Join in the fun and community spirit as we celebrate the life and culture of Tumbler Ridge. Our year-round, all-ages activities exploring arts and recreation are one more reason this is a great place to be. More than a dozen annual festivals and events highlight our active and talented community, including the best Canada Day fireworks in the entire Peace Region!
Events and Festivals
Grizfest Music Festival – August Long Weekend
Grizfest celebrates the excellence and diversity of Canadian music, be it rock, bluegrass, jazz, country, pop or classical – from traditional to experimental – in a beautiful mountain setting.
The family-friendly festival reflects Tumbler Ridge's community spirit with a parade, children’s carnival, family BBQ, pancake breakfast, dance, beer garden, horseshoe and slo-pitch tournaments, and a sunrise golf tourney.
A Battle of the Bands gets things started on Friday night, with the winner showcased in Saturday’s music line-up. Past performers include Kim Mitchell, April Wine, Theory Of A Deadman, Headpins, Platinum Blonde, Wide Mouth Mason, Trooper and many many more.
The festival location is within easy walking distance of accommodations and restaurants. Check the website for more information and videos of past performances. http://www.grizfest.com
Emperor’s Challenge – Second Saturday in August
Run with the goats. Cruise with the caribou. Or trot with the ptarmigan. Rise to the challenge of the world’s toughest and most beautiful 21.1k, awaiting you in Tumbler Ridge.
A truly memorable race, the Emperor’s Challenge is held the second Saturday in August and celebrated its 13th Anniversary in 2010. The new route over Babcock Mountain provides an elevation gain of 2050 feet; climbing to the summit at the 11.5 KM mark. Here, incredible views of the Rockies reward runners but the scenery is incredible throughout the race– mountain tarns, massive boulders, dwarf forests, and open ridges. Runners will experience a variety of running terrain including old exploration roads, lush sub-alpine meadows, a dry valley, and tundra. A final push at the last uphill climb is rewarded with not only the cheers from the crowd and acclaim, but a professional massage!
If your fitness level extends beyond a gentle hike in the hills and you crave an intense cardio workout in an inspiring natural setting, sign up for the Emperor’s Challenge. Each year sees more participants coming from farther afield as word spreads about this truly unique event. The Emperor's Challenge is designed for all comers, including youth, with 4 km or 2 km routes specifically for them.
Nearly 800 athletes participated in 2011, and the field has already been capped for 2012. In the past participants included runners some from as far away as the U.S., Australia, England, Denmark and South Africa. Canada’s top marathoner, Steve Osaduik, winner of the 2007 and second-place finisher in the 2009 event, acknowledged that this was the first time he had ever had to walk in a race, and that the Emperor’s Challenge was not only the premier running event he had ever come across but was also, without doubt, the toughest and most spectacular.
Register for next year's race, check out winners from past races and keep track of everything Emperor's Challenge related at www.emperorschallenge.com.
Ridge Ramble Biathlon – First Weekend in June
A long-standing Tumbler Ridge tradition – with races for adults and children. The adult course involves a 5k paved loop through town that is completed three times: twice cycling and once running. The kids’ race covers a 2k route, also twice cycling and once running.
The biathlon is competitive enough for serious athletes yet short and relaxed enough that anyone who enjoys outdoor activity can participate.
Grizzly Valley Saddle Club Annual Poker Ride & Gymkhana – Early June
An exciting weekend for horse lovers begins with the Saturday Poker Ride complete with pancake breakfast, games, chili supper, campfire and evening entertainment. The equestrian theme continues on Sunday at the Saddle Club Gymkhana, with outdoor games, pony rides, a concession and plenty of family fun.
Canada Day Celebrations – July 1
Happy Birthday, Canada! Canada Day is our national birthday, celebrating the anniversary of our July 1, 1867 Confederation. We join with other communities across the country hosting outdoor celebrations, including a parade, carnival, community barbecue and free concerts. Fireworks are a fitting finalé to these gatherings, and here in Tumbler Ridge we are proud to say we have the best display of pyrotechnics in the entire Peace Region!
Men’s & Ladies’ Open Golf tournament – Various Times
Join us for this annual tournament set in the beauty, tranquility and excellence of our nine-hole, par 36 course at Tumbler Ridge Golf and Country Club.
Ridge Ramble Cross-Country Run – Fall
This popular annual all-ages race is held on the scenic property of the Tumbler Ridge Golf and Country Club, and is an enjoyable experience for both participants and spectators. Adults can tackle either the 4k or 6k course along the Wolverine trails, with challenging hills in the forest on a soft running surface. Children’s events on Holes One and Nine can be viewed from the clubhouse or deck, where you can cheer on the runners as they race to the finish.