On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park in Canmore, Alberta will host the Spirit North Festival, a day-long celebration of cross-country skiing, cultural activities and land-based education aimed at Indigenous youth and the wider community. The event, now listed on the Alberta Parks events calendar, marks a major partnership between Alberta Parks, Spirit North and the Canmore Nordic Ski Club.
Spirit North, a national charity founded by Olympic champion Beckie Scott, plans to welcome hundreds of students and youth from communities across Alberta. The festival-style format focuses on participation and skill-building rather than competition, with guided ski sessions, traditional teachings and team-building exercises. Organizers say the festival requires specific trail grooming and use of the stadium area, which could limit regular day-use access for local skiers and families during the peak spring-break window. Past festivals in 2024 and 2025 saw record attendance, drawing youth delegations from communities such as Morley (Stoney Nakoda) and Maskwacis.
“Spirit North is a national charitable organization that uses land-based activities to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous youth, empowering them to become unstoppable in sport, school and life,” reads the mission statement on the Spirit North website. Beckie Scott, who was named chief executive officer of Nordiq Canada effective March 2025 and who served as Spirit North’s CEO until 2024, continues to be the founder and public face of Spirit North and remains involved as an advocate for the festival. Local Indigenous leaders from the Stoney Nakoda Nations are expected to play a ceremonial and advisory role as the event takes place on Treaty 7 territory, reflecting the festival’s focus on reconciliation and cultural connection.
The Canmore Nordic Ski Club will coordinate volunteers for trail marshaling, equipment support and food service. The club often provides the volunteer base for large events at the Centre; organizers have not yet announced a formal call for volunteers or confirmed training dates. Community members interested in volunteering or attending can contact Spirit North or the Canmore Nordic Ski Club for details on registration and attendance limits. Details and any trail advisories will be available via the Alberta Parks events calendar and through festival organizers’ announcements. The festival offers an opportunity for families, youth groups and local residents to take part in reconciliation-focused programming at a world-class facility.
