THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
Banff National Park will once again come alive on June 14 - 17 with up to 500 cyclists from Western Canada and the US participating in five competitive events and two family friendly events, over four days.Staff Writer
Banff National Park Bike Fest, Banff, AB, June 14-17, 2012
Banff National Park will once again come alive on June 14 - 17 with up to 500 cyclists from Western Canada and the US participating in five competitive events and two family friendly events, over four days. Thousands of spectators will line the streets to witness the competitors in their gruelling quest for victory and a share of over $20,000 in prize money. Contact Banff Lake Louise Tourism today for more information at 403-762-8421, or visit www.banfflakelouise.com.
2012 Fohn Festival, Hinton, AB, June 30 - July 1, 2012
The Fohn Festival, is Hinton’s “Signature Event.” The festival promotes public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity in Hinton. Starting in 2007, the event captured the attention of 2,700 visitors, and has grown into an exciting day and a half full of entertainment, food and fun with approximately 8,000 in attendance in 2011. The Fohn has fostered the spirit of the community with amazing entertainers that provide continuous music and dance for all to enjoy. Fabulous cultural vendors that share their ethnic food, dress and customs, allow you to experience the world. The Kid Zone, which is growing each year, captures the innocence of youth through balloons, face painting, crafts and games. The Fohn Festival offers something for everyone. It is a time for families, friends, and neighbors to be together. Visit their website at www.fohnfestival.com, call (780) 817-3244 or send an email to callihoo8@msn.com for more details on this event.
Deathfest, Grande Cache, AB, August 3 -5, 2012
This summer, Grande Cache will see an influx of competitors ready to be challenged by the eleventh anniversary of the North Face Canadian Death Race. The 2012 event will grow to 1500 elite racers arriving to cheat death in one of the world's toughest endurance races. The festivities of the Death Race come alive in Grande Cache, Alberta; a weekend party featuring children's entertainment, games, rides, and the Canadian Rock Music weekend concerts. 2012 will see the celebration of the 6th annual Deathfest Celebrations; consisting of 125 km over rough mountain trails, through pristine forests, over ragged, rocky, (and sometimes wet or snow-covered,) terrain. The race passes over three mountain summits, encompassing 17,000 feet of elevation change and a major river crossing at the Hell’s Gate canyon, at the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur Rivers. The race winds through the background of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. You can contact Deathfest organizers at marketing@grandecache.ca
XTERRA ENDURO Off-Road Triathlon, Canmore, AB, August 4 - 5, 2012
XTERRA ENDURO will return to Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park in 2012, in a two-day format. A six lap, 3000m open water swim will take place at Canmore’s Quarry Lake on Saturday morning, Aug 4, at 10 a.m. Following the swim portion of the event, participants will drive to the Nordic Centre for the start of the 40km mountain bike portion beginning at 2 p.m. The trail run will take place on Sunday morning, Aug 5 at 10 a.m. For more information, or to register, go to www.smithevents.ca
4th Annual 2012 Jasper Motorcycle Run, Jasper, AB, August 25, 2012 (All day)
Jasper's third Motorcycle Poker Run will be on Saturday, August 25, 2012. Join us for a fun and fantastic day in the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. This is a ride with designated stations (to collect each playing card), that will take you through breathtaking landscapes to some of Jasper National Parks most scenic spots, so don’t forget your camera. There are four stations in the park that you can visit in any order. The last card will be drawn at the end of the ride when you return to the Jasper Motorcycle Run Headquarters. All riders must be back to headquarters by 5:00 pm to enter their hand for the grand prize. Participants will be provided with a map that includes the route and estimated travel times. Registration is $50. Extra Poker hands can be purchased for $50 per hand. For more information, please contact Jasper Motorcycle Tours (780) 931-6100 or email: inquiries@jaspermotorcycletours.com