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!
Summer is simply sensational in Tumbler Ridge. It’s hard to keep your eye on the ball during our annual golf tournament, set as it is on a forested course above the Murray River. The spectacular scenery is all the more appealing with musical accompaniment. Grizfest, our annual celebration of music, takes place over the August long weekend, and monthly live outdoor music performances keep us tapping our toes through the languid summer days.
Come for the music and stay for the adventure! The Emperor’s Challenge – the toughest and most beautiful half-marathon anywhere – is unique on the circuit, and sure to be your most memorable. Sponsored by the Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society (WNMS), this August race to the peak of Roman Mountain is quickly gaining popularity as word spreads among runners, walkers and peak baggers eager for a new challenge.
Considering our glorious surroundings, it’s no wonder there’s so much going on in the great outdoors. Check out three more WNMS competitions, all in the “Ridge Ramble” series: Cross-Country Ski Race (February), Biathlon (June) and Cross-Country Run (Fall).
Can’t get enough winter adventure? Bundle up for the Wolverine Challenge Sled Dog races in March.
It’s always family time in Tumbler Ridge, and October’s Hallowe’en Haunted Experience provides scary fun for all, December’s craft fairs showcase our creativity, and Holly Jolly Christmas ignites the spirit of the season with a concert, tree-lighting ceremony and children’s party.
These events and more throughout the year celebrate our can-do spirit, our deep appreciation of nature’s wonders, and our down-to-earth, friendly welcome that says, “Change your life… visit Tumbler Ridge!”
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. 2008 performers included Theory Of A Deadman, The Road Hammers, The Men of the Deeps, Shane Yellowbird, Headpins, Heavy Things, My Broken Hero, Colour in Conflict, Last Day Lost, Fallen Idols and Terry and the Dactyls.
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 11th Anniversary in 2009. 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.
More than 425 athletes participated in 2009. 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.
Read what Trevor Kolkea has to say about the Emperor’s Challenge.
www.emperorschallenge.com
Ridge Ramble Cross-Country Ski Race – February
Tumbler Ridge Golf and Country Club is home to this invigorating event for all ages and skill levels: 5.5k for adults, 2.5k and 1.25k for kids. Since its beginnings in 1997, the race has varied from 20k (three laps of the main ski trail) to medium distances on the fairway loops and sprints on the driving range.
Spectator-friendly and action packed, it’s a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy a beautiful winter day, with warm-up refreshments and a prize-giving celebration at the clubhouse.
Wolverine Challenge Sled Dog Race – March
Dog-sled racing is a popular winter sport in Northeastern BC, and Tumbler Ridge is no exception. Our Northern Dog Mushers Association organizes this exciting annual event on the golf course trail.
Two-dog, four-dog and six-dog teams participate, as well as two- and one-dog skijoring. Races are fast-paced, with up to 100 highly trained, eager huskies ready to do their owners proud. Cash prizes are awarded in each discipline, but the real reward is the pleasure to be had by the whole family enjoying an exhilarating sport in this fabulous winter wonderland.
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. Most communities across the country host organized outdoor celebrations such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues 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 – TBA
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.
http://www.trgcc.ca
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.