2020. Hm, I haven’t had 20/20 vision since I was a little kid, but maybe this is the year in which I’ll begin to see things clearly. In the Chinese zodiac, 2020 will be the year of the rat - and the first year in a new 12-year cycle (which officially begins on January 25th). While I can’t tell you what lies ahead next year, what I do know is this: living in the Bow Valley is all about getting outside and enjoying the companionship found in our warm and welcoming community. 

On New Year’s Eve, there’s no better place to set the tone for a healthy, out-doorsy year than down at the pond where Canmore locals gather to celebrate the end of one year and the arrival of the next.  

Canmore New Years Eve Fireworks & Party

December 31, 2019
Party on the Pond – from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm (7th Ave and Mallard Alley)
Things get started early for those with young kids or who want to get a jump on the evening’s festivities. If that sounds like you, the pond is the place to be! Warm yourself at one of the roasty, toasty bonfires, dig out those ice skates, and listen to live music by Elk Run and Riot while sipping on hot chocolate and snacking on street food from local vendors. Family fireworks start at 8 pm. 

Midnight Fireworks at Millennium Park (1st Street and 5th Avenue)

When things begin to wind down at the pond, meander down the road to grab a bite to eat on Main Street before catching the midnight fireworks at Millennium Park. The Canmore Hotel is open late and a great place for refuelling before continuing your evening.

Resolution Flow: A Journey from Head to Heart with Erin Evans

December, 31, 6 pm - 8 pm
The Yoga Lounge, 200 - 826 Main Street, Canmore, Alberta T1W 2B7

Looking to unwind and regroup as the year comes to a close? Here’s a wonderful way to ease into 2020! Come enjoy an evening of yoga (all-levels) that integrates live drummers, intention-setting, hands on assists, and prizes from the Banff Yoga Festival, Lululemon, and The Yoga Lounge! Use the drumming rhythms and your body to silence your noisy mind and instead access the whispers that lie within your heart.  What’s your life vision for 2020? 

Check the Yoga Lounge website for prices. 

Yuk Yuk’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Night at Tank310

December 31, 2019, 10 pm
Tank310, 310 Old Canmore Road

No year should begin (or end) without a good belly laugh. The folks at Tank310 agree with that philosophy! Head on down to Grizzly Paw’s Tank310 as they welcome Yuk Yuk's to Canmore for a fabulous New Years Eve Comedy Night! There are three ticket options to choose from starting with the Dad Joke Level Ticket (a single ticket, 1 beer, and party favours for $45), then the Chuckle Ticket (which includes a ticket, party favours & 2 pints (or a glass of wine for $50), and finally the top-of-the-line, no holds barred Kneeslapper Ticket (which includes 4 drinks, 2 tickets, party favours & meat & charcuterie board for a hundred bucks). 

No matter what type of ticket you buy, the laughs are unlimited (though the number of available tickets is not…) If you’re already giggling in anticipation, then get your tickets now or you’re at risk for starting 2020 with an upside-down smile… never a good thing

Masquerade at the Malcolm

December 31, 6 pm - 1 am
The Malcolm Hotel, 321 Spring Creek Drive

What’s a new year without a masquerade ball? If you’re like me and love to dress up, then this is the event for you. The fun begins at 6 pm with a reception, followed by dinner from 7-9 pm and then dancing from 9 pm to 1 am with a short interlude of celebratory cheering and kissing at midnight.

If you haven’t had a chance yet to check out the Malcolm Hotel, this is your moment. The hotel is lovely and I can’t imagine a better way to begin the new year than enjoying a scrumptious buffet dinner and dancing the night away to live music performed by the Elektric Squirrels. Even better, splurge and purchase a guest room package so you only need to toddle up to your room after the evening’s festivities wind down. No need to scrape off the car, worry about driving while tipsy or having to make the bed on the first day of a brand new year.

Remember Us When You’re Having a Great Time!

If you find yourself out and about and enjoying one (or more) of the fun activities going on in Canmore on New Year’s Eve, take a moment to snap a photo, post to IG and/or Facebook and be sure to tag us @tastecanmore. We suffer from terrible FOMO and can’t be everywhere at once, but with your help, we won’t have to miss out on any of the fun!