Things to Do in Canmore & Banff This Summer
The Canadian Rockies are beautiful to visit any time of the year, but summer is one of the BEST times to visit! Longer days with more sunlight mean you have more time to enjoy the great outdoors. If you’re visiting Canmore or Banff this summer check out some of the fun events happening. Read on to learn more about Canada Day celebrations, farmer’s markets, and annual summer festivals in Canmore and Banff. Don’t miss our local tips!
Canmore Canada Day Parade
Looking for a true cultural experience unlike any other? Join Canmore locals in celebrating Canada Day with a traditional small mountain town parade. This vibrant parade celebrates Indigenous culture and Canadian pride. Featuring floats, local music, and marching bands.
The parade starts at noon on Saturday, July 1st, 2023. This year the downtown Canmore route has been extended to make it longer and better. The 2023 parade theme is “Feels Like Summer!”
Other Canada Day events in Canmore include a Picnic Pancake Breakfast and Fun Run & Walk. What’s different this year? To reduce wildlife impact, the Town of Canmore has removed firework displays from the festivities. Local tip, arrive early!
Learn more about the Canmore Canada Day Parade.
Canada Day in Banff
Spending Canada Day in Banff, Alberta is a truly special experience.
Celebrate the rich culture of Canada with different activities and events scattered around the Town of Banff’s downtown core.
With a wide variety of events and activities, this family-friendly celebration includes music performances and a market at Central Park, art displays at Whyte Museum, a family fun zone at the High School, a parade, and more.
Local tip, leave plenty of time to check out everything the Town of Banff has to offer.
Learn more about Canada Day in Banff.
Banff Farmer’s Market
Beloved by visitors and locals alike, the Banff Farmer’s Market offers a collection of local and regional produce and unique products.
With more than 90 vendors, including food trucks and entertainers, the party-like atmosphere of the Banff Farmer’s Market is fun for the whole family.
The market is held on at the west parking lot of Banff’s Central Park on Wednesdays, from 10 am to 6 pm, until early October.
Local tip, if you missed something at the market, or bought something that you want more of, some of the same vendors can be found the following day at the Canmore Mountain Market.
Learn more about Banff Farmer’s Market.
Canmore Mountain Market
A summer tradition for over two decades, Canmore Mountain Market hosts a variety of local and regional fresh food and other artisanal vendors. The selection of food trucks and entertainment make this a popular place to meet for lunch.
Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this popular weekly market is a treat for both locals and visitors. Pets are welcome!
Canmore Mountain Market is located at Elevation Place. The market is open from 10 am – 6 pm every Thursday until early October.
Local tip, visit before noon or after 2 pm to avoid the market’s busiest times.
Learn more about Canmore Mountain Market.
Canmore Folk Music Festival
If you like traditional and contemporary folk, roots, blues, alt-country, Celtic, and world music, you’ll love Canmore Folk Music Festival!
Founded in 1978, Canmore Folk Music Festival is the longest-running folk music festival in Alberta. Held on August 5-7, 2023, the festival takes place over the 3-day Heritage long weekend.
Located in downtown Canmore’s Centennial Park, this family-friendly festival offers over 30 acts on four stages, a kid’s area, and a beer tent, as well as a Pub Stage at Canmore Minor’s Hall. Experience this unique mountain-town music festival for yourself to find out why it’s a local favourite.
Local tip, bring a tarp to mark your spot.
Discover Canmore Folk Music Festival’s 2023 Artists.
Highland Games
Did you know that the name Canmore comes from a Scottish King called, King Malcolm III Canmore (1058-1093)? One of the longest-running events in Canmore is the Highland Games. It’s been held for over three decades.
A celebration of Celtic culture and traditions, the Highland Games offer dance, music, and sport, as well as a wide variety of food and drink options.
Centered around competitions, you can expect lots of bagpipes, kilts, and Scottish heavy athletics. Experience the thrill of the Games for yourself! The 2023 Highland Games, they’re being held on Saturday, Sep 2nd at Centennial Park in downtown Canmore.
Local tip, if you love whiskey you won’t want to miss this event.
Click here to learn more about Highland Games.
Upgrade your Rocky Mountain Vacation
Looking for adventure? Book a white water rafting tour in Kananaskis Country! We offer two tours, one is perfect for beginners and families and the other is great for thrill-seekers. Our tours are smaller which means more time having fun on the river.
Book your tour today to experience “surfing” on the Kananaskis River or cliff jumping into glacial water in Horseshoe Canyon. We also offer a Boat & Bark package and Doggie Paddle package with our sister company, Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours.
Leave A Comment