| Canmore and Fernie are known for their great skiing, | | | | constructed. Prices range from more than $400,000 |
| but offer much more in the way of atmosphere and | | | | to approximately $1.2 million. |
| real estate. Canmore, located to the east of Banff | | | | Pure International's Tom Mathers said that the |
| and west of the Calgary International Airport, is a | | | | markets of Canmore and Fernie are driven by simple |
| quick flight away from Toronto. With a population of | | | | economic principles. Many people would like a home in |
| 13,000, Canmore offers four-season recreational | | | | the mountains, but availability is limited. The |
| opportunities such as hiking, swimming, biking and, of | | | | four-season allure of these towns makes them |
| course, skiing. | | | | especially attractive to full-time residents as well as |
| Canmore is proud of its reputation for protecting its | | | | part-time dwellers. |
| landscape and wildlife. Many conservation groups | | | | Fernie's demographics are somewhat younger than |
| protect large portions of green space. Bears are | | | | those of Canmore, and its population is lower by |
| welcome too, and the town even boasts a hotline | | | | about a third. During the winter, it is filled with young |
| people can call to report bear-related incidents. | | | | people who ski and snowboard nonstop by day and |
| Real estate developer Frank Kernick said that | | | | party at night. A new development in the town is |
| Canmore is a desirable area because it is land-locked | | | | 901 Fernie, a circa 1900s school that has been |
| due to the presence of the mountains. As more | | | | converted to upscale condos. With the efforts of |
| property is developed, the land will be increasingly | | | | Australia native Simon Howse, the developer, and |
| precious. Kernick developed Spring Creek, a | | | | Nicholas Vale, the architect, the complex has been |
| community comprising 900 town home and | | | | turned into an eclectic but luxurious mix of housing |
| condominium residences that will be built during the | | | | units. |
| next ten years. Currently, 150 homes have been | | | | |