Banff Festivals Archives - Banff National Park https://banffnationalpark.com/category/banff-activities/banff-festivals/ Official Tourism Guide Mon, 28 Aug 2023 16:45:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://banffnationalpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/favicon.png Banff Festivals Archives - Banff National Park https://banffnationalpark.com/category/banff-activities/banff-festivals/ 32 32 Kick Up Your Kilts with The Canmore Highland Games  https://banffnationalpark.com/canmore-highland-games/ Mon, 28 Aug 2023 16:45:08 +0000 https://banffnationalpark.com/?p=2126256 The Canmore Highland Games is an annual celebration of all things Celtic. Shop the host of skilled artisans. Taste the flavors of traditional foods. See the rainbow of tartan colors.

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Kick up your kilts with one of the top activities in Banff National Park at the Canmore Highland Games!  For the last thirty one years, visitors can travel all the way to Scotland—without ever leaving North America! The Canmore Highland Games is an annual celebration of all things Celtic. Shop the host of skilled artisans. Taste the flavors of traditional foods. See the rainbow of tartan colors. Witness athletic agility and feats of fantastic strength with the hammer throw and the stone put. Hear the haunting call of the pipes. You can experience all this and more at the 31st Annual Canmore Highland Games.

The Canmore Highland Games enjoys a reputation as a signature seasonal event for the hamlet nestled in the Canadian Rockies. Each year, the games strive to entertain and educate visitors on Celtic culture. The event also supports many of the small businesses that operate in the area. The Highland Games have become so woven into the identity of the community that locals and visitors alike look forward to the annual event. Music, games, fun, food, and dance come together to encourage and develop interest and participation in Celtic culture. This family-friendly event offers a little bit of everything, guaranteed to have something to please everyone. It sets the Canmore Highland Games as a must-visit entertainment and cultural destination activity.

Getting to the Canmore Highland Games

The Canmore Highland Games takes place at Centennial Park in Canmore. Canmore is located approximately 25 kilometers (15.53 miles) from Banff and makes a wonderful day trip. 

By Car

Readily accessible by car via the Trans-Canada Highway, allow yourself around twenty minutes to get there barring traffic issues. It does take place over a holiday weekend (Labor Day) which typically sees larger crowds in town and limits parking availability. However, overflow lots will be available with shuttle transportation to and from Centennial Park. The shuttles run from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Do note that downtown Canmore parking costs $3 per hour every day during the hours of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Free accessible parking is available to qualified guests near the park’s main gate on 5th Avenue.

From Calgary to the Canmore Highland Games

To get to the Canmore Highland Games at Centennial Park from Calgary, follow these directions. Please note that road conditions and traffic may vary, so it’s a good idea to use a navigation app like Google Maps for real-time updates before you start your journey.

Route: Calgary to Canmore Highland Games (Centennial Park)

  1. Start in Calgary: Begin your journey from your starting point in Calgary.
  2. Get on AB-1 W / Trans-Canada Highway: Head west on your preferred route to access the Trans-Canada Highway (AB-1 W) towards Banff.
  3. Continue on AB-1 W: Stay on AB-1 W for approximately 80-90 kilometers (about 50-55 miles) depending on your exact starting point and traffic conditions.
  4. Take Exit 91 for Bow Valley Trail / AB-1A toward Canmore: This exit will lead you toward Canmore on Bow Valley Trail.
  5. Merge onto Bow Valley Trail / AB-1A E: Follow Bow Valley Trail for a short distance, following the signs for Canmore.
  6. Turn Right onto 7th Ave: After merging onto Bow Valley Trail, take the right turn onto 7th Ave.
  7. Arrive at Centennial Park: Centennial Park, where the Canmore Highland Games are held, should be on your right. You’ll find the park at the corner of 7th Ave and 5th St in Canmore.
The Highland Games Scenery
Canmore, Rundle Mountain

From Banff to the Canmore Highland Games

Route: Banff to Canmore Highland Games (Centennial Park)

  1. Start in Banff: Begin your journey from your starting point in Banff.
  2. Get on Trans-Canada Hwy / AB-1 E: Head east on your preferred route to access the Trans-Canada Highway (AB-1 E) toward Calgary.
  3. Continue on Trans-Canada Hwy / AB-1 E: Stay on AB-1 E for approximately 25-30 kilometers (about 15-18 miles) depending on your exact starting point and traffic conditions.
  4. Take Exit 89 for Canmore / Bow Valley Trail / AB-1A: This exit will lead you toward Canmore on Bow Valley Trail.
  5. Merge onto Bow Valley Trail / AB-1A W: Follow Bow Valley Trail for a short distance, following the signs for Canmore.
  6. Turn Left onto 7th Ave: After merging onto Bow Valley Trail, take the left turn onto 7th Ave.
  7. Arrive at Centennial Park: Centennial Park, where the Canmore Highland Games are held, should be on your right. You’ll find the park at the corner of 7th Ave and 5th St in Canmore.

Traveling By Bus to the Highland Games

But you don’t need to drive. Sit back and leave the driving to the Bow Valley transit system! Bow Valley has an excellent bus system (ROAM). The environmentally-friendly buses are an inexpensive, stress-free way to get around Banff National Park. The Route 3 (Canmore/Banff Regional) bus will take you from Banff townsite all the way to Canmore to enjoy the Canmore Highland Games without having to worry about parking. This route runs daily. You can check the schedule on the ROAM website.

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Token Transit app for iOS and Android, inside the Banff Visitor Center at 224 Banff Avenue, or from vending machines at Banff High School Transit Hub,Banff Elk West Transit Hub,Canmore 9th Street,Shoppers Drug Mart,Canmore Benchlands Trail Overpass, or at theLake Louise Lakeshore. Other location such as Banff Town Hall and several local businesses offer ROAM tickets as well, including the Rundle Gift Shop on Banff Avenue, the Canmore Civic Centre on 7the Avenue in Canmore, and the Rusticana Grocery on 8th Street in Canmore.

If you want to pay for your fare directly on the bus the day of travel, you can use your smart chip-enable credit or debit card in the electronic farebox which also accepts Canadian and U.S. currency. Be aware the fareboxes do not offer change, cannot accept pennies, or currency larger than $20 denominations. 

History of the Canmore Highland Games

Of all the beautiful backdrops in Banff National Park and the surrounding area, you won’t  find a better setting than Canmore for the Highland Games. You’ll find the reason right in the event’s full name—The 31st Annual Canmore Highland Games. The Canmore Highland Games draws its moniker from King Malcolm III Canmore, the 11th century monarch organized the very first games at Bear O’Mar, a flat meadow area, to find a suitable Royal messenger—one swift of foot and strong of arm. 

The celebration of Celtic culture becomes readily apparent in games events like the bagpipes and drumming competitions, the colorful variety of clan tartans worn by participants and even attendees, and in the familiar Scottish athletic competitions such as the caber toss. What is a caber, you ask? A tapered pole often carved from a larch or juniper tree, the traditional caber weighs around 79 kilograms (175 pounds). The competitor must toss the 5.94 meter (19.6 feet) pole end over end. Distance doesn’t matter. Rather, the caber must land in a twelve o’clock position in front of the tosser. Talk about skill! But the caber toss is just one of the many events with Scottish origins spectators can enjoy.

Highland Games Are On! Authentic Scottish Athletic Events

The caber toss is just one of the traditional Scottish athletic games competitors display for spectators. Visitors will see contestants heave a heavy natural rock for distance in the clach air a chur, or Putting the Stone. The Over the Bar contest requires hefting a 25.4 kilogram (56 pound) handled weight over a raised bar. The Sheaf Toss is one the most unusual events visitors might see. Participants skewer a burlap bag stuffed with straw and toss it over a horizontal bar. See it all on the southern end of Centennial Park near 5th Street and 6th Avenue. And don’t miss the Tug of War contest. This exciting event demonstrates players’ strength and teamwork as they compete for the prize purse! There are divisions both for kids and adults.  

Canmore Highland Games Opening

The Sound of Music at the Canmore Highland Games

Music is an integral part of the Celtic identity. And it isn’t just in the hills of Canmore during the Highland Games. You can also find it in the Beer Garden, on the stage and at a variety of locations throughout the park. When most folks think of Scotland, the first thing that comes to mind is bagpipes. The games do not disappoint. 

Listen to skilled musicians compete in the individual piping and pipe band competitions which kick off around 8:30 in the morning on Sunday, September 3, 2023. You’ll find most of the action on the main field of Centennial Park. You can continue to hear pipers and drummers display Most competitors will be dressed in standard Highland dress save the Novice Chanter and Drum Pad players. The Pipe Band competition commences in the early afternoon. Then stick around for the Massed Pipes & Drums of the Canmore Highland Games which closes out the celebration around 5:00 PM.

Looking for something a little less traditional but still influenced by Celtic culture? Then don’t miss the award-winning Celtica Nova! This Celtic Artist of the Year world band has played all over the map, appearing at Celtic events in multiple U.S. and European cities. Their music, filled with grit and power, has also featured in metal festivals, and they have performed alongside choirs and full orchestras as well. With five albums to their credit, their appearance at the Canmore Highland Games is just part of their staggering North American tour. 

Cars, Cars, Cars

Okay, so maybe it’s not technically Scottish, but motor enthusiasts can really get their motors running with the British Car and Motorcycle Show at the Canmore Highland Games on Sunday, September 3, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Now in its third appearance at the games, the car show highlights the best motor vehicles Great Britain has turned out over the years. Owners and dealers alike compete for “Best in Show” at this event which takes place on the southern end of Centennial Park in the traffic circle.  

Food, Glorious Food!

For a delicious way to absorb some Celtic culture, the Canmore Highland Games offers up a menu of yummy choices to choose from. From food trucks to tasting events, wear your stretchy pants so you’ll have room to enjoy everything!

Food Trucks at the Highland Games

Fancy a curry? Have a hankering for haggis? In recent years, the games have introduced food trucks to the event to widen the opportunities for participants to savor flavors imbibed with Celtic spirit. With locations scattered throughout Centennial Park, it also makes dining more convenient with lots a delicious options available right next to many of the popular events. The trucks are generally open  from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

Taste of the Highlands

Raise a glass to say “sláinte” on Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and savor a delicious evening of whisky, wine, ale, and other libations in the Celtic atmosphere of the Spring Creek Festival Tent as you Taste the Highlands! Your admission to this foodie event earns you 10 tickets to use toward any one of the 90 whiskies or brews from worldwide producers and micro-breweries. Tasty appetizers circulate from Canmore area restaurants. Leave the dogs and kids at home, however. No children or fur babies allowed at this event. And bring your own water bottle as no bottled water is available on-site. Tickets are $25 CAD and can be purchased online. 

Kick up Your Kilts—Dress Like a Scot at the Highland Games

To really immerse yourself in the experience of the Celtic culture at the Canmore Highland Games, kick up your kilt game and dress in some authentic Highland garb! Full traditional Scottish Highland dress generally consists of nine separate pieces. These include the familiar kilt, a kilt pin, a Jacobite shirt, a sporran, a sgian-dubh, Ghillie brogues, kilt hoses, flashes, and sometimes a Tam o’Shanter cap. But what exactly are all these parts? We’re so glad you asked!

The Tartan

The most iconic feature of Scottish dress is the tartan. The tartan tradition goes back centuries with its legacy really rooting in the Highlands. It became a way for Scottish clans to identify kinships and develop bonds. You’ll see the colors and plaids predominantly in the kilt. But there are other parts that come together to complete traditional Scottish dress.

Kilt

The fèileadh, or kilt as most of us know it, looks like a wrap-around skirt. Generally crafted from wool woven into a tartan pattern, a kilt has deep pleats and measures about knee-length. Originally worn by men in everyday wardrobe around the 16th century, it first appeared as a full-length clothing item. It wasn’t until the 18th century that it was shortened to its current knee-length. Women’s kilts did not appear until the 1900s and took on a more form-fitting design though still observing the traditional tartan patterns. You will often see kilts being worn at Celtic special events, such as weddings, and at sporting events like the Highland Games.

Canmore Highland Games Parade

Kilt Pin

The kilt pin does not serve to hold the layers of the kilt together even though its function is to keep the kilt from blowing open. And if the wearer is observing “regimental” dress, that’s a good thing! “Regimental” refers to wearing a kilt without undergarments, a historical practice with roots in military origins. The kilt pin weighs down the outer apron of the kilt and, while serving a function, acts more as a piece of jewelry.

Jacobite Shirt

The Jacobite shirt, sometimes called a gillie shirt, is a traditional shirt typically worn with a kilt. It has criss-crossed laces that resemble the laces of the gillie brogues seen in authentic Highland dress. The style is loose and breathable, and it is not worn with a tie.

Sporran

The Scottish purse, or sporran, worked its way into traditional Highland dress out of necessity. Kilts don’t have pockets, but Highlanders needed someplace to secure their belongings as they roamed the countryside. Thus, the sporran was conceived. Usually crafted from fur or sometimes leather, this pouch is decorated depending upon how formal the dress it accompanies. Fastened to a leather strap and sometimes a linked chain, it sits at the front of the kilt unless it will interfere with activity, in which case it is acceptable to sit at the side.

Sgian-Dubh

Like the sporran, the sgian-dubh had a practical function in Highland dress. This small, single-edged knife could be employed for protection as well as serving as a cutting tool for food and other materials. In today’s dress, it serves a more ornamental purpose, typically fashioned from silver and bejeweled. The sgian-dubh is properly worn with only its hilt peeking over the top of your kilt hose. The leg on which it is worn depends on your dominant hand.

Gillie Brogues

The traditional shoes that accompany Highland dress are called ghillie brogues. A tongueless shoe, it is characterized by extremely long laces designed to wind up the leg to tie just below the calf so they wouldn’t drag in the mud. The only time Ghillie brogues are seen today is usually with Highland dress, even though they originally served a practical function.

Kilt Hoses and Flashes

Kilt hoses are simply woolen socks that come up to the knee. Often accompanied by flashes, a garter with a fabric flag that keeps the hose from rolling down, they can appear in a wide variety of colors. 

Tam O’Shanter

The Tam O’Shanter is a flat, felted cap that sometimes accompanies traditional highland dress. The odd name derives from the eponymous hero of the iconic Robert Burns poem.

Shopping in Canmore during the Highland Games

Shop ‘Til You Drop—Scottish Style 

If you want to bring a little bit of Celtic charm home with you to commemorate all the fun, don’t miss the Celtic Market and Clan Village. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the duration of the festival, shoppers can browse nearly forty booths containing Scottish and Celtic merchandise from local and visiting artisans. You can find toys, hand-crafted jewelry, art, musical instruments, and authentic Highland dress like kilts and sporrans.

Perhaps you want to learn more about your Scottish heritage. There will be clan booths to help you delve into your family’s origin and history. Just interested in learning more about Scottish culture? Various non-profits will be on hand to educate visitors on various aspects of Scottish history, traditions, and more! Regardless of where your interests lie, you’re certain to find something to tickle your fancy at the Celtic Market and Clan Village.

So, while bonnie Scotland might not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting the beautiful Canadian Rockies, the Canmore Highland Games is arguably one the top activities in Banff National Park and a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Celtic culture. With exciting athletic events, great music, delicious food, talented artisans, and more, it’s just one more reason Banff is a fabulous place to visit this September!

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Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival https://banffnationalpark.com/banff-activities/banff-festivals/banff-mountain-film-book-festival/ Thu, 30 Oct 2014 16:58:30 +0000 https://banffnationalpark.com/?p=2120612 Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival Who says great things can’t come from having a…

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Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival

Who says great things can’t come from having a few beers with friends. What originally started as a one day festival of climbing films in 1976 has now grown to 9 days of serious mountain culture fun as well as encompassing a world tour with over 840 screenings worldwide.

Now each fall, the mountain climbing community congregates in the Canadian Rocky mountain town of Banff for the Rocky Mountain Film and Book Festival. The event is a celebration of mountain adventure experiences, remote cultures, wild places and mountain expeditions that captures the imaginations and enthusiasm of hard core climbers and weekend warriors.

The entire Festival is showcased at The Banff Centre with all their theatres and venues playing host to the steady lineup of events. From full length feature films, to guest speakers and musical entertainment, there is something for everyone, but be sure to get your tickets and packages early as events are known to sell out and with past guests as David Suzuki, Sir Edmund Hillary, Jon Krakauer and Reinhold Messner, would you expect any less.

The festival has grown over the years to include in-person author signings at the book fair and well as offering a Mountain Art and Craft sale where you can pick up unique gifts, paintings, pottery, jewellery and much, much more. Are you looking for the latest gear? The Mountain Marketplace is where you can fill your wish list of must haves. Take an extended peak at the Banff Mountain Photography Competition’s winners display and continue stretching your muscles on the public climbing wall.

One of the biggest crowd favourites is the Radical Reels night. It is a presentation of the best high adrenaline films entered into the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival. Again, be sure to get your tickets early as these are usually sell outs. In the event you aren’t able to make it into Banff, the Radical Reels Tour has been traveling throughout Canada, the USA and the world since 2004.

November use to be a between season, but thanks to the continued support of the Banff Centre and the popularity of the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival it is now an ‘it’ season.

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Canada Day Celebrations in Banff National Park https://banffnationalpark.com/visitors-information/canada-day-celebrations-banff-national-park/ Thu, 26 Jun 2014 15:51:55 +0000 https://banffnationalpark.com/?p=2120576 Canada Day Celebrations in Banff National Park The Town of Banff is the perfect place…

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Canada Day Celebrations in Banff National Park
The Town of Banff is the perfect place to celebrate Canada’s birthday on July 1. Fantastic family-friendly events run throughout the day, including our famous parade down Banff Avenue. From bands to balloon animals to birthday cake, we’ve got it all. The full-day celebrations are capped off with a spectacular evening fireworks display.

Parking
Plan ahead, come early so you won’t get stuck in traffic, and know where to park! Use banffparking.ca, a mobile friendly site, to find parking in Banff and take Roam public transit when you’re in town.

Road Closures
Banff Avenue will be closed starting at 4 p.m. for the parade. Download the Road Closure Map (PDF) for details on all traffic delays on July 1.

Central Park

 TIME EVENT
noon Opening Ceremonies with Mayor Karen Sorensen and Banff National Park Superintendent Dave McDonough
noon Artisan Market & food booths open
12:25 p.m. Singing of O Canada
12:30 p.m. First Nations dance by The Hunt Family
1 p.m. David Swanson “Swanee”
1:30 p.m. Local artist Amelie Patterson
2 p.m. Scott Cook vocalist
2 p.m. Birthday Cake served by Mayor and Council
2:30 p.m. Red Dance Shoes School of Chinese Dance
3 p.m. The Calgary Fiddlers
3:30 p.m. Piast Polish Dance Ensemble from Edmonton
7 p.m. Souls in Rhythm set one
8 p.m. Alysse Ernewein
8:15 p.m. Souls in Rhythm set two
9 p.m. Alysse Ernewein
9:15 p.m. Local Rock Band TR3 set one
10 p.m. Alysse Ernewein
10:15 p.m. Local Rock Band TR3 set two
11 p.m. Fireworks. Best views from Central Park

High School Field

 TIME EVENT
10 a.m. Family Fun Zone opens
11 a.m. “Blackfoot Medicine Speaks”  under the leadership of Treffery Blackfoot
11:30 a.m. Egg & spoon races
Noon Enjoy old-fashioned games, inflatable bouncers and crafts in our Family Fun Zone
12:30 p.m. Sack races for all ages
1 p.m. Red Dance Shoes School of Chinese Dance
2 p.m. The Steve Harmer Magic Show
2:30 p.m. Sack races for all ages
4 p.m.  “Blackfoot Medicine Speaks” under the leadership of Treffery Blackfoot

Other Locations 

 TIME EVENT LOCATION
8 to 10 a.m. Melissa’s & Banff Park Lodge presents the Canada Day pancake breakfast Lynx St. between the Banff Park Lodge and Homestead Inn
9 a.m. Volunteer Registration 101 Bear St.
9 a.m. Canada Day Sidewalk Art, presented by the Whyte Museum 100 Block Bear St.
3 p.m. Volunteer registration 101 Bear St.
4:30 p.m. Road closures for the parade – Banff Avenue Fox Street to Buffalo St.
5 to 6:30 p.m. Canada Day Parade! from Fox Street to Buffalo Street Fox St to Buffalo St

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Ice Magic Festival https://banffnationalpark.com/banff-activities/banff-festivals/ice-magic-festival/ Wed, 12 May 2010 16:51:33 +0000 https://banffnationalpark.com/?p=1384 Read here about the Ice Magic Festival in Lake Louise, Alberta.

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Beautiful Lake Louise gets just a little more beautiful each January with the annual Ice Magic Festival.

Each year, teams of professional ice carvers set out to carve the best sculpture they can at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Come and see their creations and take photographs with the stunning background of glacier-clad Mt. Victoria behind.

The contest is sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association (NICA) and is conducted with utmost seriousness. Twelve international teams (of two carvers each) receive fifteen three hundred-pound blocks of ice. With these blocks, they must create seven feet tall sculptures in just three days.

In addition to the team event, the Ice Magic Festival hosts the One Carver One Hour One Block event, which is a speed chainsaw event for individual carvers.

The Little Chippers Festival takes place at the same weekend as the Ice Magic Festival. This children’s festival takes place in the Samson Mall in the Lake Louise Village. Take your kids to learn the art and science of ice carving and have fun at the other events happening in the mall!

Check the Banff Lake Louise Tourism Board website for information about this year’s festival!

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Banff WinterStart Festival https://banffnationalpark.com/banff-activities/banff-festivals/banff-winterstart-festival/ Wed, 12 May 2010 16:27:00 +0000 https://banffnationalpark.com/?p=1377 Read here about the annual welcome to winter in Banff- the WinterStart Festival.

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Join in on the Banff, Alberta Winter Wonderland Fun

Just because the weather starts getting cooler in Banff doesn’t mean that everybody heads inside for hibernation. Residents of Banff start sharpening their ice skates, waxing their cross-country skis and digging out their snowboard gear.

Along with all the preparations, the beginning of winter is actually marked as a celebration in Banff! November brings the WinterStart Festival, a fun time for people of all ages.

The festival has a ton of activities, including a parade, the World Cup Ski Races, the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup Downhill, musical concerts, film screenings, Christmas socials and family events with face painting, Santa and theatrical performances.

The week-long event usually takes place at the end of November or beginning of December, right when Banff starts looking like a real life winter wonderland.

The businesses of Banff have teamed up to offer great WinterStart Festival getaways for visitors. Packages may include hotel stay plus amenities like restaurant vouchers, holiday treat baskets, firewood to build a warm crackling fireplace, indoor/outdoor pools or even groceries to make a scrumptious breakfast! Check the Banff Lake Louise Tourism Board website for special accommodation packages for the festival!

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Banff Mountain Film Festival & Book Fair https://banffnationalpark.com/banff-activities/banff-festivals/banff-mountain-film-festival-book-fair/ Wed, 12 May 2010 15:45:14 +0000 https://banffnationalpark.com/?p=1371 Read here about the autumn Banff Film Festival and simultaneous Book Fair & Trade Show.

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Local Banff, Alberta Film and Book Festival in Banff National Park

The Banff Centre hosts this action-packed film festival every fall. See the best of mountain sports, wildlife and culture!

Film categories include Best Film on Climbing, Best Film on Mountain Culture, Best Film on Mountain Environment, Best Feature-Length Mountain Film, and Best Film on Mountain Sports. Winners can take home as much as $4,000!

The films are screened at the Banff Centre’s Eric Harvie Theatre, the Max Bell Auditorium and the Margaret Greenham Theatre, amongst other spaces.

The opening weekend has the cheapest film screenings (as low as $9), while later in the week they may cost as much as $45. If you can hold out, check out the last screening of the festival, the last Sunday in the evening, with a selection of “The Best of the Festival” for around $25. Ticket packages are also available. Check with The Banff Centre for this year’s ticket prices.

The week-long film festival also hosts noon-hour seminars, an arts and crafts sale and the Mountain Book Fair & Trade Show. The book fair features great titles in mountain literature, maps, photography, archival material and antiquarian books. The fair also hosts several book signings each year by famous and up-and-coming mountain authors.

For more information and to see previous years’ Film Festival winners visit The Banff Centre website.

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Subaru Banff International Triathalon https://banffnationalpark.com/banff-activities/banff-festivals/subaru-banff-international-triathalon/ Tue, 11 May 2010 22:43:12 +0000 https://banffnationalpark.com/?p=1364 Read here about the first annual Subaru Banff International Triathalon.

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Run a triathalon in Banff National Park, Alberta

This September, Banff will host the annual Subaru Banff International Triathalon.

Athletes from around the globe will compete against each other in the pristine and breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park.

The participants will swim across Two Jack Lake, bike around the Minnewanka Loop and then run through the town of Banff to the finish line on Banff Avenue.

Races will include Olympic and sprint distances. The Olympic distances are 1.5 km swimming, 40 km biking and 10 km running. Sprint distances are 500 m swimming, 13 km biking and 5 km running.

Athletes of all ability levels are welcome- from beginners to professionals. Relay teams are another fun way to complete the race! Recruit two of your friends and finish the triathalon together (available for Olympic and sprint distances)!

Each participant gets a ton of benefits like New Balance custom technical race apparel, medals, podium prizing, post-race snacks and recovery nutrition, bragging rights and lots of stories!

Visit the Subaru Banff Triathalon website for details about the race and registration.

Editor: – (looks like the Banff Triathlon has been shelved for the foreseeable future)

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Banff Dragon Boat Festival https://banffnationalpark.com/banff-activities/banff-festivals/banff-dragon-boat-festival/ Tue, 11 May 2010 21:48:14 +0000 https://banffnationalpark.com/?p=1359 Read here about Banff's annual Dragon Boat Festival on Lake Minnewanka.

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Go watch the Chinese-Canadian Dragon Boats in Banff National Park, Alberta

The Banff Dragon Boat Festival is an annual event that draws as many as 600+ participants to the waters of Lake Minnewanka.

The Chinese dragon boats race across the lake with twenty-two rowers moving in perfect synchronicity. Any break in the rhythm could cost them the race. In fact, many races end with split second photo finishes!

The dragon boats have been part of Chinese culture because in mythological tradition, dragons are believed to be the rulers of rivers and seas as well as dominating the clouds and rains.

The Chinese mythological traditions blend with a traditional Canadian legend on Lake Minnewanka, which is also known as “Lake of the Evil Water Spirits.”

The Stoney First Nations people called the lake this because of a myth about a half-human creature that was believed to prey upon unsuspecting boaters. Talk about race motivation!

The boats themselves are 12 meters (40 feet) long plus a dragon head and tail. The crew members are one drummer, one person in charge of steering and twenty paddlers. The paddlers have three sections (the pacers/strokes, the engine room and the rockets).They are very stable boats, so even beginners can safely race.

The pacers, you guessed it, set the pace. The drummers follow their lead and communicate the pace to the rest of the paddlers. The drum beats help the paddlers motivate when their arms get tired and help keep them in sync.

The event is fun for the cheering crowd on land as well. Excitement builds as the boats approach the finish line the drums get louder and dragon heads closer!

Once teams pay and register they can start practicing. Professional coaches can be assigned to inexperienced teams, or you can register with your own. Fast, sleek Dynasty Dragon Boats are supplied by The Alberta Dragon Boat Race Foundation for the festival.

A great family event!

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Banff Culture Walk Weekend https://banffnationalpark.com/banff-activities/banff-festivals/banff-culture-walk-weekend/ Tue, 11 May 2010 20:40:34 +0000 https://banffnationalpark.com/?p=1355 Read here about the annual cultural weekend that takes place in the town of Banff, Alberta.

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Banff, Alberta Culture Weekend

Art and culture fill the streets of Banff every summer for the annual culture walk. The weekend event takes place this year from August 6th-8th (2010).

Events include Cinema Under the Stars, the Banff Culture Walk and Doors Open Banff. All the festivities are designed to get visitors and locals out visiting historical sites and interacting with local artists.

The weekend is an annual event and is open and free to the public. The hub of all activities is in the Bison Courtyard at 211 Bear Street in Banff.

Visit the Banff Culture Walk Weekend website for a complete listing of events and venues associated with the festival. The event is hosted by Banff Heritage Tourism, the Banff Heritage Corporation, Doors Open Banff and Banff Culture Walk partners.

2010 Main Events

Friday, August 6
Banff’s Central Park is where to head Friday night with a blanket, lawn chair and a picnic for Cinema Under the Stars.

Saturday, August 7
Saturday brings the Banff Culture walk. Talk with artists in various locations and galleries across town. Galleries also coordinate events to make the walk even more interesting. An example of this is the Canada House Gallery’s “Dynamic Demo Day.” Watch renowned artists work at this event and even have a chance to chat with them about their inspirations and techniques.

Sunday, August 8
Doors Open Banff takes place on Sunday. For this event, visitors and residents get to tour Banff’s most interesting heritage homes and buildings. This self-guided tour helps tell the story of Banff’s social, cultural, environmental and spiritual evolution.

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Banff National Park Bike Fest https://banffnationalpark.com/banff-activities/banff-festivals/banff-national-park-bike-fest/ Tue, 11 May 2010 20:04:07 +0000 https://banffnationalpark.com/?p=1347 Read here about the annual bike races that take place in Banff National Park.

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Family Fun: Biking in Banff, Alberta

The Banff National Park Bike Fest puts on five challenging road races and two family friendly events every year from Banff and Lake Louise.

Every year more than 400 participants compete in this fun event that winds its way through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world – Banff National Park.

The scenery isn’t the only reward for cyclists who come to Canada for this race. Over $21,000 in prize money is given away each year to the best and fastest.

To participate Canadians must hold a valid license issued by the Alberta Bicycle Association or a CCA license issued by a province or by the CCA. International riders must have a UCI recognized license. There are two exceptions to this requirement- the Cruiser Crit and Little Crit races, where no licenses are needed.

Whether you come as a participant or a spectator- Bike Fest is an exciting way to spend a summer day in Banff!

Visit The Banff Lake Louise Tourism Board website for yearly schedules of events, route maps and race rules.

Events include the Surprise Corner Prologue, 1A Spring and the Tunnel Mountain Road Race. Read below for individual race descriptions.

Cascade Plaza Prologue
This race has a short, steep course that goes by the picturesque Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Conference Center. Cyclists start at regular thirty-second intervals. The course measures 1.5 km in length, beginning at the corner of Buffalo and Otter streets. The course races up Tunnel Mountain Drive and St. Julien Way. The registration fee is $25+GST. There are multiple prize points depending on the category entered.

Lake Louise Road Race

Each year 100 men and 50 women have open registration to participate in this event. The 80 km route goes along the Bow Valley Parkway from Lake Louise to Sawback return, full of undulating hills and long straight-aways. This race takes place approximately 40 minutes (driving time) from the town of Banff. The men’s race starts at 9:30 a.m. while the women’s begins at 10 a.m. The maximum prize money given away to any one participant is $400.

Individual Time Trial
Many call this “The Race of Truth” because it’s only you and the clock. Cyclists take off at regular thirty-second intervals and run the hilly 21 km loop as fast as they can. The race takes place between 8 a.m. and noon. The race route goes along Banff Avenue to the Lake Minnewanka loop and back. The registration fee is $35 plus GST.

Criterium
This race has participants looping around the 1 km course that runs through the streets of Banff. There’s always fierce competition, hairpin turns and breakaway sprints. Fast action and excitement for racers and spectators alike! This is an afternoon/evening race and begins at 4:30pm. The loop runs down Banff Avenue to Elk Street to Wolf Street to Bear Street to Caribou Street and back to Banff Avenue. The registration fee is $35 plus GST and the maximum prize is $400.

Tunnel Mountain Road Race
This race runs through downtown Banff and along Tunnel Mountain Drive. The field is open to 250 riders (some spots for invited cyclists only, some open for general registration). There is a $35 registration fee plus GST and a maximum of $400 for the winner.

General Classification- Stage Race
This race is by invitation only and is open to men and women. The fees (plus GST) is $1050 per men’s team and $157.50 per individual woman cyclist. The maximum prize awarded is $1,610 for men and women.

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