Heather & Steve · August 24, 2026

The Plan

Here's how it will all unfold, weather permitting! Make sure to scroll down for important ceremony details and helicopter safety information.

SUNDAY

August 23, 2026

~10:30 AM

Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise UPDATE

We've arranged for a shuttle van to take us from Canmore to the beautiful Lake Minnewanka.
Enjoy a lakeside lunch (provided), and an optional short 2.8 km round-trip hike to the Stewart Canyon bridge for those interested.
At 12:45 PM we'll check in for a one-hour boat cruise, after which we'll shuttle back to Canmore.

5:30 PM

Rehearsal Dinner in Canmore

Bridgette Bar

1030 Spring Creek Drive, Canmore (map)

MONDAY 💍

August 24, 2026

5:30 AM

🫣

Hair & Makeup at Heather's

Susan (hair), Cheryl (hair), Diana (hair & makeup)

706 10th St., Unit 202, Canmore (map)

10:15 AM

Flight Safety Briefing (mandatory)

Alpine Helicopters

91 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore (map)

11 AM–3 PM

Wedding Ceremony & Picnic 🚁

Read the complete ceremony details below for important safety information.

6 PM

Celebration Dinner in Banff

The Maple Leaf Steak & Seafood, Caribou Room

137 Banff Ave, Banff (map)

TUESDAY

August 25, 2026

Afternoon

Banff Upper Hot Springs (optional)

Bring a swimsuit!

parks.canada.ca

WEDNESDAY

August 26, 2026

Evening

Farewell

Safe travels everyone 🏔️

Helicopter Ceremony

The ceremony takes us into the mountains via Alpine Helicopters, accompanied by our certified mountain guide, Martha. We'll get married, have a picnic and take photos in a quiet meadow atop Mount Charles Stewart, an 8-minute flight from Canmore.

Weather permitting, our helicopter will shuttle us in three groups beginning at 11:00 AM — with the last group departing around 11:30 AM. We'll have a few hours on the mountain before return flights begin around 2:15 PM.

🎒

What to Bring

Bring a securely-closing daypack — open bags will spill during flight
Pack a rain jacket, warm fleece or windproof layer, and a water bottle — it's 10°C colder and windier up top
Everything that goes up must come down — the marmots will eat surprising things and we don't want to attract bears
No confetti, rose petals, or alcohol — all prohibited by the operator

👟

Footwear

Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are required
Do not wear dress shoes on the helicopter, and definitely no heels on the mountain
For example: Heather will wear sneakers with her wedding dress, and Steve will be wearing hiking boots with his suit.

🌤️

Weather & Backup

Mountain weather changes fast — all flights are weather-dependent
If conditions aren't safe, we'll postpone or find another location — either way, we're getting married!

Explore Canmore

Here are some suggestions for activities in and around Canmore and Banff.

Activities

🚶

Policeman's Creek Boardwalk

A flat, easy stroll along the creek right through central Canmore.

explorecanmore.ca

🏞️

Bow River Loop Trail

A scenic loop along the Bow River with views of the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak. Flat and accessible, with the river never far from sight.

explorecanmore.ca

🚴

Cycle Canmore to Banff

The Legacy Trail connects Canmore and Banff along a dedicated paved path with stunning mountain scenery. Bikes and e-bikes are available to rent in both towns.

🎨

Downtown Canmore

Wander Main Street for local shops, galleries, and great restaurants.

visitdowntowncanmore.com

🛶

Canmore River Float

Float the Bow River through the Canmore valley — an easy, scenic way to spend a warm afternoon. Several local outfitters rent tubes and offer shuttle service.

🥾

Johnston Canyon

A spectacular trail through a limestone gorge in Banff National Park, with catwalks along the canyon walls leading to a series of waterfalls.

banfflakelouise.com

🚡

Banff Gondola

Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for 360° views of six mountain ranges. Boardwalk at the top, restaurant, and the historic Sanson's Peak weather station.

banffjaspercollection.com

♨️

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Historic mineral hot springs on Sulphur Mountain, open year-round. Suits and towels available to rent on-site.

parks.canada.ca

🏔️

Lake Louise

Walk the lakeshore, take in the Chateau Fairmont backdrop, or rent a canoe to paddle the brilliant blue water. Parking can be a challenge — arrive very early or take public transport.

parks.canada.ca