People flock to Canmore Kananaskis from near and far every August long weekend, and for good reason. This little mountain town erupts with untamable energy when the sun comes out, even more so when we’ve got a long weekend on our hands. This year’s August long weekend is kicking off on Friday, August 2 with a free concert and running through to Monday, August 5.
Not only is the town itself an experience to be had, but there is also an endless array of activities and happenings to keep you busy this August long weekend. We’ve rounded up a list of can’t-miss things to do so you don’t need to waste a second on the planning. All you need to do is focus on having fun and making memories in the Rocky Mountains. Here’s what you need to know:
The Canmore Folk Music Festival is back for another memorable year of music, togetherness, and community spirit in the heart of Canmore. Going strong since ‘78, there’s no question why this festival has become a summer staple for locals and visitors alike. Buckle up for over 30 individual acts or performers, a wide variety of artisan and food vendors, a kids’ area, daily workshops, and so much more.
From the free concert on Friday evening to Blue Rodeo’s closing act on Monday, you won’t want to miss a second. The Folk Fest offers full weekend passes, single-day passes, and $10 admission to their “Pub Stage” at the Miner’s Union Hall. There’s something for everyone, and that includes you. Grab your tickets now.
Photo by Pam Doyle
Canmore has a vibrant and diverse local food and beverage scene that covers everything from your most casual pub to your finest dining. From cocktail bars to cafés, BBQ joints to upscale tapas, you won’t have a problem fulfilling your cravings over the long weekend.
Head to one of our amazing local hot spots like Tank310, Wild Life Distillery, Canmore Brewing Company, Tavern 1883, Sauvage Canmore, Communitea Cafe, BLAKE, or Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. – to name a few. Or, if you’re not a fan of making decisions, indulge in as many as possible with a tour! Try a Canmore Brewery and Distillery Tour to sample from all the local brewhouses in town, check out Alberta Food Tours for the ultimate self-guided foodie adventure, or book a tour with Food e-Bike Tours Canmore that mixes food with adventure.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong.
Whether you’re a golfer or not, you need to see these stunning places for yourself. Canmore and Kananaskis are home to many incredible golf courses that you should consider booking a game at or just visiting for lunch or a patio beer. It’s the perfect excuse to spend a day in the sun within some truly iconic scenery.
There’s no better place to beat the summer sun than on the water. While you’re at it, why not add an extra element of adventure? Check out Canmore Raft Tours, Chinook Rafting, or Canadian Rockies Rafting and Adventures Inc. if you’re looking for a thrill. Water lovers can also rent a kayak or paddleboard from WonderGo Adventures or Bow Valley Stand Up Paddleboarding. Life is infinitely better on the water and your options are endless here.
While athletic opportunities abound in Canmore, we’re also known for having a thriving arts and culture scene. If you’re an artist or just passionate about the arts, you’re going to love it here. You can paint your own pottery at Crock A Doodle, take a step back in history at the Canmore Museum, or visit one of the Bow Valley’s magnificent galleries like the Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue, artsPlace, and so much more. You’ll find a little bit of art everywhere you turn, but it gets even better if you dig a little deeper.
We’d be remiss if we missed simply strolling around Canmore as a can’t-miss experience. From the iconic river trails to the countless viewpoints and picnic spots, you don’t need an ironclad plan to get the most out of your long weekend. Take a walk down Canmore’s pedestrian-only Main Street and pop in the shops, post up at Riverside Park, take your pup to one of the gorgeous dog parks, and simply take it all in. Weekends are meant for relaxing, after all.
We hope you are gearing up for the best August long weekend ever and we’ve got endless resources to help you plan your trip.
Here in Canmore and Kananaskis, we encourage sustainable modes of transportation whenever possible. Luckily, there are plenty of options – from walking and biking to taking our FREE public transit. Not only are these options better for the environment, they also save you the headache of dealing with traffic. Learn more about how you can get to Canmore for this year’s Folk Music Festival without a car, and how you can get around town once you arrive.
In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.
