Purchase the Kananaskis Conservation Pass
This is not exactly an activity, but more of a friendly reminder before heading off on your next K-Country hike. According to the Alberta government’s website, as of June 1, “vehicles parked at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley need a Conservation Pass.” Passes can be purchased by the day or year for personal and commercial use online or in-person at the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge, Elbow Valley Visitor Information Centre, Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre at Barrier Lake or Peter Lougheed Park Discovery and Information Centre. You can register one personal vehicle for the day for $15 or register two personal vehicles for the year for $90.
Cruise Along Maligne Lake in Jasper
When: June 4 to October 11
Every summer in Jasper, Spirit Island reveals itself as a tiny grove of trees backed by mountain and glacier views. The island can only be reached by boat, so either one of the two Maligne Lake interpretive cruises are a great option to learn about the area’s weather, wildlife and more. This popular cruise has boats that are glass-enclosed and heated, which is perfect for taking photos of an island where walking is not permitted. The family-friendly cruise runs for either one-and-a-half hours on the classic cruise or two hours on the premium cruise. Alberta residents can save up to 20 per cent on tickets. Check the website for updated weather information and hours of operation.
Maligne Lake Road, 1-866-606-6700, banffjaspercollection.com
Shop at the Canmore Mountain Market
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The Canmore Mountain Market runs weekly every Thursday until October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elevation Place parking lot. Shop for art, jewellery, produce, bath and body products and more from regional vendors, artisans and farmers.
Elevation Place, 100, 700 Railway Avenue, canmore.ca
Discover Prohibition-Era Banff via Coach Tour
When: June 18 to September 26
Starting in June, adults can hop aboard a vintage-inspired, 1930s-style coach bus for the three-and-a-half-hour Moonshine and Microbrews Tour through Banff with Open Top Tours. The round-trip tour departs from the lobby of the Elk + Avenue hotel. During the ride, a guide will take you back to Prohibition-era Banff with themed commentary on a special route to Lake Minnewanka, where you’ll board the Lake Minnewanka Beer Voyage Cruise. Cap off the night with an included Prohibition-style cocktail from Farm & Fire.
1-877-258-6877, banffjaspercollection.com
Pick Up Some Meat at Valbella Gourmet Foods’ New 24/7 Meat Vending Machine
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Yes, you read that correctly. Valbella Gourmet Foods has opened a new deli and it has Canada’s first 24/7 meat vending machine stocked with all of the delectable sausages, bacon and other meats we’ve come to love from this business. It even stocks eggs! The deli itself is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can get soup, sandwiches, hot meals and daily lunch specials, in addition to groceries. On top of it all, there will even be a Valbella food truck on-site “in the summer months,” according to the deli’s website.
104 Elk Run Boulevard, Canmore, 403-678-9989, shopvalbella.ca
Dare to Try the Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay
Via Ferrata is an assisted climbing experience along the cliffs of Mount Norquay and there’s a route for everyone from total beginners to the most experienced climbers. Choose from one of six routes ranging from two to eight hours and 125 metres to 465 metres of elevation gain. When you book before June 30, you can save 20 per cent on a Via Ferrata ticket. See the website for details on prices, routes, dates and more.
2 Mt. Norquay Road, Banff, 1-844-667-7829, banffnorquay.com