Cycle the car-free Bow Valley Parkway
When: September 1 to 30
The Bow Valley Parkway was originally built in 1920 and is a 48-kilometre highway that connects Banff to Lake Louise. In the spring and now again until September 30, you can cycle the incredibly scenic 1A between Fireside Day-Use Area and Johnston Canyon, which is closed to vehicles via a pilot program with Parks Canada. Pedal your way on a bike along this 17-kilometre section that boasts plenty of viewpoints and picnic spot pullouts. Leave your car parked in free lots in the Banff townsite at either the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre or the Train Station Public Parking Lot.
Fenlands, 100 Mt Norquay Rd.; Train Station, 327 Railway Ave.
Listen to live music on top of a mountain at Fernie Alpine Resort
When: September 2
Ride the Timber Chair to go hiking and sightseeing in the alpine at Fernie Alpine Resort to access trails like Pika Pass, Lost Boys Lookout, Siberia Ridge and White Pass Road Trails. Then, unwind with live music at the Lost Boys Cafe for the Music on the Mountain series. The duo Loop Hole and Twisted Tree will perform from 12 to 3 p.m. and the chair will be open until 4 p.m.
Fernie Alpine Resort, 5339 Ski Hill Rd., 250-423-4655, skifernie.com
Enjoy locally grown food and artisan crafts at the Fall Fair in Fernie
When: September 10
Sundays in Fernie are known as Market Day, and for 20 years, Fernie Mountain Market has been celebrating the make it, bake it, grow it attitudes of the community. On September 10, Wildsight Elk Valley is teaming up with Fernie Mountain Market for the Fall Fair. This annual public event celebrates farmstead living and food in the Elk Valley and includes a blue ribbon competition in horticulture, preserves, baking and more. There’s also a cake walk fundraiser and pie auction. Peruse all the entries and find local vendors selling fruit and veggies, meats, herbs and flowers, as well as baked goods and tasty food.
Rotary Park, 6 – A Ave., Fernie
Dine at the newly opened Rhythm & Howl at MTN House by Basecamp
When: Soft opening starts September 10, reservations available starting September 17
Guests of the new MTN House by Basecamp have been able to have in-room dining service from the luxury hotel’s fine dining restaurant, café and bar, but later this month, Rhythm & Howl will open for dine-in service. September 10 marks the soft opening, with reservations opening for September 17 onwards. Come taste the menu by chef Jason Leizert, which focuses on sustainability and local ingredients with a Mediterranean flair. And don’t miss the great prices on the happy hour menu, which features items prepared in the wood-burning oven and raw bar.
1 Silvertip Trail, rhythmandhowl.com
Talk to visual artists and tour their studios at the Banff Centre
When: September 13
At the end of their residencies, participants in the Banff Centre’s Visual Arts programs open their studio doors to share their research and artwork. Whether you’re an artist, art appreciator or just curious, come between 4 to 7 p.m. for Meeting For Teas. Explore at your own pace and learn about the program, the artists’ creative process and chat with artists directly about their pieces.
Glyde Hall/Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Studios, Banff Centre, 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr., Banff, banffcentre.ca
Take in the arts at the Canmore Festival of Art & Creativity
When: September 15 to 17
The month of September marks Alberta Culture Days, and artsPlace in Canmore is celebrating with a jam-packed weekend of free multicultural events, art workshops, artist demos, artisan markets and live performances. Pop into the artsPlace theatre to see children’s theatre, live dance improv and more, and talk to artists from the Nakoda AV Club at their interactive animation station. Community Cruisers will host short films about biking by bikers at the Bike Shorts Film Festival. And there’s an outdoor concert at the community campfire with free hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows.
artsPlace, 950 8 Ave., Canmore, 403-609-2623, artsplacecanmore.com
Watch VIMFF 2023 World Tour films in Bragg Creek
When: September 16
Catch mountain films about climbing, skiing, biking and the outdoors at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival 2023 presented by Bragg Creek & Kananaskis Outdoor Recreation. Discover inspiring, thrilling and heartwarming short films. Doors open at 6 p.m. for 7 p.m. showtime.
Bragg Creek Community Centre, 23 White Ave., bckor.ca
Shop local and listen to music at the Crowsnest Community Market
When: Until September 28
Spending a Thursday afternoon in the Crowsnest Pass? Catch the last of the summer markets from 3 to 7 p.m. when local vendors set up at the Gazebo Park in Blairmore to sell crafts and jewellery, baked goods and fresh produce. There are food trucks on site, as well as local artists and groups performing including Eve Lacey, Lani Folkard, Kevin Smith and Herky Cutler this month.
Gazebo Park, 20 Avenue, Blairmore, crowsnestmarket.com