View an outdoor art exhibit in Banff
When: July 1 until Sep 30
Start at the Banff Park Museum and make your way along Bow River Trail to see the Art in Nature Trail, a free, outdoor art exhibit of more than 65 curated art pieces from Bow Valley artists. The self-guided tour can be viewed on an online map where you can also read the artist profiles.
Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, 91 Banff Ave., 403-762-1558, parks.canada.ca
Order from an onigiri vending machine in Canmore
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Stonewaters, a Canmore shop with home decor, furniture, unique gifts and more, has a new vending machine where you can order onigiri (Japanese rice balls). There are a variety of flavours like spicy tuna mayo, yuzu avocado salmon, shrimp ebi wasabi and more.
Stonewaters, 638 Main Street, Canmore, 403-609-4477, stonewaters.com
See a concert at the Canmore Folk Festival
When: August 3 to 5
The longest running folk music festival in Alberta, the Canmore Folk Music Festival is back this summer for a three-day event over the Heritage Day long weekend. More than 30 individual acts and performers will be presenting across four stages, and there’s also a kids area with storytelling, music, arts and crafts and more. The evening before the festival officially kicks off, you can also attend the free downtown concert where donations to the food bank will be accepted.
2B, 110 Kananaskis Way, Canmore, 403-678-2524, canmorefolkfestival.com
Dine out during Alberta On the Plate
When: August 9 to 18
This annual celebration of Alberta’s food and drink scene returns with some great ways to experience local restaurants and products. In the Rocky Mountains, participating restaurants include La Terrazza in Banff, Sauvage in Canmore, and more. Participating restaurants offer multi-course, fixed price menus highlighting local producers, growers, distillers and brewers. Menus at each restaurant also have recommended local pairings (not included in pricing).
Various locations, albertaontheplate.com
Take a pilates class in the Rockies
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When: August 11 and 25
Try some pilates this summer at Banff Sunshine Village on the Centennial Day lodge patio as part of Sunshine’s “Fit in the Rockies” events. Bring your own yoga mat and either a lift ticket or a Summer Season Pass to attend the class. The class is also freely available for guests of Sunshine Mountain Lodge. Registration is required for all participants.
Sunshine Mountain Lodge, 1, Sunshine Access Road, Banff, 403-762-6500, sunshinemountainlodge.com
Pick berries during the Huckleberry Festival
When: August 24
The 28th annual Huckleberry Festival is Castle Mountain Resort’s biggest summer event. The event features free live music, a barbecue and beer garden, chairlift rides, berry picking, a mountain vendor market and a chicken and rib dinner. The family-friendly event is dog-friendly except for the main festival area, which is dog free.
Castle Mountain Resort, Hwy 774, Pincher Creek, 403-627-5101, skicastle.ca
Dine at Sudden Sally
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Sip curated cocktails, local beers and hand-selected wines while dining at this restaurant that opened this past spring inside Hotel Canoe & Suites (and also has a location in downtown Banff at the Wolf & Bear Mall). This restaurant has a full menu of breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert options. Try items like the Busan bowl, margherita pizza, the smashed double cheeseburger and more. At the daily happy hour, drinks and small plates are 50 per cent off from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Hotel Canoe & Suites, 2000, 600 Banff Avenue, 403-760-7595; Wolf & Bear Mall, 229 Bear Street, 403-760-7592, suddensally.com
Try craft beer at the Grizzly Beer Festival
When: August 24
Craft beer aficionados can head to the Lake Louise Gondola for this festival highlighting craft beer samples and cocktails. Head to the Whiskey Jack Deck and base area (no lift ticket or cover fee required) to purchase beer tokens for samples. The festival runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola, 1 Whitehorn Rd., Lake Louise, 877-956-8473, skilouise.com