Stories From the Trails: Banff Adventures Annual Canoe for a Cause Supports Jasper Recovery Efforts

The beloved annual fundraiser, Canoe for a Cause, hosted by Banff Adventures, is returning on August 28 for a full day of paddling, friendly competition, and a celebration of our vibrant local life on the beautiful Bow River. This year, all funds raised will go to the Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund, established by the Banff Canmore Foundation (BCF), to support Jasper's wildfire response and recovery efforts.
 
Daryn McCutcheon, owner of Banff Adventures alongside his wife Kristen McCutcheon shared, "Canoe for a Cause has always been about giving back to the community as our staff and families feel so fortunate to be able to work and play where we do. It really hits hard to see what happened in Jasper so we felt strongly that this year we should contribute the proceeds to the Rocky Mountain Relief Fund and encourage others to do the same if they are able."

Banff Adventures is a local business that is deeply committed to improving life for everyone in Banff. Canoe for a Cause began humbly in 2015 at the Banff canoe docks, supporting local non-profits like Banff Daycare, the Food Bank, and the Canmore SPCA via BCF. Nearly a decade later, their commitment remains strong.

Since 2014, Banff Adventures has proudly operated the canoe docks as the Banff Canoe Club. "We have always seen it as a privilege to operate the canoe docks,” says Tanya Price, General Manager at Banff Adventures and a board member at Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT). She says it's inspiring to see how this privilege can benefit our community.

What’s New at Canoe for a Cause this Year?

While the Banff Canoe Club will operate as normal on August 28 and welcome visitors to explore the wonders of the Bow River with rentals or Big Canoe Tours, Canoe for a Cause will bring the community together to celebrate local life and raise funds for Jasper.

The donation to the BCF Rock Mountain Community Relief Fund is the most significant change for this years’ event. Tanya says the Banff Adventures team is grateful to be continuing its partnership with BCF with the bonus of supporting Jasper’s wildfire recovery. Typically, funds are donated to BCF which allocates them to various community needs, however this year has called for something different. Besides contributions from tour and rental sales on August 28, funds will also be raised through a silent auction that begins 10 am, August 25 and runs through to 8 pm, August 30.

“The silent auction is massive part of this event. Donations come from all over the Bow Valley - from local businesses and partners,” says Hannah Howells, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Banff Adventures who is organizing 2024’s Canoe for a Cause.

An Event for Everybody

When the whistle blows on August 28, six local teams will set sail on the river to compete against each other in the annual Big Canoe Races – one of the many fun activities scheduled throughout the day for Banff to enjoy. A special invite is extended to keen local businesses: “We’d like to invite all businesses in Banff to rent a big canoe and race each other’s teams on the Bow River!”

While the adults compete, there are plenty of fun activities for families and children. The iconic Barry the Beaver will be on hand to entertain, and families are encouraged to join a scavenger hunt along the water. This year, the event is expanding to some surprises for everyone, Hannah says.

How can BLLT Members Support?

The Banff Adventures team invites all BLLT members to join them in paddling for a very good cause on August 28! This special community day runs from 10 am - 7 pm at the Banff Canoe Club. Come before work, during your break, or after hours – there will be a barbeque and live music. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Donate to the silent auction between August 25 - 30 on the Canoe for a Cause Facebook page.
• Encourage your staff to rent a canoe and join in on the fun.
• Participate in the Big Canoe Races from 12:45 pm - 3:15 pm—a fantastic team-building activity!
• Spread the word by sharing the event on your business channels.
• Corporate pass holders, your pass won’t work during Canoe for a Cause, but come down to support and donate.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect and celebrate in the lead up to a busy long weekend while raising funds for the community of Jasper. Last year, Canoe for a Cause raised $12,000—let’s make this year the best one yet.

Event Details

When: August 28, 2024, 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Banff Canoe Club

Event Page

Stories from the Trails is a series sharing learning, success, and insights, from our members and partners as we journey together towards the 10-Year Vision for Tourism. This story embodies the Community Wellbeing trail.

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Share your story! What initiatives are happening in your business or organization that support our shared vision for tourism? Email us! members@banfflakelouise.com