9 Main Streets Where The Rockies Come Alive
The Rockies span six US states and two Canadian provinces and are home to some of North America’s best-known parks, from Yellowstone and Grand Teton to Banff and Jasper. This concentration of natural beauty, from alpine peaks to glacial lakes, has also given rise to a remarkable collection of mountain towns. Breckenridge’s Main Street stands out for its Victorian buildings and long strip of historic storefronts. And Jackson’s Broadway is best known for its Old West streetscape centered on the town square. Whether it is Park City’s clapboard mining-era facades or Revelstoke’s historic blocks around Mackenzie Avenue, these streets show that in the Rockies, the town center can be just as exciting as the surrounding wilderness.
Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah, played a significant role in hosting events during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. This history still shapes the town’s identity as an alpine destination. Park City’s history as a mining town also plays a major role in its culture and architecture. Main Street’s “false front” buildings feature vibrant clapboard facades to emphasize the Old West feel.
While strolling downtown’s main strip, you can visit any number of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and galleries. Spend the afternoon exploring Old Towne Gallery or Park City Fine Art before grabbing a caffeine boost at Atticus Coffee & Teahouse. The Park City Museum is also on Main Street and is a great place to learn more about the town’s history.
Banff, Alberta
Banff, Alberta, Canada, is world-famous for its natural setting, but the town itself is worth visiting, too. The town of 8,305 was built near the railway station to better serve visitors to Banff National Park, one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is best known for its mountain vistas and hot springs, as well as easy access to outdoor adventures, including skiing, hiking, and rock climbing.
Banff comes to life along its main street, Banff Avenue. Check out local shops at the Sundance Mall, head out for a night on the town at PARK Distillery Restaurant and Bar, or grab an exotic bite to eat at The Grizzly House.
Helena, Montana
Helena, Montana, is the state capital, but it is also a lively and beautiful mountain town. Set in Montana’s mountain country, the town is home to many local attractions, historic buildings, and plenty of places to eat.
Downtown Helena’s historic walking mall is perfect for an afternoon stroll or an evening out with great local food and wine. During the day, visit the Holter Museum of Art to see contemporary and historical art. Later on, stop by Lewis & Clark Brewery’s taproom for craft beer or Blackfoot River Brewing Company for handcrafted beer and cider. If you’d rather have a cocktail, head to Gulch Distillers for the perfect micro-distillery experience.
Invermere, British Columbia
Eastern British Columbia, Canada, is home to Invermere, a vibrant town of 3,917. The town is just west of the Alberta border and is a stopping point for many travelers because of its position in the Columbia Valley between Golden and Cranbrook. It is also a destination in and of itself, sitting on the northwest shore of Windermere Lake.
7th Avenue has storybook-style architecture and is home to restaurants, shops, and cultural hubs. Check out the Invermere Bakery for a sweet treat, or visit the Artym Gallery for a glimpse of some one-of-a-kind Canadian art. You can also stop in at Stolen Church Gelato and Coffee or Blue Dog Cafe for your daily cup of joe.
Fernie, British Columbia
Fernie, BC, Canada, sits in the East Kootenay region of the province. As a town in the Canadian Rockies, it’s no surprise that Fernie is a skiing destination, but it is also home to lakes and ancient black cottonwood trees for summer travellers. The town sits near the Elk River and the Lizard Range, perfect for afternoon hikes. Fernie also has a rich mining history, one that shines through in the architecture of its downtown strip.
Downtown centers around 2nd Avenue and wears its history on its sleeve. This area is home to the Fernie Museum, boutique shopping, and dining at restaurants like the Fernie Taphouse and the Brickhouse.
Breckenridge, Colorado
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least a couple of towns in Colorado. Breckenridge, Colorado, also sometimes called “The Breck," is a popular ski destination at the base of the Tenmile Range. It is also home to one of the highest chairlifts in North America. In the summer months, visitors can check out several hiking trails and mountain biking destinations, as well as rivers and streams ideal for fly fishing in and around White River National Forest.
Downtown is just as vibrant as the surrounding wilderness. From Victorian historic homes to the town’s red-light district, there is something for everyone and every time of day. While on Main Street, check out Breckenridge Tap House for a pint or a bite to eat, or The Crown for a coffee, sweet treat, or even a cocktail.
Revelstoke, British Columbia
Revelstoke, BC, Canada, is a ski town with a rich railroad and logging history that gives downtown its historic look. The town can sometimes double from 8,000 to 16,000 people during the ski season, when the snow makes everything come to life. Set between the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, Revelstoke is ideal for winter sports, and its main street gives skiers a lively place to spend rest days and evenings.
The historic buildings along Mackenzie Avenue, the town’s main drag, are home to local coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and several bars. The road is also home to Grizzly Plaza, where you can sometimes find small events or buskers. The Village Idiot Bar and Grill is fantastic for a bite to eat or an afternoon drink, as is Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish, Montana, is the second Montana feature on this list. The town sits near Glacier National Park and is a popular destination for adventure sports lovers. The area is filled with lakes and hiking trails, and the town itself boasts a lively center. Whitefish Mountain Resort also attracts countless skiers every winter, making it a popular destination year-round.
Main Street is home to restaurants, coffee shops, clothing shops, and the visitor center. Check out Loula's Cafe for a cup of coffee in the morning or Mambo-Mountain Italian for a dinner out. The Bulldog Saloon is also a popular stop along the strip, offering a rustic place to grab a pint.
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming, is a quiet mountain town perfect for exploration, but its downtown is also ideal for an afternoon of art, a late-morning brunch, or an evening of craft beer. This Western country town has a thriving art scene. Its premier gallery, Trailside, is just half a block from the town square, and the National Museum of Wildlife Art features an outdoor trail with life-sized animal sculptures.
Broadway borders the town square and offers old west architecture, coffee shops, bakeries, and pizzerias. Check out CocoLove on the west side of the street, or head east of the town square to Cafe Genevieve. Grab a bite at Pinky G's Pizzeria, or grab fresh-baked goods at Persephone Bakery.
Where Rocky Mountain Town Life Takes Center Stage
The Rockies are home to more than just mountaineering experiences. The skiing may be fantastic, and the hiking may be one of a kind, but town life in the Rocky Mountains is worth a visit on its own. These main streets offer historic architecture, welcoming cafes, local art galleries, and, of course, fantastic restaurants and bars. Next time you’re choosing a destination in the Rockies for an annual ski trip or hiking trek, consider how much time to set aside to explore the towns that bring the mountains to life.
