Two full days of Celtic culture, August 30 – 31st in Canmore, Alberta.
The vein of Scottish culture that runs strong through Canmore’s community is celebrated annually through the Canmore Highland Games. Founded in 1884 as a coal mining town, and driven by the expansion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Scottish immigrants and their families settled in Canmore, bringing with them their customs and traditions.
Immerse yourself this Labour Day weekend in the majestic Canadian Rockies and the traditional sights and sounds, athleticism, and spirit of Scotland. Canmore is the Scottish Highlands of Canada on August 30-31.
Celtic custom
Reflecting rich Celtic custom, the weekend will be filled with music, dance and sports. Highland dancers of all ages, from near and far, will take the stage in dance competitions exhibiting strength, agility, and grace. The air will be filled with the sounds of the hundreds of pipers and drummers who come to win honours at the Piping and Drumming competitions. The closing ceremony is the finale of the day, where all bands will join the Massed Pipes & Drums of the Canmore Highland Games, and sometimes, move you to tears.
Central to the Canmore Highland Games, and a crowd favourite on the festival fields, are the heavy highland sports. Cheer for the athletes as they throw the hammer, try the stone put, and attempt to toss the caber end over end. These traditional athletic competitions showcase the strength, skill, and endurance of the players.
The Canmore Highland Games also serve as a gathering point for Scottish clans. Clan tents will be set up to share about the history and heritage of various Scottish clans. Perhaps you’ll find your people? Wander through the Celtic Market to find Highland garb and Celtic items of all descriptions. Peruse the British Car show. Watch the Sheepdogs at work herding. Enter in the Tug of War-there is something for everyone! We give cheers to our opening day with the Taste of the Highlands Saturday night, August 30th. Enjoy an evening in a Celtic Lounge atmosphere sipping wines and whiskeys, meads and ales from some of the world’s most celebrated producers. Appetizers will be served up by some of Canmore’s finest restaurants.
A vibrant celebration of Scottish culture
Over the two days of the Canmore Highland Games, festival tents will showcase additional entertainment from Celtic bands and Irish Step Dancers. An additional ticket can be purchased for a special Scotch-tasting experience. Be sure to join us for our BIG kitchen party, the Canmore Ceilidh, on Sunday night, August 31st. Back by popular demand, coming all the way from Glasgow, we have the Rollin Drones, a dynamic, energetic, 6-piece bagpipe pop band, here to close out our weekend of events with the party of the summer!
The Canmore Highland Games have grown significantly since their inception, becoming a major event in Canmore’s cultural calendar. Held annually on the Labour Day weekend, the games attract participants and spectators from across Canada and beyond. The event is a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture and a premier summer festival in the Rocky Mountains that you don’t want to miss.
Get all the details and tickets at: www.CanmoreHighlandGames.ca
All images courtesy of Canmore Highland Games.