Q: What first drew you to Canmore — was it love at first mountain view, or did the charm sneak up on you?
A:
The charm definitely snuck up on me — but it happened fast. We were very familiar with visiting Banff, but the first day we drove into Canmore, we could immediately feel that it was different. The vibe was warmer and more personal. People said hello on the street, held doors open, and there was this welcoming energy you could actually feel. It was hard to describe — but we loved it right away.
Q: How long have you owned your Mountain Lifestyle Investment Property, and how has your relationship with the home evolved over time?
A:
We purchased Panorama Plaza in 2015. At first, what we appreciated most was the value — it’s a three-bedroom, which offered great space at the time. Over the years, we renovated and invested more into it, and it evolved into something more meaningful than just a property. I still appreciate the value it offers, but now it also feels like a place that’s grown with us.
Q: When you were house hunting, what made you stop and think, “This one’s special — this is the one”?
A:
The three bedrooms were a big draw, but I also liked what it didn’t have. There were no resort-style amenities like a hot tub, and I loved that simplicity. It felt quieter and less “resort,” which suited us perfectly. We were out enjoying the mountains anyway, so we didn’t need the extras — just a clean, comfortable space in a great location. From an owner’s perspective, that simplicity also makes things easier to maintain.
Q: What’s one of your favorite memories at your Mountain Lifestyle Investment Property — the kind that makes you smile every time you think about it?
A:
Honestly, one of my favorite memories comes from renovating it. When we bought the unit, the master bedroom had a massive corner soaking tub — surrounded by mirrors — right in the bedroom. It stayed for a while before we renovated, but eventually we removed what I still refer to as “the creepiest tub ever.” It had to be cut into pieces to get it out, and I still have the photos. We replaced it with a sitting area and TV, which I love — but those before photos still make me laugh every time.
Q: Describe your perfect Canmore day. Where are you headed, and what’s on the agenda (or off it)?
A:
My perfect Canmore day is really about people. I’d meet a close friend for brunch and then spend the entire day together — strolling down Main Street, popping into galleries, and soaking up the town’s energy. I love checking out events at the Canmore Opera House or artsPLACE — I always look at their calendar when we’re in town. It’s such a welcoming community hub, and even as a stranger, you can walk in and feel at home.
Q: Are you a breakfast-on-the-patio, lunch-on-the-trail, or a cold-drink-on-a-warm-patio kind of person — and where’s your go-to local spot for that meal?
A:
If I can do both in one day, that’s ideal — brunch first, then a cold drink on a warm patio by mid-afternoon. I never get tired of those mountain views. I love the patio at The Wood, and the Rose & Crown is another favorite — it’s a bit quieter, surrounded by trees, and has gorgeous views. In the summer, when Main Street becomes pedestrian-only, I also love grabbing a seat just to people-watch.
Q: If someone told you they were thinking of buying in Canmore, what’s the one piece of advice you’d want them to hear before they start the search?
A:
Call a property manager first — especially if it’s an investment property. A good local property manager knows the buildings, the history, the quirks, and the things you’ll never see in a listing. They can help narrow down what really fits your goals. And my other advice? Do it yesterday. Every moment you wait is time you’re not creating memories here.
Q: Since Rockies Rentals handles the hard stuff — what do you now have more time to do, and how do you spend that time?
A:
I travel — a lot. I’m often not even sure what day of the week it is because I’m on the move. I gravitate toward warm destinations, especially in winter. Some highlights have been St. Lucia (the food is incredible) and Curaçao — the water there is unreal. Having the freedom to travel without worrying about the property is huge.
Q: What surprised you most about owning in Canmore — something you didn’t expect but now love (or laugh about)?
A:
How genuinely kind the people are. More than average — just really lovely humans. Another surprise was how many people live here without hiking or skiing every day. There’s something special about simply being in the mountains. You don’t have to be climbing them to feel their impact.
Q: If your Mountain Lifestyle Investment Property could talk, what do you think it would say about the guests who’ve stayed there?
A:
I’d like to think it would say it’s been loved by families — and that because of its value and location, it’s helped make the mountains accessible to more people. I hope it’s been the backdrop for a lot of meaningful family memories.
Q: What’s your favorite local “hidden gem” — a place or activity most visitors don’t discover on their first trip?
A:
I love doing Clue Solvers scavenger hunts around town. I’m not a natural hiker, but scavenger hunts get me outside, learning, and exploring. For places, Sheepdog Brewing is a favorite — very local, great staff, and board games upstairs. I also love Wildlife Distillery. I’m all about gathering with friends over food and drinks.
Q: Complete the sentence: “The best part about owning in the Rockies is…”
A:
Seeing the sparkle in people’s eyes when you tell them you spend time here. It’s not jealousy — it’s that sense of connection to a place that means something special to so many people.
Q: After working with Rockies Rentals since 2015, you know how much the Dream Team loves a good funny or heartfelt story. Give us your best!
A:
Years ago, during a heavy rainstorm, water pooled on the balcony of the unit above us and started leaking into our unit late at night. Rockies Rentals reacted immediately — they showed up, moved us into another property, handled everything seamlessly, and took care of all the repairs. As both an owner and a guest at that moment, it was incredibly reassuring. You’d never know it even happened now — and that level of care says everything.
Q: Would you be willing to share a few of your favorite photos — the ones that capture the feeling of your Canmore experience, not just the view?
A:
Absolutely — including a very memorable before-and-after of that infamous corner tub.