Le Fournil Bakery to Close After More Than a Decade in Canmore

A beloved Canmore bakery known for its French breads and pastries will soon close its doors, marking the end of a business that many locals say became part of their weekly routines.

Le Fournil Bakery announced in a Facebook post Thursday that its final day of operation will be March 23, after owner Pascale Tétreault decided to cease operations due to personal circumstances.

“After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to cease operations at Le Fournil Bakery,” Tétreault wrote in the post. “Due to personal circumstances, the time has come for me to close this chapter and prepare for new professional opportunities.”

The bakery will continue operating normally over the next two weeks while gradually winding down. Tétreault said most retail items are now being offered at reduced prices while supplies last.

Located at 1205 Bow Valley Trail, Le Fournil first opened its doors in 2012, bringing a European-style bakery and espresso bar to Canmore. Over the years, it developed a reputation for artisan breads and pastries, including traditional baguettes, croissants, lemon meringue tarts, and other pâtisserie items made daily on site.

The business also weathered several major disruptions. After the 2013 floods damaged the building, the bakery temporarily closed before reopening in 2014. It later adapted its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually shifting away from a dine-in café model toward takeaway service and adding a gourmet grocery section.

On social media, news of the closure prompted an outpouring of appreciation from customers, many of whom described the bakery as a fixture in the community.

“What a loss for our community!” one commenter wrote. “Thank you so much for all the delicious and beautiful treats you created.”

Others shared memories of long-standing traditions tied to the bakery. Some said they routinely drove from Calgary for pastries, while others described it as a weekly stop.

“For me as a European your bakery has been such a blessing and reminder of home,” one customer wrote. Another added: “A wee bit of France is sadly leaving us.”

Le Fournil was particularly known for its croissants and baguettes. One commenter called it “the best baguette in the Bow Valley,” while another joked: “You make the best croissant anywhere… now where do I go for croissants?”

The bakery also built close ties with neighboring businesses and longtime customers. One nearby business wrote that the bakery had been part of the same building community for 14 years, noting that the businesses had weathered both the 2013 flood and the pandemic together.

For many residents, the bakery represented more than just a place to buy bread.

“Le Fournil is one of a kind and we’re sad it’s closing,” one commenter wrote.

Tétreault thanked the community for its support over the years and said she hopes to see many customers before the final day.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported Le Fournil Bakery over the years,” she wrote. “It has truly been an honour to bake for this community.”