Before the Rockies are doused in their seasonal snow, we bear witness to a transformation unlike anywhere else on Earth — autumn in the Rockies.
The grasses, which for months have been fed by the slow trickle of seasonal melt, begin to droop and fall to the ground, laid down by the exploratory feet of backpackers and deer. The greens fade to gold and red. A gust of wind, the errant brushing of Elk and horseback tours, or the gust of helicopter blades carrying visitors from around the world—each sends torrents of leaves to the ground, blanketing the streets and forests with a bed of autumnal sights and scents.
So too does the town change with the seasons. Whether you’re looking for vibrant days outside or cozy nights indoors, fall in the Rockies offers something for everyone. What follows are some of our favourite ways to explore downtown Canmore and beyond with a warm beverage in hand—or cold if it’s your weekend!
Canmore Highland Games
The Canmore Highland Games are where Celtic Traditions come alive. Each Labour Day Weekend, crowds gather to watch traditional sports and cultural displays. Expect kilts, bagpipes, and a great time.
Attractions include a pancake breakfast, highland dance demonstrations, a piping and drumming exhibition, drum majors workshop, heavy sports, tug of war, sheepdogs and their flocks of sheep, clan tents, Celtic vendors, Scotch tasting, traditional food and beverages, food trucks, beer garden, massed bands and more! Tickets for 2021 are available on their website here.
Canmore Museum
Located in the center of downtown Canmore, the Canmore Museum offers education, entertainment, and more. Explore downtown Canmore and its history through tours, traditional storytelling, educational programs, and interactive exhibits.
While their permanent exhibit From Coal to Community presents Canmore and its industries through various cultural and technological perspectives (including interactive VR!), ongoing efforts to expand the reach of their programs will further encompass traditional and indigenous views.
Explore their hours and services at their website here.
Arts and Culture Festival
From Sept. 17th – Sept. 26th, visitors to downtown Canmore enjoy art workshops, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, films, a community campfire, an outdoor artisan market, and live performances. Details are still on their way for the event, but they promise creativity and fun activities for guests of all ages.
Registration is FREE! Programming and signup can be found at their event site here.
artsPlace
Community is at the heart of the Rockies and is one of the leading reasons people come to enjoy the area. Since 2015, artsPlace has been a partner in facilitating collaborative and creative spaces that mirror the spirit of the area—sweeping, inspirational, and ever-changing.
Explore their artist talks, films, exhibitions, and workshops this Fall. The event calendar can be found along with their hours and admission details here.
Downtown Galleries
Exploring downtown Canmore wouldn’t be complete without visiting any number of the downtown galleries. Fall in the Rockies is home to many artist residences, from photography and painting to theatre and filmmaking. Scientific and cultural sites also offer exhibits built around the exciting industries, which fuel not only the economy of the town but Alberta’s economy as a whole.
Grab a warm drink and explore the galleries the town has to offer. It’s a long list, so you and the family can make a whole day of it! A complete list provided by the Town of Canmore can be found here.
We hope you enjoyed these tips for exploring downtown Canmore this autumn. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend getaway, autumn in the Rockies is a memorable trip everyone can enjoy.
Leave a Reply