Pita Pit, Second Cup Coming to Canmore in Bow Valley Trail Redevelopment

Behind construction fencing on one of Canmore's busiest commercial corners, a familiar roadside stop has gone quiet.

Signs posted at the site confirm the McDonald's and Petro-Canada at 1731 Mountain Ave. have closed while the property undergoes a major rebuild. The project will bring back both businesses in a newly constructed facility while adding two brands not currently located at the site: Pita Pit and Second Cup.

Large banners surrounding the property announce the future lineup of tenants, while another sign tells customers the McDonald's is expected to reopen in 2027.

The closure is already changing traffic patterns for nearby businesses. Earlier this week, one Canmore resident wrote in a local Facebook group that the neighbouring Tim Hortons had become "a pure gong show" since McDonald's closed, describing a 25-minute wait for a coffee and bagel during the morning rush. While anecdotal, the post highlighted how quickly customer demand appears to have shifted to nearby alternatives.

The redevelopment received approval from the Town of Canmore last August. The approved development permit allows for a new gas bar and drive-through food service on the property, subject to engineering, landscaping and environmental remediation requirements related to the existing fuel station.

The approval also requires the new development to exceed current national energy code standards by at least 1% under the Town's enhanced green building regulations, while providing vehicle and bicycle parking on site.

Although McDonald's is closing temporarily, the project represents an expansion rather than simply a replacement.

The addition of Pita Pit and Second Cup will increase the range of food and beverage options available at the busy highway gateway, creating what appears to be a more diversified roadside service centre.

If construction proceeds on schedule, the site will reopen in 2027, this time with two new neighbours.