Secret Bar, Spa Ghosts, and a Parkway Showdown!

Hey Banff! A Fight on the Parkway, Hotel Secrets, and a Sweet Tour Discount
There’s never a dull moment around here. This week, the Bow Valley Parkway made headlines - and not for the views. A brawl broke out mid-road, and traffic was brought to a standstill. Check out the video.

Meanwhile, if you’ve ever wondered what makes the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel so legendary, we’ve got the answers. Ghosts, gourmet food, mountain views, and a speakeasy-style bar behind a bookshelf? Yeah, it’s that kind of place.

If the Fairmont Banff Springs isn’t the budget option you are looking for, these Canmore Hotels are worth checking out.

And don’t miss your chance to save on a 5-star-rated local tour - 10% off until August 27.

Scroll down for everything else happening around Banff this week.

• Banff In September: What You Need To Know

• Banff In August: Read This Before You Visit

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook ( Sat 6 pm)

• Banff Weather by Month

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🏰 Is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel really worth the splurge?
Nicknamed the "Castle in the Rockies," this luxury icon offers more than just turrets and mountain views. From spa days and ghost sightings to fine dining and legendary golf, the experience is pure Banff magic - and yes, there's even a secret bar hidden behind a bookcase. If you're wondering whether it's worth the price tag, this deep dive spells it out. Read the full review.

No time for the full review? Check out the hotel here.

🐻 Bow Valley Parkway brought to a standstill.
Traffic on the Bow Valley Parkway was brought to a standstill this week when a fight broke out right in the middle of the road. Watch Here. #cutebears

💡 Get More for Your Money Staying in Canmore
Hotel rates in Canmore often come with extra perks - like complimentary breakfast, parking, and even waterslides - without the Banff price tag. Check out these options.

🌄 The Tour Everyone Loves Got a Bit Cheaper
This trip covers Banff's iconic sights plus a few you probably haven't heard of. With 568 five-star reviews out of 569 - it’s about as good as it gets! They're offering 10% off, but only until August 27. Book here

🎟️ Canada Strong park pass crowds spark praise and concern
The free federal park pass has fueled a major summer tourism surge, but overcrowding, campsite shortages, and environmental wear are testing national park infrastructure. With traffic up across Banff and other top destinations, some locals are calling for a rethink on access. Full story

🍽️ Lodge at Bow Lake to host intimate harvest dinner this October
The Lodge at Bow Lake will mark the end of its 2025 season with a special Harvest Dinner on October 10. Guests can expect a four-course alpine-inspired meal paired with Okanagan wines, followed by an overnight stay that includes breakfast and a packed lunch. The exclusive experience is limited to just a few rooms and is expected to sell out quickly. Book here

🚗 Weekend traffic to Banff was snarled by roadworks and volume
Heavy traffic and roadworks on the Trans-Canada between Calgary and Banff caused long delays this weekend. More info

• Banff Parking: The Real Summit to Conquer

🚗 Banff traffic on pace to break records as tour buses return
The Town of Banff says traffic volumes this year may top 2024’s record 6.7 million vehicles, with July alone seeing an 867,000 count at town entrances. Tour bus activity is also back to pre-COVID levels, sparking expanded parking, tighter loading zones, and calls for better transit use. Full story

🪂 Banff opens to paragliding takeoffs and landings after 17-year push
After decades of soaring above the park, paragliders can now officially launch and land within Banff National Park. The new Parks Canada trial opens the door for certified flyers to explore new routes while respecting wildlife and environmental protections. Read more

🚧 Caribou Street to get a complete facelift this fall
The Town of Banff is upgrading underground utilities and transforming Caribou Street into a pedestrian-friendly zone starting this autumn. Locals can preview the plans and meet the team at the August 25 open house. Learn more

🛼 Try-It Programs bring roller skating to Banff locals
The Town of Banff is inviting residents to lace up and learn roller skating basics in a fun, beginner-friendly program. No experience is needed, and gear is provided at no cost. See all Try-It Programs

Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue

1. 🐻 Bear warning issued for all of Kananaskis Country

2. 🍂 Banff In September: What You Need To Know

3. 🐾 Be bear aware and stay alert

🛫 Ready, Set, Explore: Plan Your Trip Now!🏞️

🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸

📅 Our events calendar is now fully live.
It's your go-to source for local music, festivals, and everything happening around town. CHECK IT OUT HERE

Mon, 18th August

09:00 🧒 Local Youth Event: The Outsiders - Rundle Cabin
18:00 🌇 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola
20:00 ❓ Monday Trivia - High Rollers
21:00 🎤 Open Mike Night - The Beaver at Samesun Hostel
21:00 🎶 Live Music Night - Three Bears
22:00 🎧 DJ Set: Tunes with Tenax - High Rollers
22:00 🎤 Live Music: Brent Lee - Rose & Crown

Tue, 19th August

04:45 📸 Photography Workshops 2025 - Banff National Park
09:00 🧒 Local Youth Event: The Outsiders - Rundle Cabin
18:00 🌇 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night at Mels - Melissa's MisSteak
22:00 🎧 DJ Styler Nazo - High Rollers
22:00 🎤 Live Music: Dean Lonsdale - Rose & Crown

🍺 Happy Hours & Food Specials 🍽️

Below are brief details of all the happy hours we could find in Banff. For more information, visit our dedicated Happy Hour Page.

🍽️ Figuring Out Food in Banff? This Tour Takes You to the Right Places
If you're unsure about where to eat or what counts as Canadian cuisine, consider booking a tour to try local favourites such as poutine & caesars. Learn more

🍺 Bluebird (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🍺 Bow View Lodge (16:00-17:00 & 21:00+, Daily)
🍸 Brazen - Mount Royal Hotel (16:00-18:00, Daily)
🍕 Coyotes Southwestern Grill (16:30-18:00, Daily)
🔥 Farm & Fire - Elk & Avenue Hotel (15:00-17:00, Daily)
🍣 Hello Sunshine (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🎳 High Rollers (Open-18:00, Daily & 22:00+, Mon-Thurs)
🍝 Lupo (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🌮 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (15:00-17:00 & 22:00+, Daily)
🥩 Melissa's MisSteak (15:00-18:00, Daily & 22:00-02:00, Sun-Thurs)
🍸 Park Distillery (15:00-17:00, Daily) Book A Tour
🍻 Sheepdog Brewing (13:00-17:00, Mon-Fri)
🍔 The Eddie Burger + Bar (22:00-close, Daily excl. holiday weekends)
🍷 The Fat Ox - Kenrick Hotel (14:00-16:00, Daily)
🍝 The Old Spaghetti Factory (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🐻 Three Bears Brewery (15:00-17:00, Daily)
⏰ Tommy's (15:00-18:00 & 22:00-close)

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

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