Planning a trip late in the summer in Alberta has never been so easy!
Castle Mountain Resort
We’ve found you festivals, cabins, campsites, and parks to check out this weekend, each of which offers its own unique activities for filling your vacation time.
Southern Alberta will be busy this weekend, with two festivals in Lethbridge, another down the highway in Lethbridge and the Castle Mountain Resort festival.
Provincial Park camping is almost full, but you can still find a couple of sites! And no matter where you go this weekend, keep in mind that it is migratory bird season, so you will be able to spot certain wildlife that only comes around once a year.
Wabamun Lake Provincial Park
If you book soon, you can still get a campsite at Wabamun Lake Campground, where there are several activities for filling your weekend. The campground is on Moonshine Bay, a quieter area of the lake, so if you are simply looking for somewhere to relax, then it still makes a great destination! You can laze on the sand or in the water, enjoy sunsets over the lake, or take a boat ride. The campsites are a mix of power and non-powered.
Where: Parkland County
How much: $37-$45 per night
Family Wilderness Cabin
Spend your weekend relaxing in this authentic countryside cabin. You can spend the day doing nothing at all on your private veranda or exploring the nearby trails. On rainy nights, you can relax by your indoor wood-burning stove or out by the fire pit on clear nights. If you want to get out and explore, Cross Lake Provincial Park is a short drive and offers even more outdoor recreation.
Where: Athabasca County, exact location provided upon booking
How much: $150 per night
More Things to Do:
Babas & Borsch Ukrainian Festival
While an annual celebration, the 2022 Babas & Borscht Ukrainian Festival commemorates a special milestone and marks the 130th anniversary of Lamont County being a “Cradle of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada.” Come out and celebrate through food, music, dance, art, and kids’ activities. You’ll find a few options for camping in the area between Andrew, Bruderheim, Elk Island, Lamont, and Mundare. Each of these areas has its own pieces of Ukrainian art or culture to appreciate, too!
When: August 27-28, 2022
Where: Lamont Recreation Complex 4844-49 St, Lamont
How much: free
Taber for Cornfest
This big festival in the smaller town of Taber celebrates everything corn through fun aimed at all ages. Start Cornfest with the parade, and continue enjoying the weekend with the live music, other entertainment, midway rides, the chilli cookoff, a show and shine, and the finale fireworks. There are two municipal campgrounds on the north side of Taber, or the Taber RV Park on the south end of town.
When: August 25-27, 2022
Where: Taber & District Chamber of Commerce in Taber
How much: Free
Elkwater Lake for the Battle Creek Showdown
The Battle Creek Showdown, in the town of Elkwater, can make for an exciting weekend of races and parties. The mountain bike race is free to spectate and will be paired with live music and food vendors set up around town. Campsites are available for the weekend through the Provincial Park, with tent and RV sites, or cabins.
When: August 27, 2022
Where: Elkwater, Cypress Hills PP
How much: festival attendance free
Lethbridge for two Festivals
Lethbridge’s Whoop up Days and Electronic Music Festival are both scheduled for this weekend, giving you getaway inspiration for one with kids or one with your friends. Whoop-Up Days includes a Pro Rodeo, pow wow and pageant, a parade, midway, and art show, all in one weekend! The LEMF is an all-ages event, so a trip with your family can easily include both or either festival. Throughout the city and around Lethbridge are several hotel or camping options.
Whoop-Up Days: August 23-27
LEMF: August 27
Big Fish Bay RV Resort
Of all the times to visit Lesser Slave Lake, late August is the best! You can find several available spots for your weekend with the Big Fish Bay RV resort, who offer camping, cabins, and bungalows for larger groups. And why is this a good time to secure a spot with Big Fish Bay? Slave Lake is home to hundreds of species of birds, many of which are migrating south, and can only be viewed at this time of year. And if you crave a swim, this time of year guarantees the warmest water at the beach.
Where: town of Slave Lake
How much: $25-$165
Huckleberry Festival
Head to Castle Mountain Resort for scenic chair rides and picking huckleberries. The popular weekend features live music, vendors, games, hiking, berry picking, activities for young and old, BBQ’s, a down home community supper and more. The Huckleberry Chairlift is open for scenic tours, as well as to give easy access to the Huckleberries.
When: August 26 & 27, 2022
Where: Castle Mountain Resort, Pincher Creek No. 9
How much: Admission to festival grounds is free of charge. Meals, beverages, and lift rides available at cost.
Red Bull Outliers
Watch FIM Hard Enduro World Championships in Calgary or Steveville this weekend. Starting Saturday at Olympic Plaza in the heart of downtown Calgary, riders will tackle a challenging custom closed obstacle track built by Calgary’s own pro-rider Shane Cuthbertson. Over 250 riders from around the world will be racing in
front of the public.
The second day takes us to the iconic Canadian Badlands, which will offer some of the purest and most breathtaking enduro terrain for all levels of ability.
Red Bull Outliers
When: August 27 & 28, 2022
Where: Calgary & Steveville
How much: Free for spectators