Speed downhill at Fernie Alpine Resort
When: June 29 to September 1
Calling all thrill-seekers and mountain bikers! The Scott Downhill Race Series, presented by Fox and Legends Mountain Eatery, has returned for 2022. This weekly bike race series at Fernie Alpine Resort is open to kids and adults, with riders between the ages of eight and 17 racing on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and those 18 and over racing on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. from June 29 to September 1 (with the exception of July 13 and 14). Prizes will be awarded, and you can finish off your race with a beverage at Legends Mountain Eatery. Registration is required.
Fernie Alpine Resort, 5339 Ski Hill Road, Fernie, 1-800-258-7669, skifernie.com
Bike the parkway for a (free) pint
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When: July 1 to September 5
Grab your bike and hit the open road (or pathway) in this Bow Valley bike challenge. Bike the popular, 58-kilometre route along Highway 1A and record your journey on your Strava or Garmin device. When you reach Banded Peak Base Camp, you’ll get a free swag bag with one Banded Peak beer and a Parkway to Pint hat.
1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise, 1-877-956-8473, skilouise.com
Listen to an outdoor concert at a ski hill
When: July 8 to 9
The Symphony of the Kootenays’ outdoor concert returns to Kimberly Alpine Resort this year at the base of the Northstar Mountain ski hill. Kick off the experience by attending the Black & White Gala on July 8 with dinner, drinks and contemporary jazz. Then, the next day, enjoy a barbecue and full symphony concert conducted by Jeff Faragher and opened by the Kimberly Pipe Band and Kimberly Community Choir.
Kimberley Alpine Resort, 301 North Star Boulevard, Kimberley, symphonyonthemountain.com
Explore Banff on a Vespa
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Tour Banff Italian-style by renting a Vespa from Banff By Scooter, located at the Fairmont Banff Springs. A rental includes two helmets, unlimited gas and unlimited kilometres, making it a perfect and compact way to explore the likes of Tunnel Mountain, Lake Minnewanka or even the cafes, art galleries and shops in town. The 49cc scooters require riders to have a valid driver’s license and a valid credit card for a damage deposit.
587-327-4111, banffbyscooter.com
Celebrate the centennial of Jasper Park Lodge
When: July 9
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge turns 100 years old in 2022 and you can celebrate this centennial in style at the Bubbles on Beauvert “Roaring ’20s” party. The ticketed event includes food and beverages at various chef stations, live entertainment and gratuity. Attendees can dress up in their finest flapper fashions and toast the lodge’s special milestone with glasses of prosecco or Prohibition-inspired cocktails on Lac Beauvert.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Old Lodge Road, Jasper, 1-780-852-3301, jasper-park-lodge.com
Attend the Summer Kicks Music Festival
When: July 13, 20 and 27; August 3 and 10
Enjoy an evening of free, outdoor performances at the all-ages Summer Kicks Festival in Golden on select Wednesday evenings starting at 7 p.m. Performing artists include rock band Speed Control with The Usual Suspects on July 13, two-time Juno award-winner Kiran Ahluwalia on July 20, psychedelic jazz-rock septet Apollo Suns on July 27, three-time Maple Blues Award nominee Jenie Thai Band with Infinity Solstice on August 3 and contemporary jazz-funk quintet Nick La Riviere & The Best Laid Plans with Rockinomix on August 10.
Keith King Memorial Park, 1501 Maple Dr., Golden, 250-344-6186, kickinghorseculture.ca
Rejuvenate at an exfoliation cabin
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There’s nothing like a day at the spa to slough off the remnants of winter from your skin before soaking up the summer sun. In addition to the pools, saunas and steam cabin at Kananaskis Nordic Spa, make sure to try the exfoliation cabin, which is included in the spa’s Hydrotherapy Access admission price. Hydrotherapy is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and can be booked online.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa, 1 Centennial Dr., Turner Valley, knordicspa.com
Hike the highest peak in Fernie
When: July 15
At more than 2,100 metres high, the Polar Peak is nothing to scoff at. Join the Hike Fernie group for a guided, six-hour hike that starts at the top of the Timber Express chair (single ride lift ticket included) and goes through Lost Boys Pass to the top of Elephant Head. The trail offers outstanding views of Fernie, the Alberta border to the east and Lake Koocanusa to the west. This hike is recommended for experienced and adventurous hikers.
Fernie Alpine Resort, 5339 Ski Hill Road, Fernie, 1-800-258-7669, skifernie.com
Try horseback riding at Castle Mountain Resort
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When: July 17
Castle Mountain Resort was founded by Paul Klaas, a Swiss immigrant who first explored the area on horseback. The Haig Lake High Country experience, held in collaboration with local guides from Centre Peak High Country Adventures, allows riders to retrace Klaas’ exploration route during a half-day, guided horseback riding experience in the high country. Pass through the ski runs in the huckleberry zone, stop for trail snacks at Haig Lake, take in the view of Mount Haig and see the gorgeous Barnaby Ridge on your way down. There are limited tour dates during the summer.
Castle Mountain Resort, Hwy 774, 403-627-5101, skicastle.ca
Attend the Canmore Folk Music Festival
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When: July 30 to August 1
Four stages, three days and 34 artists make for a memorable weekend of live music and entertainment in Canmore. The longest-running folk music festival in Alberta (since 1978 to be exact) has attracted more than 21,000 music fans to this family-friendly weekend that includes arts and crafts, clowns and jugglers, storytelling and songwriting workshops and more. Alongside big names like Kathleen Edwards and Reuben and the Dark, newer artists like Wyatt C. Louis and local Canmore talent will also perform during the festival.
Centennial Park, 5 Ave., Canmore, 403-678-2524, canmorefolkfestival.com
