Get out your toques and boots, scarves and mitts. Fleece and down are clothing basics for a Canadian winter. Locals put on their woollies and make fun of the cold. Proper gear and layered clothing are essential to playing in the snow. Bundle up and relish any outing because the blue sky, sunny days just continue. New winter sports make the return to your cosy BVM bunker that much sweeter.

     There's always something fun happening in Canmore: Bow Valley Motel shoulder season savings apply throughout November and again in April.

     Join the march to see the larches and all the fall colours mid to end September; Canmore Nordic Centre (CNC) trail system opens for recreational cross-country skiing in November.

     Fall/Winter events include the Festival of Eagles migration which begins mid-Oct. weekend; the Vic Lewis Band Festival early November; dinner theatre with Pine Tree Players (fall and spring productions), Canmore Artists and Artisans Guild (CAAG) gallery exhibits and Christmas Craft Fairs from end-October

     New Year's Eve family Party on the Pond (skating, hot chocolate, hay wagon tours of Christmas lights) or in the Park (bonfire, entertainment and fireworks December 31st); Winter Festival including kid and mutt family dog-sledding, hockey, ski races during the last week in January. Enquire about Alberta Sled Dog Classic dog team race and a number of cross-country ski races, from recreational to world cup events.