Celebrate Jasper’s public art at a mural festival
When: May 1 to 10
Since the Uplift! Jasper Mural Festival began in 2022, Jasper has added 21 murals to the town’s walls. This year’s festival features three new pieces by artists from Ottawa, Greece and Australia. Check out the murals on your own time, or take part in a one-hour walking tour to see seven murals from the festival’s past, where you’ll learn the meaning of the pieces and their significance to the community. Try using the festival’s online mural passport, which provides map markers to all 21 murals and helps you track your mural viewing progress.
Various locations, Jasper, 780-852-8382, upliftfest.ca
View a new art exhibition about connection
When: Thick as Thieves runs from May 1 to November 6
Curated by Crystal Mowry, the Whyte Museum’s new exhibition Thick as Thieves examines how we connect with one another. The exhibition draws on pieces from The Mackenzie Art Gallery’s permanent collection which evoke themes of “fidelity, mutual desire, and fraternity.” Conspiracies, allyships and other bonds that bring us closer to one another are reflected in the artwork at this exhibition.
The Whyte, 111 Bear St., Banff, 403-762-2291, whyte.org
Enjoy a Mother’s Day brunch buffet
When: May 10
Book a seat at the Stirling Dining Room and Lounge in The Malcolm Hotel for a Mother’s Day feast. Enjoy a selection of breakfast and lunch staples like freshly baked pastries, quiche and charcuterie, or try something a little different like a tequila flambeed prawn cocktail. Brunch is family-friendly, with kids ages six and under eating for free.
The Malcolm Hotel, 321 Spring Creek Dr., Canmore, 403-812-0680, malcolmhotel.ca
Watch a comedic play about Jasper
When: May 12 to October 17
Running every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening, Jasper Theatre Production’s From Jasper With Love is the perfect way to cap off a day in the mountains. The play debuted in 2022 and stars Joost Tijssen and Pieter van Loon, two Netherlands expats who fell in love with Jasper when they came to visit. From Jasper With Love returns to the stage every summer, ideal for Jasper regulars and first-time visitors. The play is family-friendly (recommended for ages eight and up) and ticket prices include a welcome drink with your choice of a local beer, wine or pop.
The Stand Easy, Jasper Royal Canadian Legion, 401 Geikie St., Jasper, 778-847-1774, jaspertheater.ca
Relax for a weekend at a wellness festival in Banff
When: May 22 to 24
Well In Banff (formerly Banff Yoga Festival) is a three-day yoga and wellness festival at Banff’s Norquay Lodge. The schedule is filled with activities to help you get in touch with nature and yourself. Follow a relaxing guided yoga practice, meditate in the mountains, shop at a wellness market and more. Get a full retreat experience with a weekend pass, or grab the festival’s new discovery pass which includes one movement session, one sauna session and full access to the wellness market.
Norquay Lodge, 2 Mt Norquay Rd., Banff, wellinbanff.com
Race through the mountains at a women’s run
When: May 22 to 24
Organized by Rocky (former Rocky Mountain Soap Company), The Women’s Soap Run started in 2008 with 600 participants. Now, the race averages 3,200 racers every year. The run is intended for women of all activity levels and abilities to come together and enjoy nature and physical activity. The event includes a half marathon, a 5K run/walk, a 10K run/walk and a 5K stroller jog. Those who register will receive a grab bag worth $50 from Rocky.
Canmore Nordic Centre, 1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, rmswomensrun.com