If the weather outside is frightful, no need to worry! Canmore and Kananaskis have all the delightful winter activities to keep your Christmas spirits high. Uncover new traditions, make memories you’ll cherish, and immerse yourself in the mountain culture the Bow Valley is known for with our top picks for your holiday weekend activities in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Stuff your stockings or treat yourself with the wares of local artisans at the Mountain Made Christmas Market. Featuring over 85 vendors, you’ll find unique jewelry, Rocky Mountain-themed photography, pottery, fine art, hand-made body products, clothing, and more. Don’t forget to grab a tasty Christmas treat from a market vendor while you walk and shop.
Light up the night with the Rotary Club of Canmore’s Festival of Trees. Wander through the Magical Candy Cane Lane and marvel at the thousands of lights that decorate the trees. Free for everyone, the lights will be shining December 3-31. Pro tip: stop by a local cafe for your favourite hot beverage to keep you feeling toasty all evening.
For more special events, join the Rotary Club’s Gingerbread House Contest, with categories ranging from children to culinary professionals. Start the day with Breakfast with Santa, featuring a sumptuous buffet breakfast, a live band, dancing, and a much-anticipated visit from Santa himself.
Don’t miss out on your chance to ask Santa for new gear! No holiday weekend is complete without a visit with the big guy, so get your skis and Christmas list ready and head to Nakiska Ski Resort to Ski With Santa on December 24-25. After a few turns on the slopes, check out the resort’s Christmas-themed scavenger hunt, running December 19-31.
Let’s face it: as much as we’d like to spend all day and night frollicking in our winter wonderland, it’s nice to have somewhere cozy to warm up with friends.
With a thriving craft beverage scene that continues to grow, Canmore and Kananaskis offer opportunities to warm up indoors with delicious beer and spirits. Get behind-the-scenes access and meet some of the innovators creating Alberta’s best tipples with Canmore Brewery and Distillery Tours. With comfortably heated transportation between locations, you can take in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains from the warmth of the brew bus.
A piping hot pick-me-up is available at the award-winning Eclipse Coffee Roasters, who have been sourcing and roasting exceptional coffee in Canmore since 2014. Perfectly pulled espresso and rich pour-over offerings await, along with delectable baked goods and a diverse lineup of over 10 freshly roasted bean varieties available to go. Still in the mood for something a bit more spirited? Eclipse also offers beer and cocktail options from some local favourites like Wild Life Distillery and the Grizzly Paw Brewing Company.
Visit artsPlace, Canmore’s community arts centre, for holiday programs to captivate, intrigue, and inspire you. Enjoy A Stoney Christmas, a re-imagined Christmas tale for the whole family. With Indigenous songs, dancing, and storytelling, the performance is an opportunity to learn and connect with the traditions, history, and culture of our neighbours in the Stoney Nakoda Tribe.
Photo: Kristy Wolfe Photography
From a cozy spot in front of the hearth, bask in the ambiance and charming view of the mountains at Murrieta’s Mountain Bar & Grill. After your luxurious feast and spirits, head over to the Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue for a live performance of the timeless classic, A Christmas Carol. Bah, humbug!
Whether you’re looking for a silent night or rockin’ around the Christmas tree, with the Canadian Rocky Mountains as your backdrop you can elevate your holiday getaway from ‘the usual’ to magical. You’ll want to stay in Canmore longer than the 12 days of Christmas to cross all the activities off your list.
