Plans for ‘glampsite’ near Canmore worry locals amid tourism boom

Plans to develop a 74-site glamping campground called Trailhaus near Canmore, Alberta, have sparked concern among local residents amid the town’s rapid tourism growth. The project, proposed on nearly 10 hectares of private land above the historic Canmore Mine Number 1 site, aims to blend outdoor luxury camping with the area’s coal mining heritage. John (Jay) Third, a partner and project manager for Trailhaus, emphasized the project’s intention to respect environmental and planning regulations while revitalizing a site that has been idle for six decades. Canmore, located about an hour west of Calgary on the edge of Banff National Park, has transformed from a former coal mining town into a bustling tourism hub. The influx of visitors drawn to hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities has intensified pressure on local infrastructure, housing, and the environment. Residents like Wendy Walker, who lives nearby, argue that the town is already overdeveloped and struggling to manage the demands of over-tourism. Walker has organized a petition against the Trailhaus development, gathering 2,500 signatures, reflecting widespread community apprehension about further expansion. Glamping, a form of camping that offers more comfort than traditional tents, is growing in popularity across North America. Trailhaus plans to offer accommodations such as canvas tents on wooden platforms, furnished with beds and some featuring private bathrooms and showers. The developers see this as an opportunity to tap into a lucrative market while providing visitors with a unique experience that connects to Canmore’s historical roots. The debate over Trailhaus highlights broader tensions in Canmore between economic growth driven by tourism and the preservation of local quality of life. As the town grapples with infrastructure limitations and environmental concerns, the outcome of this project could set a precedent for future developments in the region’s increasingly crowded tourism landscape.