It’s hard to think of an activity more idyllic and wholesome than picking berries on a mountain. Every year, this is exactly what participants get to do at the Castle Mountain Resort Huckleberry Festival.

Located just 50 km west of Pincher Creek in southwest Alberta, the Castle Mountain Resort is a popular ski destination that becomes covered with huckleberries in the summertime. Families and people of all ages flock to the resort to fill their buckets and experience the beautiful weather. This year’s Huckleberry Festival is scheduled to take place from Friday, August 24th to Sunday, August 26th. It is always held during the fourth weekend of August.

Hundreds of participants come from all over to take part in the festival and pick their share of huckleberries. Festivalgoers get to ride the appropriately named Huckleberry Chairlift up to the Haig Mountain ridge, where thousands of ripe huckleberry bushes can be found this time of year. While the chairlift provides the easiest and most direct access to the huckleberries, they can also be found all over the surrounding mountains at sub-alpine elevations.

Huckleberries grow in abundance throughout the Rocky Mountains. They are small and round, and red, blue, or purple in colour depending on the species. There are four main species of huckleberries that grow throughout the Castle Mountain Resort area. Some huckleberries taste quite similar to blueberries while others have a more distinct flavour, ranging in levels of sweetness and tartness.

For berry picking, it is recommended that you bring along a proper bucket with a tight-fitting lid that will keep all of your berries securely inside. Dress for the weather and don’t forget to pack water, sunscreen, and bug spray as well. Also, keep in mind that you are in bear country. It is best to travel in groups of four or more and to bring along bear spray.

While the full-weekend event is centred on huckleberry picking, it includes many other fun activities as well. There is an annual roast, plenty of other delicious food and drink, a vendor’s market, live musical entertainment on the Huckleberry stage, lots of activities for children to enjoy, and guided hikes throughout the beautiful area.

There is no charge to gain entry into the Huckleberry Festival grounds or to enjoy festival activities such as the live musical entertainment. The festival is designed to allow anyone to stop by and enjoy the fun atmosphere and good music for a few hours, no matter their budget.

Food, beverages, and lift rides at the festival, however, do come at an extra cost. To make the most of your time at the Huckleberry Festival, you may want to consider purchasing an all-access pass. The Huckleberry Fest pass costs $49 for children ages six to 12 and $69 for adults ages 13 and up. It provides unlimited scenic lift rides, access to breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and access to a breakfast buffet on Sunday.

The Castle Mountain Resort Huckleberry Festival offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the Castle Mountain area in the summertime. It is the only summer festival at this winter destination, and volunteers work hard to bring it all together. This fun summer tradition is definitely worth checking out.