5 winter festivals in Canada to kick off your year

As the temperatures dip, and dip, and dip some more, it might be tempting to curl up in front of the fire with a good book. But we’d rather embrace the chill! Break out your warmest party clothes and check out these great winter celebrations of sport, food and culture. 

An immersive new winter experience in Banff

It’s a journey inspired by the magic of the Rocky Mountains and powered by the energy of reconciliation. Kirsten Ryder, training and development director for the Stoney Nakoda Nation, calls it “reconcili-action.”

Nightrise, which launched on December 2 at the Banff Gondola in Banff, Alta., is a multimedia nighttime experience created by the Stoney Nakoda Nation in partnership with the tech-meets-art wizards at Montreal’s Moment Factory. It begins aboard the gondola on its eight-minute journey up Sulphur Mountain and centres around four levels of outdoor and indoor experiences on the observation decks and exhibition spaces at the Sulphur Mountain summit.

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Introducing Canadian Geographic Adventures

With a focus on supporting domestic tourism, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, along with its media brand Canadian Geographic, is collaborating with trusted Canadian travel operators to deliver Canadian Geographic Adventures, a designated travel collection. In addition to showcasing outstanding experiences in every province and territory,  Can Geo Adventures will continue to offer extraordinary opportunities for international expeditions, when it is safe to do so. Guests who travel within the designated travel collection are embraced by the fabric of place, the warmth of people and the diversity of culture on every voyage. Travelling with purpose and driven by curiosity, guests support local communities and economies, learn as they take part in a sustainable travel experience, and build memories to last a lifetime — all while supporting renowned Canadian companies and the Society through every booking. Watch this space and our website for more details in the new year.

Is it high time for cannabis tourism in Canada?

Dave Dormer isn’t who you’d expect to find at the forefront of Canada’s budding cannabis tourism industry. The veteran Calgary-based journalist has covered everything from crime stories for Sun Media to culture and politics for the CBC and CTV. He’s a reporter passionate about the truth — and that passion has flowed into educating everyone about the history of cannabis.  

“We were lied to for 94 years about an amazing plant that has aided humans for millennia,” he tells me over Zoom. “There’s a lot of reprogramming to do, a lot to learn, and a lot of fun to be had.” 

Dormer launched Cannanaskis Cannabis Tours in 2018, inspired by the beauty of the Rockies and his fascination with the history and usage of cannabis. Dave dismisses what he calls “Cheech and Chong Hot Box Tours” that appeal to students looking to party. Instead, he offers his guests transport, storytelling, a gourmet meal, education, and the opportunity to consume in a safe and interesting environment.   

Read the full story from Bucket Listed columnist Robin Esrock

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