 4.90% |
| Polish | 3.98% | 4.26% | 4.12% |
Indigenous Identity in Canmore
About 2.64% of Canmore's population (410 people) identify with an Indigenous identity, compared to 97.36% who report a non-Indigenous identity.
Of the Indigenous population, 80 people (0.50% of the total population) hold Registered or Treaty Indian status.
Immigration Profile
Immigration patterns vary a great deal from one area to another, which makes this data one of the more distinctive parts of Canmore's population profile.
About 21.0% of Canmore's population are immigrants (3,265 people).
The top countries of origin for Canmore's immigrant population are United Kingdom (665), Philippines (480), United States of America (245), India (120), Germany (110).
| Country of Birth | Population |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 665 |
| Philippines | 480 |
| United States of America | 245 |
| India | 120 |
| Germany | 110 |
87.8% of Canmore's residents (13,630 people) are Canadian citizens, and 12.2% are not.
By generation status, 26.1% of residents are first generation (born outside Canada), 18.6% are second generation, and 55.3% are third generation or more.
Household and Dwelling Characteristics
About 2,835 of Canmore's population live in a 2 persons. In addition, most of them are living in 2 persons household.
Household Size
About 20.85% of the population lives in 2 persons households. 1 person households ranked second, accounting for 13.25% of the population. 3 persons, 4 persons, and 5 or more persons households account for 7.45%, 6.25%, and 2.20%, respectively.
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | 2,835 | 20.85% |
| 1 person | 1,800 | 13.25% |
| 3 persons | 1,015 | 7.45% |
| 4 persons | 850 | 6.25% |
| 5 or more persons | 300 | 2.20% |
Family and Household Structure in Canmore
Of census families in Canmore, 91.1% are couple families and 8.9% are one-parent families. The average census family has 2.6 people.
26.5% of households in Canmore are one-person households, 56.0% are couple-family households, 4.9% are one-parent-family households, and 0.8% are multigenerational households.
| Household Type | Households | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| One-person households | 1,805 | 26.5% |
| Couple-family households | 3,810 | 56.0% |
| One-parent-family households | 335 | 4.9% |
| Multigenerational households | 55 | 0.8% |
Income in Canmore
Analyzing income distribution in Canmore can help us better understand its socioeconomic dynamics.
Per Capita Income
According to 2020 data, the median personal income within Canmore is $50,400.
A region's per capita data sheds light on the average income earned per person living in it. Since per capita income is calculated by dividing the region's total income by its population, it quantifies the population's economic situation on an individual basis.
Such data offers insights into the town's economic performance, spread of income across individuals, quality of life, as well as disparities within its borders.
Most of Canmore population or around 2,290 people falls in the $10,000 to $29,999 group. The next largest groups are the $50,000 to $79,999, and $30,000 to $49,999 with around 1,935 and 1,865 people, respectively.
Household Income
The Canmore's median household income is $106,000, according to 2020 data.
Above national average Canmore's median household income is 22,000 dollars above the Canadian national median of $84,000 (2020 data, 2021 Census).
The data provides important insights into the town's economic landscape as well as the living standards of its population.
Analyzing such data enables researchers, policymakers, and businesses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the town's income distribution, disparities, and trends.
Education Levels in Canmore
This data sheds light on the distribution of Canmore residents across educational milestones.
Such information is crucial in shaping the province’s policies on education, workforce development strategies, and initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities.
77.00% or most of the Canmore population has a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 19.40% of the population has a High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate, and 3.60% has a No certificate, diploma or degree. (Individual figures may not sum to exactly 100% due to Statistics Canada's random rounding of small-area 25% sample data.)
| Degree | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree | 3,370 | 3,935 | 7,310 | 77.00% |
| High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate | 1,010 | 835 | 1,845 | 19.40% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 245 | 100 | 340 | 3.60% |
Above national average 46.1% of Canmore's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.9% (Canada, 2021 Census).
Employment in Canmore
This dataset provides a snapshot of employment trends in Canmore. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, industries, as well as job categories.
The data shows that the unemployment rate in Canmore is at 9.69% which is very high.
| Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Employment rate | 65.00% |
| Unemployment rate | 9.69% |
Work Activity During the Reference Year
Of the population aged 15 and over in Canmore, 33.4% worked full year full time in the reference year, 40.6% worked part year and/or part time, and 26.1% did not work.
| Work Activity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Worked full year full time | 4,500 | 33.4% |
| Worked part year and/or part time | 5,470 | 40.6% |
| Did not work | 3,515 | 26.1% |
Working as an Employee
The table shows the data on the total number of individuals in the town who work as an employee. The majority of Canmore's population (around 60.60%) are working permanent position as an employee.
Self-employed
In the town, there are 1,230 men and 1,000 women working as self-employed individuals, bringing the total number to 2,230.
| Status | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 1,230 | 1,000 | 2,230 |
Employment Industry Sectors
The Canmore industry employment sector census data offers insights into the region's economic landscape. The distribution of employment in Canmore is categorized and quantified, which reveals the region's economic composition.
Canmore has a wide range of industries. Most of its population (16%) works in the accommodation and food services sector. The Health care and social assistance sector comes second at 12%, followed by Retail trade at 11%.
| Industry | Men | Women | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and food services | 800 | 760 | 16% |
| Health care and social assistance | 260 | 910 | 12% |
| Retail trade | 525 | 555 | 11% |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 565 | 465 | 11% |
| Construction | 655 | 110 | 8% |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 385 | 305 | 7% |
| Educational services | 175 | 425 | 6% |
| Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services | 210 | 235 | 5% |
| Public administration | 210 | 230 | 5% |
| Other services (except public administration) | 185 | 235 | 4% |
| Manufacturing | 175 | 100 | 3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 180 | 75 | 3% |
| Finance and insurance | 110 | 140 | 3% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 110 | 75 | 2% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 125 | 40 | 2% |
| Information and cultural industries | 60 | 35 | 1% |
| Wholesale trade | 65 | 25 | 1% |
| Utilities | 45 | 0 | 1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 25 | 15 | 0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | 0 | 0% |
Labour Market Snapshot
A quick snapshot of where Canmore residents work — the leading industry sectors employing them, and the broad occupation categories they work in.
Top employer sectors in Canmore: Accommodation and food services (16%), Health care and social assistance (12%), Retail trade (11%)
Top occupation categories in Canmore: Sales and service occupations (33%), Business, finance and administration occupations (16%), Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (14%)
Places of Work
The data offers insights into the commuting patterns as well as workplace distribution in the town. It provides a snapshot of workplaces, showing their geographic distribution and the flow of workers across different areas.
| Work Location | Men | Women | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Usual place of work | 2,605 | 2,690 | 5,300 | 60.50% |
| Worked at home | 1,045 | 1,330 | 2,380 | 27.20% |
| No fixed workplace address | 785 | 265 | 1,050 | 12.00% |
| Worked outside Canada | 25 | 20 | 35 | 0.40% |
Commuting
The data sheds light on how Canmore residents travel to school or work. It highlights the frequency of different modes of transportation like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transit.
The data is pivotal in the making of transportation policies as well as the development of transit systems. Ultimately commuting data contributes to improving the quality of life of Canmore residents and sustainable urban planning.
Commuting Duration
This data reveals the average time that the residents of Canmore spend traveling to their workplaces. It also sheds light on the efficiency of the town's public transit systems, and road networks, as well as the accessibility of the town.
| Duration | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 minutes | 55.90% |
| 15 to 29 minutes | 26.10% |
| 30 to 44 minutes | 8.60% |
| 60 minutes and over | 7.10% |
| 45 to 59 minutes | 2.30% |
Marital Status
The statistics on marital status in Canmore shed light on its societal dynamics. It captures the diverse types of marital statuses of the population.
Long-term commitments, such as common-law partnerships, civil unions, and marriages, reflect the town's social fabric. We can gain insights into Canmore's changing preferences and norms by examining the trends in marital status.
Language Spoken
The data below highlights town's linguistic diversity, showing elegances of solo language as well as bilingual harmonies. Other than language, it also shows the cultural landscape in Canada.
English is the most spoken official language in Canmore. About 14,900 people living in the town speak English, 830 people speak French, 85 people speak English and French language, and 40 people speak Neither English nor French language.
| Language | Population |
|---|---|
| English | 14,900 |
| French | 830 |
| English and French | 85 |
| Neither English nor French | 40 |
Knowledge of Official Languages
About 18.3% of Canmore's population is bilingual, knowing both English and French. 81.3% know English only, 0.1% know French only, and 0.3% know neither official language.
| Knowledge of Official Languages | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| English only | 12,895 | 81.3% |
| French only | 15 | 0.1% |
| English and French | 2,905 | 18.3% |
| Neither English nor French | 40 | 0.3% |
Mother Tongue & Home Language
Useful for newcomers researching an area: this shows the language residents first learned at home in childhood (mother tongue) and the language they speak most often at home now, which can differ as families settle in.
| Language | Mother Tongue | Spoken Most Often at Home |
|---|---|---|
| English | 78.1% | 88.4% |
| Non-official languages | 13.7% | 6.3% |
| French | 5.1% | 2.8% |
Religion
Canmore is predominantly Christian. About 5,660 of its population is Christian (2,590 males and 3,075 females).
The second largest religion in the town is Hindu with 1.0% of the population adhering to the religion. There are also Muslim and Buddhist, both represent 0.7% and 0.7% of the population, while Jewish represent 0.4% of the population.
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Christian | 36.5% |
| Hindu | 1.0% |
| Islam | 0.7% |
| Buddhist | 0.7% |
| Jewish | 0.4% |
| Sikh | 0.2% |
Points of Interest in Canmore
Hospitals
Schools
- Canmore Collegiate High School
- Alpenglow School
- Elizabeth Rummel School
- Lawrence Grassi Middle School
- Our Lady of the Snows
Parks
- Elk Run Park
- North West Mounted Police Barracks
- Lions Park
- Riverside Park
- West Canmore Park
- Centennial Park East
- Millenium Park
- Veterans Park
- Fitzgerald Rise Park
- Eklof Park
- Rundle Crescent Park
- Quarry Lake Park
- Peaks Park
- Three Sisters Sports Complex Multi-use Field
- Centennial Park West
- Larch Ice Rink Park
- Larch Park
- Eagle Terrace Park
- Three Sisters Park
- Harvie Heights Park
Libraries
Community Centres
Places to Visit in Canmore
Museums
Attractions
Historic Sites
Stadiums
Theatres
- Cornerstone Dinner Theatre
- Stan Rogers Memorial Stage (Stage 1)
- Banff Lodging Company Stage (Stage 2)
- Grizzly Paw Stage (Stage 3)
Green Spaces in Canmore
| Name | Type | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|
| Elk Run Park | Parks | 5.8 ha |
| North West Mounted Police Barracks | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Lions Park | Parks | 3.4 ha |
| Riverside Park | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| West Canmore Park | Parks | 2.7 ha |
| Centennial Park East | Parks | 2.4 ha |
| Millenium Park | Parks | 13.7 ha |
| Veterans Park | Parks | 0.4 ha |
| Fitzgerald Rise Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Eklof Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Rundle Crescent Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Quarry Lake Park | Parks | 13.4 ha |
| Peaks Park | Parks | 0.5 ha |
| Three Sisters Sports Complex Multi-use Field | Parks | 4.1 ha |
| Centennial Park West | Parks | 3.4 ha |
| Larch Ice Rink Park | Parks | 0.9 ha |
| Larch Park | Parks | 0.2 ha |
| Eagle Terrace Park | Parks | 1.6 ha |
| Three Sisters Park | Parks | 6.6 ha |
| Harvie Heights Park | Parks | 0.6 ha |
| Wildlife Corridor | Nature Reserves | 234.1 ha |
Areas are approximate, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data.
Nearest Towns to Canmore
- Banff 18.5 km · 8,305 people
- Cochrane 62.2 km · 32,199 people
- Turner Valley 87.9 km · 2,611 people
- Black Diamond 89.5 km · 2,730 people
- Sundre 93.0 km · 2,672 people
- Crossfield 99.2 km · 3,599 people
- Carstairs 101.9 km · 4,898 people
- Okotoks 104.3 km · 30,405 people
Frequently Asked Questions about Canmore
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, Canmore has a population of 15,990 people, making it the 22nd town in Alberta. The population increased significantly from 13,992 in 2016, an increase of 1,998 people or 14.28%. The town has a population density of 233.5 people per km² across a land area of 68.47 km². The 2026 Census results are expected from Statistics Canada beginning February 2027.
Canmore's population grew by 14.28% between the 2016 and 2021 censuses — from 13,992 to 15,990 people, a gain of 1,998 residents. This growth is above average compared to many other Alberta towns during this period. The median age of 42.80 years suggests a mature, established community. Official 2026 Census data, which will confirm whether this trend continued, is expected from Statistics Canada in February 2027.
Canmore has a population density of approximately 233.50 people per square kilometre.
Canmore covers a land area of approximately 68.47 km².
The median age of the population in Canmore is 42.80 years.
The largest ethnic or cultural origin group in Canmore is English.
The median household income in Canmore is $106,000, based on 2020 data.
English is the most common first official language spoken in Canmore.
Christian is the predominant religion in Canmore.
According to the 2021 Census, 2.6% of Canmore's population identifies with an Indigenous identity.
87.8% of Canmore's residents are Canadian citizens, based on 2021 Census data.
One-parent families make up 8.9% of census families in Canmore, according to the 2021 Census.
Multigenerational households make up 0.8% of all households in Canmore, per the 2021 Census.
18.3% of Canmore's population knows both English and French, based on 2021 Census data on knowledge of official languages.
Of the population aged 15 and over in Canmore, 33.4% worked full year full time in the 2021 Census reference year.
Statistics Canada (statcan.gc.ca) conducted the 2026 Census of Population in May 2026. However, census data goes through an extensive processing, validation, and quality-assurance period before public release. Based on the release plan, the 2026 Census results begin rolling out on February 10, 2027, with complete community-level profiles available by December 1, 2027. Until then, this page uses 2021 Census data as its primary source, supplemented by a population projection estimate for 2026 calculated using the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from the 2016–2021 Census period.