Hi Everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!
Every summer someone declares Banff too crowded, and every summer that turns out to be true only in a few specific spots. New research backs that up: the pressure is concentrated at peak times in a handful of well-known locations, while ten days in the backcountry might not turn up another hiker.
Sunshine Village saw snow settle in Sunday night, with the level dropping to 2,375 metres before it melted off by mid-morning Monday. The rest of the week returns to sunny and 27°C, so it was more of a reminder than a warning.
For those driving the Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Glacier and Skywalk stop now requires a booked time slot - worth locking in before the drive rather than during it.
And for anyone wanting the outdoors without the ground underneath them, Sundance by Basecamp offers heated tents and tipis along the river, campfire included.
Plan a visit to Moraine Lake | How to get to Moraine Lake | Moraine Lake In August | Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail
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Ride a massive all-terrain vehicle out onto the Athabasca Glacier, then walk out onto the Skywalk, a glass-floored platform suspended 280 metres above the valley below.
🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies
Bow River, Canmore
🥾 Banff's Crowds Cluster in Places. New research on overtourism in Banff argues the pressure is concentrated in a handful of spots at peak times. Ten days in the backcountry might not produce a single other hiker.
❄️ August Snow at Sunshine Village. A Sunday night dusting arrived as the snow level fell to 2,375 metres, then melted by mid-morning Monday. Last summer's July snow preceded the resort's snowiest winter on record.
🛶 Nationals Hit the Kananaskis River. The Canadian whitewater championships run at Canoe Meadows through Sunday, taking in slalom, freestyle and kayak cross. Which events go ahead depends on how much water TransAlta lets through.
🐻 Two Peter Lougheed Trails Closed. The Bill Benson Trail and the Lower Lake Trail from Canyon Day Use to William Watson Lodge are closed because bears with cubs are frequenting the area. No end date has been set.
🎭 Amphitheatre Shows Run Through September. Nine interpretive shows on invasive species, raptors and bears fill the Kananaskis amphitheatre schedule, among them Pirates of the Kananaskis Lakes: The Curse of the Black Whirl.
☀️ Sunshine settles back in for a steady, warm stretch - Wednesday goes mainly sunny at 25°C, Thursday climbs to a warm 27°C, and Friday holds that same sunny high. A calm, clear run before the weekend showers creep back in. Full Forecast Here
⭐ Most Popular Last Issue
🏔 What outdoor activities are available in Banff in September? Hiking, paddling, cycling, horseback riding, and scenic drives are all still on the table - September's full activity guide covers the best options and timing for each.
🚣Activities You Might Enjoy
🎬 Banff Filming Locations Tour - Nine hours taking in Sulphur Mountain, Bow Falls and Lake Minnewanka, plus the Cascade of Time Garden and the pedestrian bridge used in the 2026 K-drama "Can This Love Be Translated?". Groups capped at eleven.
🚣 Early Morning Kayak on the Bow - Getting on the water before the rental fleet launches is the whole point: no other boats, still reflections and Mount Rundle straight ahead. Two hours, and previous kayaking experience is required.
🌄 Canmore Evening Wildlife Tour - Guides work the quieter corners of the park system as the light goes, which is when elk, deer and bears are most active. Three hours from central Canmore; sightings are never guaranteed.
❓Your Questions Answered
💰 Is Roam Transit cheap to use? It is one of the more affordable ways to get around the park, especially compared to parking and fuel costs.
🌉 What is the Canmore Engine Bridge? It is a historic railway bridge turned pedestrian and cycling route in downtown Canmore, offering mountain views along the Bow River.
🧴 Is bear spray required hiking in Banff and Canmore, and does it actually work? Bear spray is strongly recommended and widely considered the most effective deterrent - but it only works if you can reach it quickly when needed.
Stay in a heated glamping tent or tipi tucked among the trees beside the river. You still get the campfire, forest and fresh-air experience, but without sacrificing a good night's sleep.
🏕️ Quiz
What is the driving distance between Banff and Jasper along the Icefields Parkway?
Yesterday’s Question: Which mountain resort is shown in this photo, serving as a transport hub for Parks Canada shuttles during the summer?
✅Answer: 2) Lake Louise Ski Resort - 59% Correct
Summer shuttles for both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake run from this hub.
🎸Events, Activities & Live Music
📅 Featured events for today are listed below. Visit our website for a complete list.
FULL EVENT CALENDAR | BANFF & LAKE LOUISE | CANMORE | JASPER NP
BANFF HAPPY HOURS | CANMORE HAPPY HOURS
Wednesday, August 5
10:00 | Banff Farmers Market | Central Park | Banff
15:00 | Live Music Afternoon | Three Bears | Banff
18:00 | Sunset Festival @ Banff Gondola | Banff Gondola | Banff
18:45 | Ecstatic Dance | The Yoga Lounge | Canmore
19:00 | Music Bingo | Melissa's Missteak | Banff
19:00 | Open Mic Night | The Local | Canmore
19:30 | Jasper Historical Tour | Jasper Town | Jasper
20:30 | Line Dancing Beginners | The Dusty Boot | Banff
20:30 | Trivia Night | Tavern 1883 | Canmore
21:00 | Open Mic/Jam Night | Rose and Crown Canmore | Canmore
21:30 | Line Dancing Intermediate | The Dusty Boot | Banff
22:00 | DJ Tenax | Rose and Crown Banff | Banff
📅 Got An Event To Share?
📅 👉 Submit Here (3 days before the event date) for a FREE LISTING
👋 That’s All For Now 🎬
Another week of mountain magic awaits!
We're so glad you're here for the ride.
Keep exploring and sharing, and we'll see you in the next issue with another full lineup of Banff happenings.
Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff
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