Canmore, Alberta - Heritage & Culture...
Canmore is the oldest town in the Canadian Rockies, and longtime residents and more recent arrivals are united in their interest in the town's rich and varied history.
One of the finest remnants of the town's past is the North West Mounted Police Barracks on Main Street near the banks of Policeman's Creek. Built in 1893, it is Canmore's first police station and the oldest NWMP barracks on its original site in Western Canada. Much volunteer effort has been devoted to restoring this old structure, which opened to the public in 1996.
Two doors to the south is the Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, which was built under the direction of the Rev. Charles Gordon in 1891.
After leaving Canmore, Rev. Gordon went on to achieve literary fame under the nom de plume Ralph Connor.
Many other buildings of historical significance have been identified in the town, among them the Canmore Hotel at the corner of Main Street and 7th Avenue, which was built in 1890, and is the second oldest hotel still operating in Alberta. A "Historical Walking Tour of Canmore" brochure introduces visitors to these and many other historic sites in the town.
Much of the town's history can be found at the Canmore GeoScience Centre. Located on 7th Avenue (north of Main Street), the museum presents artifacts, documents, and photographs spanning the years from the town's birth to the present. Information about the town, its history and surroundings can also be found in the Canmore Public Library and Art Gallery, located half a block north of Main Street on 8th Avenue.

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