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Eat the Castle and other Shoulder Season Touring Ideas

a close up of a castle

We have our award-winning Eat the Castle and other Shoulder Season  Touring ideas for you. But first, Why Is Shoulder Season so Popular?

The peak season bustles for a few reasons. Kids are out of school and the weather generally cooperates (snowy for winter sports and warm for almost every other activity). But, those pluses come with the minuses of high prices and crowds. In the mountains, there’s definite accessibility and affordability issues.

That’s where the shoulder season shines. Below are a few of the top reasons that people love exploring during this time of year.

  • Fewer crowds: Whether you’re hitting the hiking trails or enjoying one of our food tours, the shoulder season will have less congestion on popular trails, and easier access to our tours and famous attractions.
  • Cheaper flights: You can save money during off-peak months.
    • According to Nerdwallet, “airfares averaged 23% cheaper when booked for shoulder season versus peak season travel.”
  • Cheaper accommodations: You can find Airbnbs, hotels, and even hostels at lower rates at this time.
  • Mild weather: You can avoid intense summer heat or winter cold. In some cases, the weather during shoulder season can actually be better than peak season.
  • Discounts and deals: From bike rentals to hiking tours and everything in between — you can find deals on activities, accommodations, and more during the shoulder season — potentially even from Alberta Food Tours if you subscribe to our newsletter!
  • Opportunities to work remotely in a new destination: In recent years, bleisure (business + leisure) has become a thing. It is easier to book a trip during the shoulder season with some overlap with work.

So what are our Shoulder Season Offerings?

  • Eat the Castle: Our most popular tour, and the only food tour with access to the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Castle in the Rockies, continues Thursdays and Fridays until mid-October and Fridays until mid-December. After being sold out most of the summer, it is much easier to get your spot now.
  • Alberta Food Finder:  These self-guided tours in Calgary, Canmore are available year round and on the Yellowhead between Jasper and Edmonton until Thanksgiving weekend. You choose when you do it. The guiding and all our fun stories are in your phone.
  • Calgary Farmers’ Market Brunch and Tour: Catch this fun tour the last Sunday of each month until the end of November.
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