Dine at the Wagashi Tea House
When: Reopens February 3
Wagashi Tea House in Canmore serves brunch, sweets, baked goods and Japanese dishes like beef tataki, vegan salad bowls and various obento selections from its dine-in and takeout menus. The Tea House was closed for maintenance at the beginning of the new year but reopens starting February 3. From Thursdays to Mondays, you can dine in from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or go tea shopping from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wagashi Tea House, 60 Lincoln Park, Canmore, 403-497-6144, wagashiteahouse.com
Watch the Jeep Junior Freeski Event
When: February 11 to 13
Events like the Jeep Junior Freeski IFSA Regional Event can be a great opportunity for up and coming youth athletes. This regional event at Fernie Alpine Resort allows seven- to 18-year-old skiers to demonstrate their skills on natural terrain while being evaluated in five categories: line choice, control, fluidity, technique and style/energy. Spectators require lift tickets and must be on skis or a snowboard to access the area. More information for spectators with respect to any restrictions due to COVID-19 safety protocols will be available online closer to the event date.
Fernie Alpine Resort, 5339 Ski Hill Road, Fernie, 250-423-4655, skifernie.com
Visit a Japanese Convenience Store
If you’re craving Japanese snacks, stop by Okawari for everything from Hi-Chews to Himemaru wasabi-flavoured rice crackers. The new convenience store, which opened a few months ago, is conveniently located in downtown Canmore and carries snacks, candies and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages imported from Japan.
1, 702 8 St., Canmore, 403-675-3656
Shop for Cards at Paper Den
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The Paper Den pop-up store is now a permanent fixture on Bear Street. Check out this stationery store to shop for locally made prints, cards and more by Crowfoot Media and Nak Creative. The store is open from Wednesdays to Sundays.
Paper Den, 208 Bear Street, Banff, @paperdenbanff
Make a Friend on the Lifts of Love
When: February 12
Mount Norquay’s annual Lifts of Love is happening this month on February 12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rest your thumbs from all of that swiping and hop on the ski lift with someone new for a fun take on speed dating. Each chairlift ride lasts a few minutes and you’ll be paired with a potential future romantic interest (or maybe just a new ski buddy). In addition to the chairlift speed dating, there’s also an après ski mixer at the Lone Pine Pub. Tickets are $45 if you register now or $50 at the door.
Mount Norquay, 2 Mt. Norquay Rd, Banff, 403-762-4421, banffnorquay.com