Summer Kickoff Week
Summit Shaker - Summer Kickoff Week
Celebrate with your community.
Celebrate with your community.
June 2- 7, 2026 – Canmore & the Bow Valley
At home in the mountains.
Ever shifting mountainscapes, trees stretching to meet the sky, the drum of cold rushing water — in the mountains we find solace, connection, adventure and the feeling of being alive. Summit Shaker: Summer Kickoff Week is five days of trail runs, safety workshops, climbing sessions, and community gathering designed to strengthen the bonds that make the Bow Valley special. Up here, the stories strike deeper, the friendships hold harder, and the experiences are the kind that stick to your soul. Join us June 2–7 to kick off the best summer yet.
The Main event
The Summit Shaker
This party marks the official start of summer in the Bow Valley! Enjoy delicious food & drinks from Grizzly Paw BBQ, and live music from local band, The Brews! There will also be community partners, games, and epic prizes to be won.
Find out more about the event.
Grizzly Paw BBQ Beer Garden, Canmore
Week Schedule
Tuesday, June 2
Community Trail Run
6:00 pm at the Canmore Alpine Hostel
With Canmore Trail Culture
Canmore Trail Culture and the ACC invites the Bow Valley community to come together for social, relaxed trail run. It’s suitable for all levels – simply choose your speed group from ‘herbal tea’ to ‘caffeinated’! The scenic route is designed to be accessible for beginners while still engaging for experienced runners.
After roughly an hour on the trail, attendees return to the clubhouse to unwind on the deck, enjoy a drink and connect with the community. This is always a great chance to plan your next adventure with new friends!
Wednesday, June 3
Summer Safety in the Mountains
Presented by Alpine Helicopters
7:00 – 9:00 pm at Canmore Brewing Co.
With ACMG guides, RECCO & Kananaskis Mountain Rescue
This educational evening brings together experts from local safety organizations and ACMG guides for a practical, engaging session on summer mountain safety. Topics may include wildlife encounters, weather awareness, navigation basics, trip planning, and risk management. The presentation will be follwed by a Q&A.
Ideal for community members looking to feel more confident exploring the Bow Valley this summer.
Friday, June 5
Outdoor Plein Air Painting Workshop
5:30 pm at Canmore Alpine Hostel
With Girls* On Ice Canada
Girls* on Ice Canada invites you to join Megan Leung for a free outdoor plein air painting workshop. This session will explore how the worlds of climate science, art and mountain exploration all weave together (the core of Girls* on Ice Canada programming), and you will be guided through the creative process as a means of connecting with nature, alongside some tips for various art mediums. This session is suitable for all skill levels and materials will be provided. In the case of inclement weather, this session will be held indoors.
View Megan’s art portfolio here.
Saturday, June 6 — Morning
Ha Ling Hike
With the ACC Rocky Mountain Section
6:00 am from Ha Ling parking lot
Start your day on a high note! This Ha Ling hike is suitable for all levels, and guarantees a great workout, gorgeous views, and the company of like-minded outdoorspeople. Meet in the parking lot just as the world is waking up, and enjoy a free pancake breakfast on your return!
Saturday, June 6 — Morning
Grizzly Peak Scramble
With the ACC Rocky Mountain Section
8:00 am from Grizzly Peak parking lot
Ready to push your skills a little further? Join the ACC Rocky Mountain Section leaders for a hike up Grizzly Peak. Along the way, you’ll learn tips from experienced leaders, build comfort in route-finding on the rock, and take in the dramatic views that make Grizzly such a classic. Whether you’re preparing for bigger objectives or simply want to challenge yourself in a supportive environment, this scramble is a fantastic next step.
Saturday, June 6 — Morning
Climbing
With the ACC Calgary Section
9:00 am – Wasootch Crag
Saturday, June 6 & Sunday, June 7
Introduction to Sport Climbing
With ACMG guides & ACC Adventures
New to the rock? This two-day introductory course is your gateway into the Bow Valley’s world-class climbing community. Led by ACMG-certified guides, you’ll learn foundational outdoor climbing skills in a safe, structured environment — from movement and technique to gear and safety systems.
The goal is simple: build confidence, make connections, and leave with the skills to keep climbing. Group gear including ropes is provided. No previous outdoor climbing experience required. Whether you’ve climbed indoors before or never touched a wall, this is the place to start.
Event Partners
