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- Dark Fairytales, Haunted Halls, and October Plans
Dark Fairytales, Haunted Halls, and October Plans
🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊
Kevin J
August 24, 2025
Hey Banff! Here's What's Happening This Week!
This week in Banff is a mix of stunning scenery, serious wildlife warnings, and spooky pre-Halloween planning.
Three grizzlies have tragically died on the railways this summer, prompting renewed calls for safety upgrades. As bear activity peaks, more visitors are opting for guided hikes to stay safe while exploring popular routes like Larch Valley and the Plain of Six Glaciers.
And if you're into supernatural adventures, Fairmont Banff Springs is already teasing its Halloween party for October 31 - costumes, candlelight, and a few haunting surprises included.
Scroll down for the full lineup of events, live music, and ways to make the most of your time in Banff!
🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook ( Sat 6 pm)
🛫 Your Questions Answered!🏞️
I want to live in Banff. How can I do that? Well, it’s not easy. Find out why.
Which gondola should I go on? It depends. We discuss your options here.
What are the most dangerous animals in Banff? I have to say the Elk. This is why.
How do I get to Lake Louise? Check our complete guide here.
Is Banff National Park accessible? It’s trying! For full details, read our post.
🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
🏔️ Canmore’s Malcolm Hotel has a 25% Discount Amid Surge in Visitors
With Banff nearing peak capacity, The Malcolm Hotel in Canmore has a 25% discount to attract travellers seeking a quieter alternative. The move comes as more visitors look beyond Banff for accommodation during the busy late-summer season.
🎃 A Dark Fairytale Halloween party at Banff Springs
Fairmont Banff Springs is hosting a one-night-only Halloween celebration on Oct 31 with DJs, candlelight, costumes, and a few spooky surprises. Get tickets. If you enjoy the supernatural, you might also enjoy this Banff ghost walk.
🥾 Guided Hikes Gain Popularity as Wildlife Concerns Rise in Banff
As wildlife activity increases in Banff National Park, more visitors are opting for guided full-day hikes. Popular routes like Larch Valley and the Plain of Six Glaciers are now offered with expert guides, providing a safer and more informative experience on the trails.
♨️ Banff Upper Hot Springs closing for upgrades
From Sept 2 through December, the Upper Hot Springs will shut down for major maintenance and facility improvements, with Parks Canada promising a refreshed experience in 2026. Full story
🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🌊 Class III-IV rapids • 🚐 Gear and shuttle included • 🧑✈️ Pro guide on every raft • 🍔 BBQ lunch on full-day tours Book now for the ultimate whitewater thrill in Golden, BC! |  |
👀 Surprise Corner viewpoint closing for repairs
The upper platform at Banff’s iconic lookout will be closed from September 8 to October 20 for rail, stair, and board repairs, though the parking area stays open. More info
🐻 Three grizzlies were killed on Banff railways this summer
Train strikes near Johnston Canyon, Protection Mountain, and Bath Creek have left three dead, sparking renewed calls for fencing and stricter rail safety. Read more
🔥 Wildfire risk raised to High in Banff
Parks Canada has upgraded the fire danger rating, urging campers and residents to be cautious, though no bans are in effect yet. See details
🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🏞️ Stops at Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Gondola • 👋 Friendly On-Board Host • 🚏 Flexible Hop-On, Hop-Off Schedule • ✅ Seats Guaranteed Book now to explore Banff National Park at your own pace! |  |
🐻 Grizzlies fuel up on 250,000 berries a day in Banff
Banff National Park reminds visitors that bears are food-stressed and focused on berry season, urging hikers to stay alert and bear aware. Read more
🚡 Costco members save on Sunshine Meadows lift tickets
Through Sept 21, Costco shoppers can grab two adult passes for $109.99, including gondola and chairlift access to Banff’s high-alpine trails and lakes. Read More
🏠 Study finds Banff housing ratios fall short
A Deloitte report says existing staff housing requirements don’t match real needs, with a shortfall of more than 4,000 bedrooms town-wide. Read more
Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue
🗺️ Highlights: Saddle up and see Banff from the best seat in the park. Book your ride today! |  |
🎟️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
Got a local event to share?
Use the link below to submit it.
Enter your email address and use the code we send you to log in.
Only the sections marked with a star MUST be filled in; the rest are optional.
For a free event listing, check the box at the bottom of the promotions page.
Please submit at least 4 days before the event date.
Mon, 25th August
14:00 🎻 BISQC Concert 1 - The Banff Centre
18:00 🌇 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola
19:00 🎨 Pottery Painting - Banff Fenlands Recreation Centre
19:30 🎻 BISQC Concert 2 - The Banff Centre
20:00 ❓ Monday Trivia - High Rollers
21:00 🎤 Open Mike Night - The Beaver @ 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, 26th August
10:30 🎻 BISQC Concert 3 - The Banff Centre
14:00 🎻 BISQC Concert 4 - The Banff Centre
18:00 🌇 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola
19:00 🎭 Literary Cabaret - The Banff Centre
19:00 ✍️ Summer Writers Readings - The Banff Centre
19:30 🎻 BISQC Concert 5 - The Banff Centre
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night at Mels - Melissa's MisSteak
22:00 🎧 DJ Styler Nazo - High Rollers
22:00 🎤 Live Music: Tony Kaye Trio - 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.
🍫 Looking for a Different Way to End the Evening?
Instead of heading straight to dessert, join this Banff evening food tour for a mix of local sweets and sips. A relaxed walk and a good way to try something new - 10% off for Aug. Details here.
🍺 Anejo Restaurant (15:00-17:00, 22:00+ Daily)
🍻 Banff Ave Brewing Co (21:00+ Daily)
🎖️ Banff Legion (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat & 15:00-close, Sun)
🎶 Banff Social (15:00-18:00, 20:00-close, Daily)
🫕 Bluebird (15:00-16:00 Daily)
🍷 Bow View Lodge (16:00-17:00 & 21:00+ Daily)
🍸 Brazen Mount Royal Hotel (15:00-17:00 Daily)
🍔 Coyotes Southwestern Grill (16:30-18:00 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+)
🥩 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 excluding 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 🎬
Another week of mountain magic awaits! Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff |  |
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