Hi Everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!

The Calgary-Banff bus isn't running this summer. On-It Regional Transit cut the service, the Bow Valley commission issued an RFP for a replacement operator, and no one bid. If you were counting on that route, you'll need another plan.

Rural municipalities across Alberta voted this week to push the province for a regulated grizzly hunt, citing a rise in conflicts along the eastern slopes. Alberta has kept grizzlies off-limits to hunters since 2006, so this is less an imminent change than a pressure campaign - but it signals where some communities think things are heading.

Also on the agenda: a public consultation on the proposed Silvertip gondola in Canmore took place yesterday, April 7, at Silvertip Resort. The gondola would terminate on Mount Lady Macdonald, a key migration corridor for golden eagles travelling between Mexico and Alaska, which gives the conversation a dimension beyond the usual resort development debate.

If you're heading to Jasper this season, the Maligne Valley wildlife and Spirit Island cruise tour is worth booking early - it covers Medicine Lake and a 90-minute cruise to Spirit Island in a single trip, with transport handled for you.

There is plenty happening this week. Dive into the event listings below, or check out the detailed events page on our website.

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If you’re hoping to see wildlife and visit one of Jasper National Park’s most iconic views, this tour combines both in a single trip. The route follows the Maligne Valley, an area known for frequent wildlife sightings, and passes through some of the park’s most scenic landscapes.

The day includes a stop at Medicine Lake for a short walk along the shoreline before continuing to Maligne Lake. From there, you’ll take a 90-minute cruise to Spirit Island, one of the most recognisable views in the Canadian Rockies. With transport and timing handled for you, it’s an easy way to experience some of Jasper’s best-known highlights.

Book now and explore Jasper’s Maligne Valley with ease

🌨️ Wednesday's slush gives way to a sunny stretch to end the week. Wednesday brings rain showers or flurries with a high of 7°C. Thursday turns sunny with a pleasant 10°C. Friday delivers more sunshine and a warm 15°C - practically t-shirt weather by mountain standards. Full Forecast Here

🚌 The Bus to Banff Isn't Coming. On-It Regional Transit has cut its Calgary-Canmore-Banff service with no replacement in sight this summer. The Bow Valley commission put out an RFP for a new operator. No one bid.

🐻 Rural Alberta Wants Grizzlies Back in Season. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta have voted to push for a regulated grizzly hunt, citing rising conflicts along the eastern slopes. Alberta has banned grizzly hunting since 2006. One grizzly has been killed under the province's problem-wildlife programme since it launched.

🚡 Silvertip Gondola Heads to Open House. The province and Stone Creek Resorts hosted a public consultation on the Canmore gondola project on April 7 at Silvertip Resort. Mount Lady Macdonald, where the gondola would terminate, is a key migration route for golden eagles travelling from Mexico to Alaska.

♨️ Upper Hot Springs Back Open. The Banff Upper Hot Springs reopened March 31 after a seven-month closure for structural repairs - work originally due to finish by late 2025. Additional issues found on-site pushed it past winter.

🎿 Lake Louise Says Thanks, Saturday. Season Passholder Appreciation Day is on at Lake Louise Ski Resort this Saturday, April 11 - free BBQ, draw prizes, and live music near the Whiskeyjack Deck. The first 250 through the door get a Shaft Cocktail.

🏨 Banff's #1 on TripAdvisor - and it's easy to see why. Peaks Hotel & Suites sits less than a minute from Banff Avenue - central, yet calm. Contact-free check-in, underground parking, plus pool & hot tub access. Learn more.

Getting to the lakes is easy enough. Getting a bed right beside one - that's where most people fall short.

🌿 Emerald Lake Lodge - You're in Yoho National Park here, which means Emerald Lake is yours to walk around before the day-trippers arrive at 10 am. No shuttle, no car park scramble - just the lake outside your window. Read The Reviews And Book

⛺ Moraine Lake Lodge - Moraine Lake Road is now closed to personal vehicles, which means staying here is one of the only ways to actually wake up at the lake. Book early - this one fills up fast, and for good reason. Read The Reviews And Book

🏰 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Yes, it's busy. Yes, it costs what it costs. But staying here means you're already at Lake Louise when most visitors are still queuing for a shuttle from Banff. That hour before the crowds arrive is worth a great deal. Read The Reviews And Book

🏔️ Is August a good time to visit Banff? It is one of the most popular months for good reason - summer in the Rockies offers long days, warm temperatures, and a full calendar of things to do.

🏚️ What was Bankhead, and why is it called a ghost town? It was a coal mining town inside Banff National Park that was abandoned in the early 1920s - the Bankhead Ghost Town is all that remains.

📅 When are elk most dangerous? Spring and autumn are peak risk periods when elk behaviour changes dramatically.

🚌 Moraine Lake Big Bus Shuttle - Moraine Lake Road has been closed to private cars since 2023, so if you want to get there, you need a plan. This double-decker shuttle runs from Deer Lodge with parking included - straightforward, reliable, and easier to book than the Parks Canada alternative.

🚶 Banff Guided Town Walking Tour - Most people walk Banff Avenue and call it done. This two-hour guided walk goes a bit deeper - local history, the odd bit of lore, and a sweet treat included. About 3km, comfy shoes recommended.

🏔️ Yoho, Golden Skybridge & Beyond - If you're ready to venture beyond the Banff bubble, this full-day trip west covers Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and Canada's highest suspension bridges. Long day, early start, worth it.

Yesterday’s Question: Which landmark is shown in this photo, often called the “Castle in the Rockies”?

✅ Answer: 1) Banff Springs Hotel - 90% Correct

Fairmont Banff Springs is one of Banff’s most iconic sights. Find out whether it’s worth the splurge.

If you’re travelling with kids, it’s good to know there’s one place in Banff where they can simply be kids for a while. The waterpark at Douglas Fir Resort has the town’s only waterslides, along with indoor play areas where younger visitors can burn off some energy. Adults can relax in the hot tubs nearby.

Book now and enjoy Banff’s only waterslides

📅 Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.

BANFF EVENTS | CANMORE EVENTS | JASPER EVENTS | BANFF HAPPY HOURS | CANMORE HAPPY HOURS |

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

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