Ticket and wristband pick-up will be available starting at 6:00 PM at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday evening, and from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM on Saturday at the Great Divide Trail booth in Gazebo Park.
Friday, June 12
Orpheum Theatre, Blairmore
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Ticket and wristband pick-up
7:00 PM – Mayor’s Welcome
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Kinjo Brothers
A Calgary-based family band blending soul, roots, reggae, and R&B with globally inspired sounds and energetic live performances.
Saturday, June 13
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Morning Walk Meet-Up: Alison Falls Loop (2 km)
This is not a guided hike.
Meet at the Atlas Staging Area (by the kiosk sign) for a casual group walk along the newly built Alberta Hiking Association Trail to Alison Falls. From the falls, the route follows the creek before connecting with the Great Divide Trail and returning to the Atlas Staging Area.
This is a moderate 2 km loop that is a great opportunity to meet fellow hikers, stretch your legs, and explore some of the area’s newest trail infrastructure.
Gazebo Park, Blairmore
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Trail Days Market
Local vendors, community groups, trail organizations, and outdoor exhibitors. Ticket and wristband pick-up at the Great Divide Trail Booth.
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Bear Hang Demo
Learn practical backcountry food storage techniques while having a great time!
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Animal Tracks Workshop with The Path Less Taken
An interactive wildlife tracking experience for all ages. Put your animal tracking abilities and investigative skills to the test in this interactive “Whodunit” adventure designed for all ages! Learn how to identify animal tracks and uncover clues from the natural world as you work together to solve an exciting “Conservation Caper.” Follow the evidence, crack the mystery, and discover the fascinating stories wildlife leaves behind!
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Live Music with Tynan Groves
Tynan Groves is an eclectic mix of many genres, he seamlessly moves his music from folk to metal, jazz to rap, punk to classical. His diverse repertoire comes from his study of jazz and a career spent freelancing in many different musical situations. Currently residing in the Crowsnest Pass Tynan relishes in the humour and joy of playing such a varied range of music.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Head in the Clouds with The Path Less Taken
Need a moment to recharge, reset, and reconnect? Step away from the rush of everyday life and immerse yourself in a refreshing Mindful Nature Moment experience. Slow down, breathe deeply, and discover the beauty of the natural world around you. Spend time with your “head in the clouds” as you mindfully gaze skyward, embark on a colourful scavenger hunt, and learn the creative art of Zentangling with Aspens. Through playful and calming activities, you’ll experience a unique and inspiring way to connect with your local landscape and leave feeling renewed, grounded, and energized.
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Knot Tying & Trail Survival
Visit Crowsnest Adventures at their table for this experiential learning opportunity focused on practical outdoor and trail survival skills.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Intro to Dehydrating 101
Tips and techniques for preparing dehydrated trail meals.
Elks Hall, Blairmore
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Planetarium Experience with Dark Sky Guides
Step inside an immersive dome theatre and explore the night sky through engaging storytelling and 360° visuals. Sign up for your timeslot at the Great Divide Trail Booth at Gazebo Park on Saturday 10-4pm
Aurora: Lights of Wonder
Duration: 29 minutes
The Aurora Borealis is an atmospheric phenomenon that has dazzled and inspired humans for millennia. Dive into this 360-degree cinematic experience and explore the stories, science, and secrets behind the dance of the Northern Lights. In this multi award-winning film you will learn what ancient civilizations believed about the Northern Lights, see the Northern Lights from the International Space Station, hear how scientists of the past and present have explained this spectacular phenomenon, and discover the secret behind the vibrant auroral colors. Thanks to the pioneering work of astrophotographer, Kwon O Chul, you can now experience firsthand the incredible dance of the Auroral ribbons of green and purple as never before.
Orpheum Theatre, Blairmore
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: How Recreational Trails Affect Plant Communities
Speaker: Heather Davis
Increases in visitation to protected areas coupled with natural disturbances make it challenging to meet both goals of conserving biodiversity and inspiring connection with the natural world. Researcher, Heather Davis, uncovers how recreational trails shift plant communities based on trail use levels, vegetation type, wildfire, and the interactions between them. Learn more about this research, see amazing pictures of Waterton Lakes National Park, and find out how you can be a more mindful explorer.
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Nibbles & Mingle
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Great Divide Trail Legacy Panel
Celebrating 50 Years of Wild with GDTA founders and legacy members Dave Higgins, Jeff Gruttz, Jenny Feick, Wayne Marshall, and Dan Wallace.
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Sid Marty & Wailback
Live music and storytelling inspired by the Rocky Mountains and Western Canada.
Sunday, June 14
Crowsnest Museum, Coleman
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Pancake Breakfast
Join us outside the Crowsnest Museum for a delicious breakfast cooked by Chris’s Restaurant and sponsored in part by Onemore and Sinister Sports.
Kindred Ground, Coleman
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Great Divide Trail Mural Reveal
This project has been a long time in the works, and we are thrilled to reveal the new Great Divide Trail mural on the side of Kindred Ground – location of the Crowsnest GDT Hiker Hang Tags.
Crowsnest Museum, Coleman
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Miners Path Walking Tour
Enjoy a leisurely 1.6km walk through the forest guided by an educator from the Crowsnest Museum. Learn about the nature of the Crowsnest Pass and the lives of the miners who once used the same trail.
Start and End Point: Crowsnest Museum Entrance
What to bring: The trail is considered easy but may be muddy after rainfall. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. The trail has stairs in sections, making it unsuitable for mobility devices or strollers.
Ophelia Outpost, Bellevue
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Great Divide Trail Meet-Up & Q&A
Connect with past, present, and future GDT hikers to share stories, ask questions, and talk about trail planning.
Thank you to our lead sponsor, Travel Alberta for making this event possible.
