We are East coasters who will arrive in Calgary about 2. We want to stop en route to Lake Louise area for late lunch or early dinner. We will either stop in Canmore or Banff so we can also do a little grocery shopping. I have a great reference list for Banff, but not much for Canmore. What do you suggest?

Some suggestions (lots of places to eat in Canmore):

The Trough (friends say it's very good, haven't eaten there myself):
http://www.thetrough.ca/

Chez Francois - a delightful surprise in an odd location (attached to a motor hotel), very unpretentious but tasty food:
http://www.restaurantchezfrancois.com/

For pub fare:
http://www.thegrizzlypaw.com/

Good food, last time we were by (a couple of months ago) they were renovating, but it may be finished by now:
http://www.sagebistro.ca/

If you Google Canmore dining you will get a lot of websites to browse. By the way, recommendations for dining aren't easy if we don't know what type of food you like !!!

Thanks, Borealis. Sage Bistro had come up on my earlier searches (I have been looking, but always like the personal recommendations on the site). Since there are so many of us, I hated to narrow the food choices too much. The Trough was highly recommended in a number of references, but as near as I can tell they have limited hours and we might not be able to just drop in whenever. So hard to predict hour our flights will go (we are on different carriers). I have made a note of your suggestions. I appreciate your help.

oops, typo...how our flights will go.

We always enjoy stopping in Banff for lunch and groceries. I think I would just head into Banff for your early dinner. Lots of places to eat in Banff.

Just FYI LindainOhio - Canmore has better shopping for groceries etc. than Banff, and since Canmore is so close to Banff National Park (it's right on the eastern gates to the park and only 10 to 15 minutes drive from Banff townsite), and a it's a short drive from Kananaskis (& a provincial park) it gets lots of visitors and tourists, especially local Albertans who don't like the overly touristy nature of Banff, and choose to go to Canmore's many restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, bistros etc. - lots of choice.
So now it's up to you cmcfong

When we stop is probably going to be a decision based on how hungry we are. I hope to visit both towns during our stay.

We lived in Canmore for a year - you so have to go to Famous Chinese and order the ginger beef, hang out at beamers and have a coffee and health muffin, the wood for ribs - say hi to Max from his aussie mates - Crazy Weed is also awesome - so much good food and such a great town

I had read about Crazy Weed, it does sound interesting. Thank you, AusiTraveller. I will give Max your regards!