Well, folks, despite having plenty of Halloween candy leftover from this weekend, spooky season has officially come to a close. Luckily, there are still plenty of mid-holiday things to do! The best part? We certainly don’t have to travel very far to find them. From one-of-a-kind experiences to day trips with incredible views, relaxing weekend getaways, and festivals, here are 10 of the most exciting things to do in the Rocky Mountains this November.
SPARK YOUR CREATIVITY AT THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM AND BOOKS FESTIVAL
Featuring guest speakers, new films, authors, journalists, and creatives, Banff’s annual Mountain Film and Books festival is back for its 46th year. This month, don’t miss your chance to mix, mingle and watch incredible pieces made in celebration of summits all over the world.
When: Until Sunday, November 7th
Where: Various locations (see above)
Time: See above
Cost: $15+
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JASPER PLANETARIUM TELESCOPE EXPERIENCE
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This November, join astronomy guides on a journey through constellations, space, and time at the Jasper Planetarium. then, wander the beautiful grounds of the world’s largest accessible astronomy park, hear stories, and take a guided binocular tour of the milky way.
When: Tours throughout Novmeber
Where: 1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper
Cost: $40 +
Instagram: @jasperplanetarium
WANDER THE YAMNUSKA DOG SANCTUARY
Have a day to spare? You have to visit the Yamnuska Dog Sanctuary where this November, you can get up close and personal with an actual pack of wolves safely. During this once-in-a-lifetime tour, learn, listen and tour the facility with a guided expert while you totally fall in love with Alberta’s biggest and most beautiful pups – then leave with a new appreciation for wildlife.
Where: 263156 Range Road 53 Cochrane, Alberta
Cost: $23+
Instagram: @yamnuskawdsanct
HAVE A MOUNTAINTOP CHRISTMAS
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This season, take your festivities to new heights with the up-and-coming Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas, a magical event that will knock the socks right off of your fireplace. Here, guests are invited to climb aboard one of their sky sleighs and take in the unreal mountaintop views, wildlife, and powder below. Once at the summit, you can browse Santa’s workshop, decorate cookies, roll your own maple taffy and watch a film in their comfy cozy theatre with the big man himself.
When: Saturday, November 20th – December 9th & December 20th – 30th
Where: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Time: 11 am – 8 pm
Cost: $42+
Instagram: @banffgondola
SNOWSHOE UNDER THE STARS
This November, enjoy the great outdoors and up your next date night with this one-of-a-kind experience. On this unique excursion, Calgarians will follow a skilled guide on a fresh, starlit tour through forest and snow, then can sip hot cocoa in a secluded meadow. They’ll bring the drinks, the lamps, and the telescope, and all you have to bring is yourself, and a good jacket!
When: Saturday, November 5th, 6th, 12th & 13th
Where: Kananaskis Village Centre- 1 Mt. Sparrowhawk Crescent
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $84.99
Instagram: @kanoutfitters
WIND DOWN AT THE NORDIC SPA
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After all of that Halloween partying and before the Christmas craziness, why not spend a day at the Nordic Spa where you can totally unwind, disconnect and relax. From facials and massages, this alpine sanctuary has everything you’ll need to revamp before things pick right back up again next month.
Where: 1 Centennial Dr, Kananaskis
Cost: Prices vary
Instagram: @knordicspa
TAKE A BREWZ N’ BOOZE TOUR
This November, pick a weekend and round your closest pals for a beer tour, unlike any others. From live entertainment, lunch, and of course – all the brew you can drink, Alberta’s brand new excursion will have you laughing, sipping, and stumbling your way through the mid-season.
When: Dates vary
Where: Locations vary
Time: Times vary
Cost: $200 +
Instagram: @brewznbooze
ENJOY A JASPER TRAIN TOUR
This November, see everything that Jasper has to offer from behind the window of a speeding train. From forest views to mountain ranges, this incredible train tour will take you from the Historic Dunster Train Station to Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.
When: See dates here
Where: 414 Connaught Street, Jasper AB
Cost: $65+
Instagram: @sundogtourco
EXPLORE THE CAVES OF BANFF
Think you can’t enjoy an outdoor adventure with snow on the ground? Think again! A Banff Adventures Grotto Tour is maybe the most unique (and also the most terrifying) way to experience Alberta’s Rockies year-round. On this tour, you’ll embark on a one-of-a-kind, 4 to 6 km adventure through the caverns below Alberta’s Bow Valley and learn about our province’s natural history, so we hope you’re not claustrophobic!
When: Tours throughout November
Where:211 Bear Street – Banff, Alberta
Cost: $135 +
Instagram: @BanffAdventures
DINE LIKE ROYALTY IN FAIRMONT BANFF’S 360° DOME
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This November, indulge outdoors in Fairmont’s new 360° Dome dining room – an unbeatable private venue with unreal food and a spectacular view. Located on their Upper Garden Terrace, the dome will feature a gourmet brunch, afternoon charcuterie, and an extravagant 5-course menu. Check out the pricing above!
When: Year-round
Where: 405 Spray Avenue Banff, AB
Time: See times above
Cost: $125+
Instagram: @Fairmontbanff
Well, Alberta, that’s what we’ve got in mind for some great activities in the Rockies this month! We hope that you can make the most of it.
