Please note that all pre-conference activities are subject to a minimum and maximum attendance counts. Activities may be cancelled if too few registrations are received, or may close to new registrations if they fill up quickly.
Elk Island National Park
Join us for an exciting field trip to Elk Island National Park, a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve, for a day of nature, history, and conservation!
Enjoy a couple of relaxing hours at Astotin Lake, where you can enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery, go for a walk on short trails and view wildlife (birds, beavers, bison). The highlight of the day is the exclusive Bison Backstage Tour, an incredible behind-the-scenes look at Canada’s bison conservation story. You'll be guided through the Plains Bison Handling Facility, learning how these magnificent animals shape the prairie landscape and how Parks Canada staff manage the herd. This immersive, 1-kilometre walking tour (over uneven grass and gravel) will connect you directly to the park's vital role in conservation. Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will see Bison on your trip to Elk Island.
A delicious box lunch is included to fuel your exploration!
We respectfully acknowledge that Elk Island National Park is within the present-day territory of Treaty 6 and the homeland of the Métis. The lands and waters of Elk Island National Park have been and continue to be used by Indigenous Peoples for sustenance, ceremony, trade and travel.
Cost: $75
Estimated departure time from hotel: 8:30am (Monday)
The Barrel and Bean Tour
Barrels, Beans & Brews, Oh My!
The Barrel and Bean Tour is a one of a kind experience crafted in the spirit of our Stronger Together theme, designed to spark connection as we explore some of Edmonton’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Our adventure begins on Happy Beer Street, located near Old Strathcona, where historic character meets youthful energy. Our first stop immerses us in the lively craft beer culture that defines the district. Expect memorable pours, easy conversation, and a warm atmosphere. Our second stop on Happy Beer Street features what many consider THE #1 smash burger in Edmonton, paired with another tasty adult beverage. It is called Happy Beer Street for a reason!
From there, we will make our way to Mill Creek Corner, one of the city’s newest gathering places. This part of the tour offers a delightful shift as we reset our palates and refresh our energy levels with handcrafted ice cream and locally roasted coffee.
We will end our day at an award winning brewery, where the team is creating a specialty cask made exclusively for our group. It is a one time experience designed to bring everyone together for a final toast.
Throughout the tour, curated treats and other small delights might appear along the way. So join us for a relaxed, community minded afternoon filled with flavour, fun, and meaningful connection.
See you on the tour. Cheers!
Cost: $120
Estimated departure time from hotel: 10:00am (Monday)
Golf Tournament
Located 30 minutes west of Edmonton, Cougar Creek Golf Resort is a championship length golf course that winds through the natural setting. Golf course architect Bill Robinson of Oregon designed this course to make the most of the beautiful treed and rolling terrain. The immaculately manicured bent grass greens, tees and fairways are generously spotted with sand bunkers and most have water in play.
Each hole is unique. The first eleven holes weave through the trees, holes twelve through fifteen open up and are somewhat links style, holes sixteen and seventeen go back into the trees and hole eighteen is open but watery.
The Par 72 course is designed for those who enjoy and look forward to playing the game of golf. Multiple tees on every hole allow the course to be played from 5,200 yards to 6,900 yards. The course is intended to test every calibre of golfer.
Registration includes green fees, power cart rental, driving range use, bus transportation and box lunch.
Cost: $150
Estimated departure time from hotel: 7:30am (Monday)