What to Do in the Mountains in October

Celebrate Pride in Banff

When: October 3 to 13

The Banff Pride festival runs for 10 days and will have something for everyone with events taking place around Banff. On October 3, attend the Pride March & Flag Raising, then shop handmade jewellery, fashion, zines and more at the vendor market on October 4 and 11. Other events include Bingo on October 5 and a flow yoga class on October 9.

Multiple locations, Banff, banffpride.ca

Experience larch season with a fall hike

Unlike evergreen trees, alpine larches have soft needles that turn yellow in the autumn and fall off before winter — this is known as golden larch season in Alberta (which is usually mid-September to mid-October). There are many hikes you can take to see the golden, orange and yellow hues of the larches, but arguably one of the most popular is Ptarmigan Cirque in Kananaskis. With a duration of one to three hours and only a moderate elevation gain, this is an easy, leisurely hike that appeals to many people and provides ample views of the golden larches.

explorekananaskis.com

Attend a nature art exhibition opening in Canmore

When: Opening event on October 4; exhibition runs from October 3 to 23

A new exhibit with paintings that depict Alberta’s natural landscapes is running this month at Concourse by Elevation Gallery in Canmore. Sky, Stone and Prairie: Plein Air Perspectives of Alberta touches on the timelessness of land and the constant and evolving growth of nature. The paintings in this exhibit were painted outdoors in a technique known as plein air painting. Artist Samantha Williams Chapelsky will be in attendance at Elevation Gallery for the opening reception on October 4.

Concourse By Elevation Gallery, 106, 75 Dyrgas Gate, Canmore, 403-678-4771, hive-elevationgallery.com

Go to Jasper to take a sightseeing tour to B.C. on a bus and train

For those who want to take in many mountain sights at once, consider making the trip to Jasper to experience a train and bus journey with Via Rail and Sun Dog Tours. This amazing excursion combines a train journey and a sightseeing bus tour within just five to seven hours. Choose from two one-day Jasper Train Tours. One tour starts with the guided tour via coach bus from Jasper to McBride, B.C., where you will take a Via Rail train back from the McBride train station to the town of Jasper. The second tour starts with the Via Rail train ride from Jasper to McBride train station, where the Sun Dog Tours guide/driver will meet you and drive you back to Jasper for the bus tour. You will stop along the way at places like Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Rockies. The excursion is suitable for all ages.

sundogtours.com

Dress up for a Halloween party in Banff

When: October 31

This year’s Halloween event at the Fairmont Banff Springs promises a celebration with interactive surprises, installations, a live DJ, dancing and more. The theme is “A Dark Fairytale” and guests can expect the space to be transformed into a “fairytale forest.” The party is a ticketed event for hotel and non-hotel guests. VIP tickets include access to a VIP area with seating and table service at the Rundle Bar, light snacks and a welcome beverage.

Fairmont Banff Springs, 405 Spray Avenue, Banff, 403-762-2211, banff-springs-hotel.com

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