Calgary 
The summer fun kicks off this weekend in June!
This is when the summer festival season starts to get going in Alberta. Below are some ideas on how to enjoy those local festivals around the province and how to make a weekend vacation out of each. Also included are some other weekend getaway ideas for June 9th that include more of getting back to nature.
The Wildflowers of Waterton
The Prince of Wales Hotel fills up fast; check this hotel first if you prefer to stay here. You can also book tours through the hotel.
Parks Canada operate a campground in Waterton’s townsite. They operate more, but one is closed, and the other is only for RVs, thanks to recent bear activity.
Big Knife Provincial Park
You have everything you need at this park for a wonderful spring camping trip, especially in this warm spring weather. Big Knife Provincial Park is on the banks of the Battle River. And it is on the part of the river where there are large separations from land and extra places to explore on a boat. Kayaking and canoeing are popular on this slower-moving Alberta river. The campground has a mix of treed-in sites and more open campsites. The camping here is all unserviced and first-come, first-served. The river is great for fishing, while the surrounding hills are perfect for a hike.
Where: 40 km east of Stettler on Hwy. 12 & 20 km north on Hwy. 855 (just west off Hwy. 855)
How much: $30 per night
Ponoka & Red Deer Pride Festivals
June is officially Pride Month in Alberta. Get loud, get proud, and get out to Red Deer or Ponoka to take part in the celebrations. Both cities will host Pride festivals next weekend, but there is time to check out both. Red Deer’s annual 2nd Pride in the Park is June 10-11, while Ponoka’s Pride Society’s Pride in the Park is June 10th only. Ponoka and Red Deer are about a 45-minute drive apart on Highway 2. This area has a huge number of hotels and motels. Additionally, camping is available at Sylvan Lake to the west, and Rochon Sands to the east.
When: June 10-11
Sylvan Lake for 1913 Days
Book yourself a place to stay in or near Sylvan as soon as you can for this local festival. From June 8-11, Sylvan celebrates 1913 Days, an ode to the community here. Visitors show up dressed for 1913, while activities like the antique car show can take you back in time as well. Other festivities include a soapbox derby, an art show, a movie in the park, dances, and a farmers’ market.
When: June 8-11, 2023
Where: Sylvan Lake
Devon Days
Head to Devon Days for a weekend of non-stop fun! Enjoy for rides, games, and tasty treats at the annual event. Take your family downtown to enjoy the parade, Family Fun Fair, and Devon Artisan Market. Feast on delicious food from over 20 vendors and support the Devon Legion’s BBQ. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks by Aerial Fireworks. Saturday brings a charity breakfast, parade, jam session, comedy night, and more. Sunday offers a pancake breakfast, arts market, show & shine, and plenty of entertainment. Get ready for a weekend packed with laughter and excitement!
When: June 8-11, 2023
Where: Various Venues, Devon
Awesome! Uplift Adventures offers wildflower identification classes in Waterton 🙂 This might add value to your blog.