CANMORE HIGHLAND GAMES
A Historical Perspective
Highland Games are festivals held throughout the year in Scotland and other countries as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage, especially that of the Scottish Highlands.
Certain aspects of the games are so well known as to have become emblematic of Scotland, such as the bagpipes, the kilt, and the heavy sports, especially the caber toss. While centered on competitions in piping and drumming, dancing, and Scottish heavy athletics, the games also include entertainment and exhibits related to other aspects of Scottish and Celtic culture.
The 11th Century saw the first Games in Scotland organized and designated as a sporting event. During the reign of King Malcolm III Canmore (1058-1093),a fairly flat meadowland (the Brae O’Mar) along the River Dee was used for a royal contest to find the swiftest and strongest man in the kingdom with the necessary stamina to carry Malcolm’s messages across the land.
So it seems especially fitting to have a Highland Games in Canmore. The Canmore Highland Games began in 1991, and quickly became the premier event of it's kind in Western Canada. People love to come to the Canmore event and say there's not another Games like it for scenery and entertainment.
September, 2010 was our 20th Anniversary.