7 Offbeat Towns In The Rockies To Visit In 2025

The Rocky Mountains is North America’s largest mountain system, extending some 3,000 miles (or 4,800 kilometres) across Western Canada and the United States. It also tends to be the continent’s most iconic set of mountains, drawing travelers from around the world to the mighty peaks of Banff, the dramatic wilderness landscapes of Yellowstone, and the posh ski slopes of Aspen.

Yet beyond the most touristy towns of the Rockies, you can find plenty of wide open spaces and some fantastic hidden treasures. Think tranquil turquoise lakes, a storybook-worthy village surrounded by mountains, and even the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World.” For these and other spectacular secrets to unlock, check out these seven offbeat Rockies towns to visit in 2025.

Canmore, Alberta, Canada

Banff may have Canada’s first national park and most iconic mountain scenery, but it’s also having to struggle with the growing risks of overtourism. To ditch the crowds, save some money, and find an equally alluring array of natural treasures, try the nearby town of Canmore. Here, you can hike the fairly easy Grassi Lakes Trail and reach the spectacular turquoise waters of Grassi Lakes, or do the more challenging Ha Ling Trail up Canmore’s most imposing mountain.

For even more to do around Canmore, head south to Bow Valley Provincial Park for fishing at the Bow River, boating at Lac Des Arcs and Gap Lake, and plenty more hiking trails sporting views of the famed Three Sisters mountain peaks. Or, for a more easygoing perspective on the mountains, book a tee time at Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club. And for a lovely mountain inn to complete your Canmore experience, try A Bear and Bison Inn for high-altitude luxury that isn’t too high in cost.

McBride, British Columbia, Canada

Nestled in the Robson Valley of British Columbia, McBride is a seemingly tiny town that offers big adventures year-round. Even the McBride Heritage Railway Station is special, as it’s an original 1919 train station that still operates today. It also houses the Whistle Stop Gallery featuring works by local artists, and the Beanery2Bistro open for breakfast and lunch. A short stroll or drive from the station, you can do a leisurely picnic or launch your boat into the Fraser River at Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Park.

Just outside town, there’s plenty more to discover. Spot spawning salmon (during the summer season) at the Beaver River and Beaver River Falls Recreation Sites. Enjoy a freshwater swim at Lasalle Lakes. And if you’re up for an epic challenge, try the hike to McBride Peak at Sunbeam Creek Ecological Reserve. Once you’re ready to call it a day, return to town and spend the night at Beaver Creek Cabins & Cottages.

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada

Completely surrounded by multiple peaks of the Canadian Rockies, it’s no surprise that Fernie makes a great ski town. Indeed, Fernie Alpine Resort is a prime area for skiing, but it also opens during the summer season for mountain biking and hiking. For even more room to roam, go to Mount Fernie Provincial Park and try a hike to the 2,210 metre-high (or 7,251 foot) summit, or take advantage of the world-class fly fishing conditions (especially for trout) at the Elk River.

There’s even more to experience to the east of town, especially the verdant forests, wondrous waterfalls, and refreshing natural pools that can be found along the Matheson Falls Trail. Once you return to town, check into the Park Place Lodge for a charming hotel and pub that continues to exude authentic Fernie-style hospitality.

Eureka, Montana, USA

The Montana town of Eureka was once known as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World,” and it’s full of beautiful gifts that keep on giving. In the early 20th century, so many evergreen trees were harvested from Eureka’s forests that it became the “Christmas Tree Capital” once these trees made it into markets across the nation. You can continue to catch glimpses of this past at the Tobacco Valley Board of History’s Historical Village, which preserves multiple landmarks and a slew of artifacts dating from the 1880s to the 1920s.

For even more historic treasures, make a reservation for the Stonehenge Air Museum to see over two-dozen vintage aircraft, including the world’s only Mk 47 Seafire suitable for flying. Or, to make your own stories out in the country, go to Kootenai National Forest for boating at Lake Koocanusa, hiking at Black Butte, rock climbing at Stone Hill, and backcountry camping at Rock Lake. But if you prefer to stay somewhere with some more creature comforts on site, book a cabin or an Airstream at Tobacco River Ranch.

Driggs, Idaho, USA

Grand Teton National Park has gradually been drawing more visitors thanks to its unique mountain landscapes complete with tall, jagged peaks, yet most of those visitors tend to stay in or around the well-heeled ski town of Jackson, Wyoming. For a different kind of Grand Teton experience, head about 43 miles (or 69 kilometres) west to Driggs, Idaho. Of course, this town keeps you close to the national park. It’s also very close to the Big Eddy Campground, a local floating hotspot that’s also great for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and angling (particularly for whitefish and rainbow trout).

If you happen to make it to Driggs in early July, you can catch the Teton Valley Balloon Rally, a unique festival featuring 25 hot air balloons soaring into the sky for four consecutive mornings. No matter when you visit, Teton Valley Cabins provides comfortable and affordable accommodations in town.

Carbondale, Colorado, USA

Aspen may draw an elite network of international jetsetters and larger crowds of tourists, but there’s a whole other side of Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley awaiting your discovery at Carbondale. Every July, Carbondale does draw its own crowd for the Mountain Fair, an annual community arts festival that features an eclectic mix of local and regional musicians (ranging from bluegrass to indie surf rock), an on-site pop-up gallery showcasing works by local artists, and interactive events like baking contests, wood splitting matches, and pottery throwdowns.

Even when the Mountain Fair is not in session, there’s more to explore around Carbondale. Do a hike at Mount Sopris, and if you’re up for an epic challenge, try climbing up to its 12,953-foot peak. Hop onto one of Carbondale’s bike trails for an incredible ride through the wilderness. Soak up the healing vibes and warm water at Penny Hot Springs and Avalanche Ranch’s hot springs. For the ultimate Carbondale experience, head over to Marble Distilling to see how they make their sustainable, artisan small-batch spirits, and book a stay at the first-ever inn to open at a working distillery.

Chama, New Mexico, USA

Near the northern edge of New Mexico, Chama is the kind of town that makes it easy to appreciate the journey and enjoy the ride. The railroad has connected Chama to the larger region since 1881, and it’s now the western terminus of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad that winds its way through a beautiful stretch of the southern Rocky Mountains to Cumbres and Antonito (in Colorado). And on the other side of the train tracks, a different kind of journey awaits at the Rio Chama, a wonderful river for fly fishing.

Just outside town, discover a world of wonders at Edward Sargent Wildlife Area, a protected wilderness area where native animals like elk and deer roam free, and where you can also roam on its network of hiking and biking trails. Whenever you feel like settling down, check into The Victorian Chama for a charming bed-and-breakfast housed in a historic 1880 manor.

Reach New Rocky Mountain Heights In These Unique Towns

These Rocky Mountain towns may be offbeat, yet they also place you on the path to incredibly unique and fulfilling journeys. Gain a new perspective on Canada’s most famous expanse of alpine wilderness at Canmore. Experience a more artistic and crafty side of the Rockies in Carbondale. And if you like trains, you may fall in love with the ride to and from Chama. With a wide range of activities and attractions spanning across two nations, these mountain towns let you soar high above the boring and ordinary.