Canmore Nordic Centre

Originally built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, the Canmore Nordic Centre stands today as a vibrant hub for elite sport and community life. 

Nestled in the heart of the Bow Valley, the Centre has become a world-renowned destination for biathlon and cross-country skiing events, drawing an average of 890,000 visitors each year from across the globe. From Olympic hopefuls to families out for a ski, it’s a place where excellence and everyday adventure meet.

To continue hosting International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Cups and uphold its reputation for excellence, the Centre has recently undergone a significant transformation. Scheduled for completion at the end of 2023, the redevelopment includes a new biathlon stadium and building that reflect the evolution of the sport and the growing expectations of international competition. Designed to meet rigorous field-of-play standards, the new facilities include VIP and spectator zones, media overlay, dedicated race offices, upgraded food and washroom services and controlled athlete and media access, ensuring the Centre remains a premier venue on the global stage.

During major events, GEC supported the design of permanent infrastructure and the development of temporary overlays for seamless and safe event experiences. These included strategically repurposing park buildings and parking lots to accommodate media trucks, broadcast needs, and crowd circulation. With biathlon ranking among Europe’s most-watched winter sports, these elements were essential to delivering a world-class experience for athletes, fans, and broadcasters alike.

Outside the world of sport, the Canmore Nordic Centre continues to serve its community in dynamic ways. The new biathlon building doubles as a flexible event space for weddings, meetings, and community gatherings, ensuring the facility generates revenue and remains a year-round anchor for the Bow Valley.

The Canmore Nordic Centre is more than a venue—it’s a living legacy of sport, landscape, and shared experience, where past and future come together on snow-covered trails.