- What's On Banff
- Posts
- Heat Warnings, Bear Warnings and Elk Warnings
Heat Warnings, Bear Warnings and Elk Warnings
🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊
Kevin J
August 28, 2025
Hey Banff! Here's What's Happening This Week!
Things are heating up - literally. With a fresh heat warning across the Bow Valley, it's the perfect excuse to chase sunrise views, lakeside escapes, and early morning adventures. Luckily, the popular Moraine Lake sunrise tour is now 25% off and still flying under the radar for most visitors.
Also worth noting: The Rimrock Resort Hotel is preparing for a major renovation and will temporarily close its doors. Until then, they're offering limited-time perks for guests looking to book before the makeover begins.
Scroll down to see what else is happening - from wildlife alerts to concerts and cool-down ideas for the week ahead!
🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook ( Wed 6 pm)
🛫 Your Questions Answered!🏞️
Is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Worth the cost? You need to decide for yourself, our guide will help.
How do I get to Moraine Lake? Not in a car! Find out how here.
Which gondola should I go on? It depends. We discuss your options here.
I want to live in Banff. How can I do that? Well, it’s not easy. Find out why.
What park passes will I need? Probably a National Park Pass and possibly a Kanansakis Park pass. We explain here.
🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
🥵 Heat warning issued for Banff National Park
Daytime highs of 29-33°C and warm nights are expected throughout the week, with the heat expected to end early next week. Residents and visitors are urged to stay cool and hydrated. Read advisory
If you are looking to stay cool, check out these water-based activities. Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour, Rafting Adventure on the Kicking Horse River, or an Intro to Stand Up Paddleboarding.
🐻 Bear warning at Two Jack Campgrounds.
Parks Canada is advising visitors to exercise extra caution and brush up on bear safety, as a black bear has been frequenting the Two Jack Main and Lakeside areas. Read more
🍁 Canada Strong Pass ends September 2
Parks Canada’s free admission and 25% camping discount end on September 2; regular fees resume on September 3, with Discovery Passes available.
🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour Offers 25% Discount.
Via Via Moraine Lake Shuttle is now offering up to 25% off its popular sunrise and golden hour tour. The small-group experience includes hotel pickup, hot drinks, and guide-led visits to Moraine Lake at sunrise and Lake Louise during the golden hour, before the crowds arrive. This is likely to sell out.
🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🏔️ Moraine Lake (seasonal) • 💧 Lake Louise • 🌲 Emerald Lake • 🌉 Natural Bridge • 🌊 Johnston Canyon • 🛍️ Banff Town This trip is a total highlight reel. Book now and see more in one unforgettable day! |  |
🦌 Elk rut season underway in Banff
September marks the elk rut in Banff, when bull elk are more aggressive - visitors are reminded to keep a safe distance and stay alert. Learn more
🔥 Wildfire risk is high in Canmore, extreme in Banff
The Calgary Forest Area has raised the wildfire danger to high in Canmore and Kananaskis, while Banff remains at extreme due to the combination of heat and dry conditions. See update
🏨 Final Chance to Stay at The Rimrock with Direct Booking Perks
The Rimrock Resort Hotel is closing soon, but a range of direct booking deals are still available. Save up to 20% when you stay longer, or up to 30% with the Alberta residents rate. The Stay & Play Golf Package includes 15% off plus a round of golf for two. AAA/CAA bookings get up to 15% off and a $50 dining credit. Book direct to access these offers. Not sure? Check it out here first.
💆 Four new luxury spas opening near Calgary
Alberta is entering a new era of spas with upcoming openings in Lake Louise, Canmore, Edmonton, and more, with the first set to debut this September. Details here
🚴 Bow Valley Parkway cycling pilot extended to 2029
Parks Canada has extended the popular vehicle-free cycling program along 17 km of the Bow Valley Parkway, with restrictions returning August 28 to October 2. Details here
🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🚴 E-Bike Along Bow Valley Parkway • 🥾 Guided Hike up Johnston Canyon • 🏞️ Explore Vermillion Lakes • 👨🏫 Expert Local Guide • Book now to bike, hike, and explore Johnston Canyon in style! |  |
🔥 Yoho National Park prescribed fire planned in Porcupine Valley.
A 3,300-hectare prescribed burn southwest of Field is set to begin when conditions allow, led by Parks Canada fire specialists. See update
🚧 Elkwood Campground Amphitheatre closed for refurbishment.
From September 1, 2025, to January 30, 2026, the amphitheatre and adjacent pathway in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park will be shut for construction, with noise restrictions and limited work hours in place. More
🎨 Whyte Museum unveils winter exhibition "An Alpine Trilogy"
From November 1, 2025, to April 12, 2026, Elise Rasmussen’s An Alpine Trilogy explores beauty, climate, and nostalgia through the lens of the Alps. Read more
🏨 New Banff Legacy Inn set to open in 2026
A 132-unit inn is being built at Harvie Heights, just outside Banff National Park, offering bungalows to four-bedroom units and luxury amenities. Full story
Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue
🗺️ Tour Highlights: Your mountain-top moment awaits. 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.
Fri, 29th August
10:00 🎻 BISQC Concert 10 - The Banff Centre
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears
18:00 🌇 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan
19:00 🎤 The Seenagers Live - Moxy Banff
20:00 🎶 Live Music Night - St. James Gate
22:00 🎧 Friday Night Live DJ LT - High Rollers
22:00 🎤 Live Music: Dayz of Rain - Rose & Crown
Sat, 30th August
10:00 🧘 Yoga in the Rockies - Sunshine Village Ski Resort
12:00 🎶 Live Music: Steph O'Dette - Trappers @ Sunshine Village
13:30 ⛸️ Public Skating - Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre
14:00 🎻 BISQC Concert 12 - The Banff Centre
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears
17:00 🎤 Andrew Staygold Live - Banff Springs Hotel
18:00 🌇 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola
19:30 🎻 BISQC Concert 13 - The Banff Centre
20:00 🎶 Live Music Night - St. James Gate
22:00 🎧 DJ Raven on the Decks - High Rollers
22:00 🎤 Live Music: Dayz of Rain - Rose & Crown
Sun, 31st August
10:00 🌱 Banff Community Greenhouse Tour - Banff Greenhouse Society
13:30 ⛸️ Public Skating - Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre
14:00 🎻 BISQC Concert 14 - The Banff Centre
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears
18:00 🌇 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan
21:00 🎉 Sunday Funday (Party) - Melissa's Missteak
21:00 🎉 Sunday Funday: Banff's Best Party - High Rollers
22:00 🎤 Live Music: Brent Lee - Rose & Crown
🍺 Happy Hours & Food Specials 🍽️
Our Happy Hours listings have moved. To view a complete list of this week's happy hours in Banff, visit our Happy Hour Page.
This week’s featured Happy Hour.
🍸 Brazen Happy Hour
Daily from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Brazen (inside the Historic Mount Royal Hotel) serves up a standout Happy Hour. Food plates are $8 each or 5 for $35, featuring flavour-packed options such as pork belly with guava glaze, ginger beef, kimchi meatballs, polenta fries, and vegan cauliflower.
Drinks are all $8 too, including cocktails like the Rhubarb Rose Spritz, Peach Mule, and a spicy Grapefruit Margarita. Beer and wine lovers can grab a 16-oz Folding Mt. Lager or a 5-oz glass of the current featured red, white, or rosé.
Brazen has a direct entrance from Banff Avenue and a back entrance at Beaver and Caribou streets. Parking can be tricky in town, so plan or walk if you're nearby.
👋 That’s All For Now 🎬
Another week of mountain magic awaits! Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff |  |
Want to get in touch?
For feedback, local stories, or questions, reply to this email. We'd love to hear from you!
How did you like this issue of What's On Banff? |
💡 Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this email are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission, which helps keep this newsletter free for readers like you!